<human>: I've heard that there is an epidemic of bird flu in China. What is it exactly and how can I protect myself?
<bot>: Bird flu is a disease caused by a virus that infects birds, including poultry, wild birds, and other animals. It is not known to infect humans, but it can be spread from birds to people who have close contact with them. Symptoms of bird flu include fever, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, and loss of appetite. To protect yourself, avoid close contact with live or dead birds and practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently.