It turns out that the Influenza Virus is host-specific, meaning that it is well suited to live and reproduce in a particular animal's bodily environment. Birds are vastly different from humans (wings, feathers, etc) but one of the most pertinent differences, in terms of influenza, is the internal body temperature. A bird’s average temperature ranges from 105-106. The avian or "bird" influenza virus is thus used to thriving in a hot environment. Normal human influenza is effectively shut down by temperatures over 95 degrees F. This is why mild fevers are helpful in eliminating the virus. However, avian type influenza welcomes the heat (increases ability of the virus to replicate).
The bottom line is this: the western lifestyle induces a feverish state thus making the human body a more apt host for mutated bird influenza. Take home prevention: stay cool (with a normal temperature trend). Here are some helpful guidelines....
1) If overweight - lose weight (extra body fat = extra insulation).
2) Stop caffeine - increases body's heat production (thermogenesis).
3) Eat less than 3 meals per day (eating too frequently and too large of quantity increases thermogenic response).
4) Get off the high protein diet! Studies have shown this kind of diet to increase thermogenic, or internal heat producing, response by approx 100%.
5) Stay hydrated with earth's most prolific liquid - water (dehydration can cause overheating - think of your car's radiator).
6) Try a vegan plant based diet (shuts down feverish response, arthritic pains, lung and bronchial inflammation, etc).
7) Think positive! - Joyous, benevolent thoughts slow the body's heat production response (reversing sympathetic nervous system activation).