Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with healthcare professionals regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to mad cow disease and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD):

1. Is mad cow disease common in the areas of the world where I have lived?
   
   
2. Do you recommend that I avoid beef when traveling internationally?
   
   
3. I think I may have eaten contaminated beef. What can I do?
   
   
4. Why do you think I may have vCJD?
   
   
5. How may I have been infected?
   
   
6. For how long have I probably been infected?
   
   
7. How advanced does my disease seem to be?
   
   
8. What treatments may help alleviate symptoms and make my life more comfortable?
   
   
9. How might I tell my friends and loved ones about my condition?
   
   
10. What symptoms or signs should I immediately report to you?
    
    
11. Will I require the assistance of a specialized medical worker?