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Ways to Prevent the Avian Flu

Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Related Tags: poultry | flu | meat | contaminated | eggs
 

Instructions

Practice Proper Hygiene

  • Step 1:
    While it may seem like a simple action, washing your hands can be one of the single most effective ways to prevent the spread of the avian flu. You should wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 45 seconds (about the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice). Particularly in the case of the avian flu, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling uncooked meat, especially poultry.

Thoroughly Cook Poultry

  • Step 1:
    According to the Centers for Disease Control, most diagnosed cases of avian flu have stemmed from humans handling infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. Any poultry that is properly cooked should not run the risk of contamination. Therefore, it is important to cook meat and eggs thoroughly. Chicken should contain no pink and you can utilize a meat thermometer to make sure the meat reaches at least 165 degrees F.

    Eggs also should be thoroughly cooked: Whites and yolks should be firm, not runny. Eating any raw or uncooked meats or eggs can increase your risk of contacting the avian flu, should the meat be contaminated.

Avoid Poultry Secretions

  • Step 1:
    While the United States closely monitors all poultry brought into the United States, particularly from key areas such as Japan, Korea, and Malaysia, it is a good idea to avoid poultry secretions such as blood, saliva and feces, according to Kidshealth.org. If for some reason you do come into contact with these types of materials, wash your hands and body and disinfect any areas that may have come in contact with contaminated materials.

Ways to Prevent the Avian Flu Provided by eHow.com
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