The entire planet is suffering due to Coronavirus and the emergence of bird flu is worrisome. What WHO(World Health Organisation) tells about Bird Flu? Let us explore in details.
Several states in India, including Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab and Rajasthan are witnessing avian bird influenza which has already killed a lot of birds and forced the authorities to cull off thousands of other bird species.
Experts are also worried that the current strain of the infection, H5N1, considered to be the most lethal one, is also something that could turn into a pandemic if not controlled in time and preventive steps are taken. Government authorities, meanwhile, have also asked states affected by bird flu to 'prepare for any eventuality'.
While this year's Avian influenza is not the first one we have seen, bird flu is one such infectious disease which can easily pass on from birds onto humans. It has also sparked fears amongst poultry and non-vegetarians if it is safe to eat poultry and produce since the strain can also infect humans.
Many people have the following queries in their mind.
How can bird flu infect humans?
While Avian flu is the most dangerous for birds, the infection can transmit to humans through faeces and other droppings.
However, do remember that bird flu cannot spread from humans to humans. There have been rare recorded cases worldwide.
People are under fear whether to consume egg or not.
Is it safe to eat eggs or Chicken? Will I get infected if I consume egg or Chicken?
Scientifically, there's little evidence to support the fact that bird flu can spread to healthy people via produce like eggs and meat. Any food item, egg or bird meat which is thoroughly washed and cooked is safe to eat and does not act as the carrier of the virus.
What WHO(World Health Organisation) Recommends?
Cook the meat at high temperature to kill the germs and virus.
Should you wash eggs and chicken before use?
While many would feel washing produce under running water would wash away bacteria and germs, it might not be the case. A better way to do so would be to use a gentle paper towel to do away with the sliminess and then proceed to thoroughly cook it under suitable temperatures.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences also recommends that people follow precaution while buying eggs- do not buy the ones which are too stale. Ensure it is good for consumption and hygienic cooking practices are followed at all levels.
Even though cooking kills the germs, If you do go to a restaurant to eat, or order in, try and ask for quality checks beforehand. Hence, one of the best ways to stay safe would be to adopt good measures on your own end and eat home-cooked food, as much as possible.
For example, while cooking an egg, ensure that the yellow yolk becomes firm and avoid eating runny eggs during the course of the outbreak.
Conclusion
Lastly, do remember that we are already in the middle of a wide-spread pandemic. Wash your hands with good quality soap and water for 20-30 seconds before and after cooking. As long as you follow good hand hygiene, take care of your source of produce and cook it well, there's no real reason to worry.
