What You Can Do

As the H5N1 avian (bird) flu virus spreads globally, many of us are wondering what we can do to protect our health and the health of those around us. Currently the H5N1 virus has not gained the ability to pass easily from person to person, nor does it pass easily from birds to people. But there are precautions you should take in the event a bird in Ohio contracts the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus. These are the precautions you should normally take around birds, as they can carry other viruses and bacteria.

Consumption of poultry
Eating properly cooked poultry or eggs is not a danger to humans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ohio Department of Agriculture recommend the proper handling and cooking of poultry to provide protection from avian influenza, as it does against other viruses and bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli.

Consumers should practice the following safe food handling and preparation every day:

• Wash hands before and after handling food.
• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, fish and their juices away from other foods.
• Wash hands, cutting board, knife, and counter tops with hot, soapy water after cutting raw meats.
• Sanitize cutting boards by using a solution of 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach in 1 quart of water.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure food has reached proper temperatures.

Stay Healthy
Health officials also recommend people continue to take the same precautions to protect themselves against a potential influenza pandemic as they would from colds and seasonal flu. Make respiratory etiquette a habit.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
  
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.
  
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth; germs often spread this way.
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or use the restroom and before eating. If you are not near soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  
• Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick.
  
• If you get ill, stay home from work or school.

• Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grain products.
  
• Drink plenty of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol and saturated fat.
  
• Exercise on a regular basis. Thirty minutes or more of physical activity most days of the week can help boost your immunity.
  
• Get plenty of rest. Sleep is shown to help your body’s ability to fight off illness.
  
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco use. Smoking irritates damaged airways.

Last Updated August 6, 2007

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