Flu facts

The bird flu scare is back. But before you banish chicken and eggs from your table, take a look at some basic facts about avian flu.

The bird flu scare is back. But before you banish chicken and eggs from your table, take a look at some basic facts about avian flu. In 1918, the Spanish flu, which started off as a normal human influenza virus, took a terrible turn and became lethal. This was the first major flu pandemic of the 20th century. It is believed that this virus is a mutated form of a bird flu virus. The first reported case of the new mutated bird flu virus was reported in May 1997. Bird flu is an infection caused by Influenza A H5N1 virus. Infected saliva, nasal secretions and feces are some of the common media for its spread among birds.nbsp;

The virus does not usually infect humans, but several cases of human infection have occurred since 1997. It is believed that most cases of infection in humans have resulted due to contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. The spread of infection from one ill person to another is very rare, and transmission has not been observed to continue beyond one person.nbsp; Had it been so, an influenza pandemic could begin as there is little or no immunity against the virus in humans.
Fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, pain in abdomen, nose and gum bleeding, muscle-ache, eye infections are some of the common symptoms of bird flu. One could also develop pneumonia and acute respiratory distress in severe cases. nbsp;

Is it safe to eat poultry and poultry products?
Yes, by following good hygiene practices and proper cooking. Even in areas which are experiencing outbreaks, poultry and poultry products can be safely consumed if they are properly cooked and properly handled.
The H5N1 virus is sensitive to heat. Normal temperature used for cooking 70 degrees C in all parts of the food will kill the virus. Ensure that all parts of the poultry are fully cooked no pink parts and that eggs, too, are properly cooked no runny yolks.
Be aware of the risk of cross-contamination. Juices from raw poultry and poultry products should never be allowed, during food preparation, to touch or mix with items eaten raw.
Wash and disinfect with hot soapy water surfaces, cutting boards, utensils that have come in contact with poultry as well as your hands after handling the chicken.
Avian influenza is not transmitted through cooked food. To date, no evidence indicates that anyone has become infected following the consumption of properly cooked poultry or poultry products, even when these foods were contaminated with the H5N1 virus.
But cooking chicken in a microwave is not recommended as it is not effective enough to kill the micro-organisms.
When roasting chicken in the oven, cook it at 350F / 180 degrees C for 15- 20 minutes per 500 gm of chicken.
Wash the eggs thoroughly as shells may be contaminated with bird feces.
Raw eggs should not be used in foods that will not be further heated.
Eggs should be cooked for about for 5-7 minutes or cooked thoroughly.
When buying chicken, select one with a solid, plump shape and a rounded breast. The flesh should be pliable when gently pressed, have an opaque and an unspotted skin and free of any 8220;off8221; smell.

AVOID
Half-boiled eggs or eggs with runny yolk
Foods containing raw or uncooked eggs8212;sandwiches, salad dressings, desserts like home-made ice cream, mousse, cheese cakes etc..
Dressings and sauces made using raw eggs like mayonnaise
Tandoori or barbecued chicken as they are not evenly cooked till the core
The writer is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being, one should integrate physical, mental and spiritual health. According to her: 8220;To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.8221;