Eating chicken during bird flu: Is it safe or not?

Bird flu or avian influenza or H5N1 is a disease that primarily affects birds, but humans are also rarely infected. It is primarily spread when a person comes in close contact with an infected bird. Therefore, it is better not to touch infected birds (dead or alive) or their droppings. Amid the outbreak of bird flu, people are beginning to question the safety of eating chicken and eggs. Can you eat half-boiled or poached eggs? Read on to find out if you should eat eggs and chicken during bird flu.

What is bird flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a contagious viral infection that affects birds. However, some strains of bird flu viruses can also infect humans and other animals, causing serious illness or even death in some cases, says pulmonologist Dr Navneet Sood.

Bird flu is caused by influenza A viruses that occur naturally in wild birds. These viruses are transmitted to domestic poultry such as chickens, ducks and turkeys through direct contact with infected birds or through contaminated surfaces such as cages or equipment.

Humans can also contract bird flu through close contact with infected birds or exposure to contaminated environments.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?

Most human cases, according to the US, are caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) and A(H5N6) viruses and avian influenza A (H7N9) viruses. Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhere are some symptoms of bird flu in humans:

Also read

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Respiratory difficulties

In severe cases, flu can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure and even death.

First reported in Vietnam in 2003, the disease has caused human outbreaks and deaths in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Bird flu has killed at least 356 people World Health Organization,

Eating chicken during bird flu

Dr. Sood said it is generally safe to eat properly cooked chicken during bird flu outbreaks. When you cook chicken and eggs, make sure the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu viruses. CDC,

But you should separate raw chicken from cooked foods and foods you don’t use for cooking. Cook all chicken and its by-products (including eggs) before eating. Be sure to store raw chicken in a separate container or bag to prevent juices or liquids from spilling onto other foods.

You should also practice good hygiene to avoid cross-contamination with other foods. This includes washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw chicken and cleaning surfaces and utensils that come into contact with raw chicken.

The safety of consuming eggs during bird flu

The safety of eating eggs during a bird flu outbreak depends on how you handle and cook them. Cooking the eggs until both the yolk and white are firm ensures that any potential contamination with bird flu virus has been removed. Avoid eating raw or uncooked eggs, including the yolk, as they may contain harmful bacteria or viruses, says Dr. Sood.

Safer Ways to Cook Eggs and Chicken During Bird Flu

Looking for easy and safe ways to cook eggs and chicken amid concerns about bird flu? Check out these two recipes!

Vegetable omelette

What’s needed

• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

method

• In a bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper until well combined and set aside.
• Heat the olives in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the sliced ​​bell peppers and onions and sauté until they soften.
• Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for another 1 or 2 minutes.
• Pour the beaten eggs over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet, then allow the eggs to set for a few seconds.
• Using a spatula, gently lift the edges of the omelet and tilt the skillet so that the uncooked eggs run down the bottom.
• Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, until the bottom is set and the top is slightly runny.
• Fold the omelette in half with a spatula. Cook for another 1 or 2 minutes, until the eggs are fully cooked and the omelette is golden brown on the outside.

Slide the vegetable omelet onto a plate. Enjoy hot with toast or salad, suggests nutritionist Abhilasha V.

Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

What’s needed

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

method

• In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat all the pieces evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
• Place the marinated chicken breast on a baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius, which is safe during bird flu.
• Before serving, remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with parsley.

You can have it with your roasted vegetables, rice or salad.

These recipes provide safe methods of cooking eggs and chicken by ensuring proper cooking temperatures. Enjoy these recipes as part of a nutritious balanced meal without worrying about bird flu.