How to Prevent H7N9 Avian Influenza

Under normal circumstances, H7N9 avian influenza can be prevented through measures such as reducing contact with poultry, enhancing hand hygiene, ensuring thorough cooking of poultry products, boosting individual immunity, and strengthening environmental cleaning and disinfection. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Reduce contact with poultry

Avoid visiting live poultry markets or farms, and refrain from direct contact with live or sick/dead poultry and their secretions or excretions. Individuals engaged in poultry farming, slaughtering, processing, or related occupations should wear masks, gloves, and protective clothing. After work, thoroughly clean and disinfect to reduce occupational exposure risks.

2. Enhance hand hygiene

Wash hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds after contact with poultry and poultry products or potentially contaminated environments. If handwashing facilities are unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used. Avoid touching mucosal areas such as the mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands to reduce the chance of viral entry.

3. Ensure thorough cooking of poultry food

Poultry products such as chicken, duck meat, and eggs should be thoroughly cooked. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked poultry meat, eggs, or related products. Do not purchase or consume sick or dead poultry. Separate knives and cutting boards used for handling raw and cooked ingredients should be kept separate to prevent cross-contamination.

4. Boost individual immunity

Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and dairy products. Engage in moderate physical activities like walking or jogging to strengthen the body's resistance and lower the risk of infection.

5. Strengthen environmental cleaning and disinfection

Regularly disinfect areas in poultry farms, processing sites, and households that may be contaminated by poultry secretions using chlorine-based disinfectants. Ensure indoor ventilation by opening windows 2–3 times daily for at least 30 minutes each time to reduce viral concentration in the air.

Comprehensive measures are required to prevent H7N9 avian influenza, with the core principle being to minimize contact with the virus and interrupt transmission routes. The general population can significantly reduce infection risk by following the above preventive measures. If symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing occur, especially with recent poultry exposure history, seek immediate medical attention and disclose the exposure history for early diagnosis and treatment.