How can infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus be prevented?

Although both the source of infection and the mode of transmission are uncertain, it is prudent to follow basic hygienic practices to prevent infection. They include hand and respiratory hygiene and food safety measures.

• Wash hands more frequently, keep room ventilated, ensure necessary nutrition intake, exercise regularly.

• When experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as sneezing and coughing, use tissues or handkerchiefs to cover the mouth and nose in order to prevent infecting others.

• Try to avoid any direct contact with dead poultry

• Wear gloves when disposing of meat.

• Separate cooked and uncooked food.

• Make sure meat and eggs are fully cooked before eating.

• Wear a mask when visiting the hospital

• Be cautious of eating half-cooked chicken and hot pot meats that are not thoroughly cooked.

• Immediately see a doctor when a fever of higher than 38 degree Celsius is detected.

Hand hygiene:

• Wash your hands before, during, and after you prepare food; before you eat; after you use the toilet; after handling animals or animal waste; when your hands are dirty; and when providing care when someone in your home is sick. Hand hygiene will also prevent the transmission of infections to yourself (from touching contaminated surfaces) and in hospitals to patients, health care workers and others.

• Wash your hands with soap and running water when visibly dirty; if not visibly dirty, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

Respiratory hygiene:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a medical mask, tissue, or a sleeve or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing; throw the used tissue into a closed bin immediately after use; perform hand hygiene after contact with respiratory secretions.

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