Being mindful of where your food comes from and how it’s prepared will go a long way toward keeping you, your loved ones, and your community safe.

The risk of bird flu to humans is low, but eating undercooked eggs or chicken could increase your chances of exposure to infection and germs.

Generally, yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also reports that the chances of eggs or poultry infected by the bird flu entering the food chain are “extremely low.” A quick onset of symptoms in infected poultry, as well as flock testing and inspections, are able to reduce the likelihood of contaminated products reaching store shelves.

The ongoing bird flu outbreak is driving up egg prices, which had led to a nationwide shortage. When buying eggs, choose only refrigerated eggs and refrigerate them immediately once they are brought home.

While U.S. residents have gotten used to high prices at the grocery store, the cost of eggs is expected to rise even further this year.

The humble egg, one of nature’s perfect foods, a self-packaged, relatively inexpensive source of protein that can serve as a lowly hangover remedy or help a souffle rise to heavenly heights, is also a great teacher. It’s helping Americans understand how a free-market economy works: When demand is high and supply is low, prices rise.

The Crescent Duck Farm in Aquebogue, which lost its entire flock of 99,000 to an outbreak of bird flu, has begun the long, methodical process of sanitizing its facilities.