Class in session: Students learn the facts about avian flu at a Food & Environmental Hygiene Department health talk.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has stepped up education on preventing avian influenza, emphasising the importance of personal hygiene.

Health talks will be conducted from today at schools, elderly homes and community venues. They cover avian flu, its transmission, symptoms and prevention, and highlight a list of simple 'dos and don'ts' to guard against the disease.

There will be quizzes to make the talks more interactive and fun, and a roving exhibition carrying similar safety messages will be held from mid-February at community venues like shopping arcades in housing estates.

Some 114 talks will be held this month, along with visits to the department's Health Education Exhibition & Resource Centre for 52 community groups.

Schools, elderly centres and community groups are welcome to call the centre on 2377 9275 for health talk bookings.