Bird flu (fancy name: avian influenza) is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans. Recently, a multi-state outbreak of bird flu has been reported among certain animals, with a few confirmed cases in humans.
Why It Matters: There’s a growing concern that bird flu could evolve into the “next pandemic” if it’s not effectively contained.
Here are the Top 5 Things to Know About Bird Flu…
1. The Cause
Bird flu is caused by avian influenza type A viruses. The strain currently circulating in the U.S. (and that experts are worried about) is the H5N1 subtype of the influenza A virus.
Fast Facts About the H5N1 Influenza Virus:
- It can cause severe disease and high mortality rates (up to 90-100%) in domestic poultry.
- It’s not a new virus. In fact, H5N1 was first discovered in geese in China in 1996.
- H5N1 caused its first human infection in Hong Kong in 1997 during a poultry outbreak.
- H5N1 (along with another strain, H7N9) can cause serious illness and even death in humans.
- Details About H5N1 Activity in Humans in the U.S.
- The first confirmed human case of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. occurred on April 28, 2022 in Colorado. The individual, who had direct exposure to poultry, experienced mild symptoms and fully recovered.
- Two pediatric cases linked to the current H5N1 bird flu outbreak have been confirmed in the U.S.—one in November 2024 and the other in January 2025. Both children have recovered.1
- There have also been dozens of recent cases in adults and one confirmed bird flu-related death.
- The death was announced on January 6, 2025. The individual was over 65 years old, had underlying health conditions, and is believed to have contracted H5N1 after exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds.
2. How H5N1 is Transmitted
H5N1 Can Be Transmitted Fairly Easily Between Animals But Less Easily Between Animals and Humans. Thankfully, There’s Been No Evidence Yet of Sustained Human-to-Human Transmission, Meaning We Can’t Spread It Directly to One Another.2
Here’s How the Virus Spreads Between Animals and From Animals to Humans.
- Between Animals:
- Wild birds (like ducks, geese, and swans) are often “asymptomatic carriers” of the virus and can spread it to other animals through their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.
Translation: An “asymptomatic carrier” is an animal (or human) that spreads a disease without showing symptoms of having it.
For example, infected wild birds can contaminate farms or backyard pens by shedding the virus in their droppings when they fly over them. - Domestic Poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks) can spread the virus rapidly among themselves, leading to fast-moving outbreaks with high mortality rates.
Insider Info: Bird flu doesn’t just affect birds—other animals can be infected with H5N1 too, including dairy cows, pigs, cats, dogs (rarely), minks, and humans.
- Wild birds (like ducks, geese, and swans) are often “asymptomatic carriers” of the virus and can spread it to other animals through their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces.
- From Animals to Humans:
Humans can contract bird flu through direct contact with:
a. Infected birds or other animals
OR
b. Contaminated surfaces
For Example, Transmission Can Occur From:- Handling infected birds or animals (or coming in contact with their feces).
- Eating raw or undercooked meat from infected animals.
- Breathing in virus particles from contaminated environments.
3. The Symptoms
The Signs and Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans Vary in Severity and May Include:
- A fever
- A cough
- A sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Respiratory issues, including shortness of breath, trouble breathing, and respiratory failure (in severe cases).
- Occasionally neurological problems such as confusion and seizures.
Insider Info: Doctors are particularly concerned about serious complications like:
- Pneumonia
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- And death in severe cases.
Unfortunately, bird flu caused by the H5N1 virus has a high mortality rate in humans (approximately 50-60% worldwide), particularly among individuals with weakened immune systems and chronic illnesses affecting the lungs and heart.3
Reality Check: Since 2003, there have been fewer than 1,000 confirmed cases of bird flu caused by H5N1 worldwide. These cases have occurred in both developed and developing countries with varying levels of healthcare access. Based on these stats, the risk of contracting bird flu remains extremely low at this time.4
4. Prevention: How Do I Reduce My Child’s Risk of Catching Bird Flu and My Own Risk, As Well? Can We Eat Poultry, Meat, and Eggs, and Drink Milk?
Although the risk of contracting bird flu is super low, it’s still a good idea to take precautions against it. Here’s what you can do:
1. Avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds and other potentially infected animals.
2. Consume only pasteurized dairy products.
3. Steer clear of raw eggs and foods that contain them.
4. Cook meat thoroughly.
Remember:
- Poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Ground beef should be cooked to 160°F (71°C).
- Steaks, roasts, and chops should be cooked to 145°F (63°C).5
Can We Still Drink Milk?
Yes. There’s no evidence to suggests that bird flu can be spread through pasteurized dairy products.6
Can We Still Eat Eggs?
Yes, as long as they’re properly cooked.
Note:
If your family keeps backyard poultry, be sure to clean eggs with a brush or cloth to remove germs from the shells.7 In addition, avoid washing warm, fresh eggs in cold water. Why? Because cold water can pull germs into the egg through tiny pores in the shell.
Bonus Question: Will the Yearly Flu Vaccine Protect Me & My Child From Bird Flu?
Unfortunately, no.
Why Not? Because the annual flu vaccine protects against the 3-4 strains of influenza that commonly cause the seasonal flu in humans—but H5N1 is not one of them.
Is There a Vaccine That’s Been Approved to Protect Against Bird Flu?
Not yet, but research is ongoing to develop one.
5. Treatment: Can Avian Flu Be Treated?
Yes, bird flu (avian influenza) can be treated with antiviral medications. However, the effectiveness of these medications depends on the severity of the illness and how early it is detected and treated. Early detection and prompt medical intervention are key!
One common treatment for bird flu is Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which is also used to treat the “regular” seasonal flu.
The Bottom Line
H5N1 is causing significant bird flu outbreaks in poultry across the U.S., with isolated detections in dairy cows. Some adults—primarily poultry and dairy workers with direct exposure to infected animals—have contracted bird flu. Additionally, two pediatric cases have been confirmed in the U.S.
While bird flu can have a high mortality rate, the risk of contracting it in the general U.S. population remains low. Public health officials are actively working to minimize its spread.
What Steps Are Being Taken to Prevent Bird Flu from Spreading?
The CDC and Health Officials Across the Country are Monitoring the Bird Flu Situation Closely and Implementing the Following Measures:
- Controlling outbreaks among animals by culling infected populations and implementing treatment or preventive measures for at-risk animals.
- Monitoring disease activity in humans to detect cases early on.
- Educating the public about bird flu symptoms and transmission to ensure the timely detection of infections.
- Tracking virus mutations to anticipate potential risks and reduce the chance of a pandemic.
- Looking for signs of human-to-human transmission, which could make the virus more easily spread among humans. This is what happened with COVID-19.
- Developing vaccines and treatments to reduce the risks of bird flu in humans.
Stay Tuned for More Updates About Bird Flu as They Arise.
And…Breathe
