H5 Bird Flu in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

Get informed on symptoms, risks, and recent updates on avian flu.

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza or H5N1, is a virus that primarily affects birds but can occasionally infect humans.

Transmission to humans is rare and usually linked to close contact with infected animals.

However, cases across the US are alarming!

Cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed among poultry farms and wild birds across the U.S., including outbreaks in states like Colorado and Missouri.

If bird flu spreads to humans, it can cause severe symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and breathing difficulties, similar to seasonal flu but often more severe.

The virus spreads through contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated environments. Human cases are rare, but health officials monitor outbreaks to prevent wider spread.

There’s no evidence of bird flu transmission through milk, eggs, or meat. Health officials assure the public that milk is safe, and there is no detected bird flu in dairy cattle.

The CDC monitors avian flu for potential mutations. While rare, if the virus adapts to spread easily among humans, it could become a pandemic threat.

Avoid contact with sick or dead birds, practice good hygiene, and cook poultry products thoroughly. Awareness is key to reducing any risk.

Staying Safe from Bird Flu

Companies like Moderna are researching vaccines targeting bird flu strains, which could offer protection if human transmission increases.

Stay tuned for reliable updates on bird flu from trusted sources like the CDC and local health departments. Knowledge helps keep you and your community safe.