Rising Cases of Bird Flu: Should You Be Worried About H5N1

05/30/2025

Currently, avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses are spreading among birds in the United States and other countries such as Canada. However, no reports have indicated the spread of the virus from person to person. Since 2022, some countries have reported human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1. The reason behind the majority of H5N1 virus cases was the exposure to the infected poultry. In the previous outbreak of this virus in birds and other animals, human infections were reported rarely. Since the beginning of 2003, 23 countries in total have reported to the WHO about rare H5N1 human cases caused by avian influenza A(H5N1).

Let’s dive deeper into bird flu, its causes, and symptoms:

What is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infection, which is caused by the influenza A virus. It is also referred to as a zoonotic infection. Bird flu is usually prevalent in birds and other animals. However, in rare instances, it can also attack humans. Humans typically get bird flu from infected animals. Like the other variants of the flu, bird flu can cause a wide range of serious complications. The chances of it spreading from one human to another are extremely low.

Outbreaks of bird flu are common worldwide, which may result in various complications such as increased risk of human infection, disrupted food supply, severe damage to wildlife, etc. The USA has been reporting cases of bird flu in humans since 2024.

Common Types of Bird Flu:

There are many subtypes that come under the umbrella of avian flu. Recent cases in the US have been of influenza A(H5) in humans. Other common subtypes that have been reported in the USA in the past are influenza A(H5N1) and influenza A(H7N9). The name of the subtype is usually determined by the protein found on the surface of the virus. 

Common Symptoms of Avian Influenza:

Once you are infected with bird flu, you may come across the following common symptoms: 

• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

• Fever

• Muscle aches

• Stuffy or runny nose

• Sore throat

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• Cough

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

The intensity of bird flu symptoms in humans varies depending on various factors, such as age, medical conditions, and the type of variant. Pink eye and mild respiratory problems are two common symptoms that the recent bird flu outbreak in the USA has caused.

How Does it Spread? 

You may get infected with bird flu if you happen to come in contact with the body fluid of an infected animal, such as saliva, milk, poop, or respiratory droplets. You can also develop it by breathing the small dust particles from animal habitats or getting it in your eyes, mouth, or nose after touching the body fluid of an infected animal.

There is no way of getting it by eating properly cooked poultry or eggs or consuming pasteurized milk. In addition to this,  bird flu can be contagious rarely, meaning the chances of spreading from one human to another are quite low. In all cases of bird flu so far, most patients developed it by coming in contact with infected animals. When you are living with it, the virus may mutate in the body, allowing it to spread to other people readily.

Certain people are at high risk of developing it, especially those who work with dairy cows, poultry, waterfowl, etc. If not managed or diagnosed early, it may bring about serious complications, including:

• Pneumonia

• Acute respiratory distress

• Brain swelling, like meningoencephalitis

• Respiratory failure

• Bacterial infections

• Sepsis

Diagnosis: 

Avian flu is typically diagnosed through the nose or throat or from the conjunctiva of your eyes. Currently, available tests will detect highly pathogenic H5N1 as influenza A. Laboratories do not routinely test all positive influenza A swabs for avian flu. Therefore, it's important to inform your healthcare provider if you’ve been in contact with birds, cows, or other animals that could be infected. If your test result is positive for influenza A, the laboratory will send your sample to a specialized facility for further testing for bird flu.

If it is diagnosed early, it can be treated with a wide range of available antiviral medications, such as:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

• Zanamivir (Relenza)

• Peramivir (Rapivab)

Tips to Prevent Bird Flu: 

There are many ways that can be exercised in order to reduce your risk of developing bird flu, such as :

• If you work with birds or animals, make sure to wear protective clothing such as a mask, goggles, and gloves to reduce your overall risk of developing it.

• Frequently wash hands while working with birds, livestock, and animals or visiting zoos and farms.

• Refrain from working with animals who are sick or have been previously diagnosed with avian influenza.

• If you are living in an area where the outbreak is happening, try to limit your contact with animals and follow the advisory released by the authorities.

• It would be better to take off your shoes before entering the home, especially after visiting areas where chickens and waterfowl live.

• Avoid drinking or touching unpasteurized milk.

• Make sure to opt for your seasonal flu shot. This won’t shield you from getting bird flu directly but can reduce your risk of serious unwanted complications and contracting both avian influenza and seasonal influenza at the same time.

The Takeaway:

The recent headlines about bird flu across the USA are quite overwhelming. Bird flu is more prevalent in animals than humans, but certain people are at high risk of encountering it, such as those who work around or with birds, cows, and other animals that can carry it. By following the guidelines released by the concerned authorities, you can mitigate your risk of developing it. Upon witnessing its symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to lower the risk of future complications.

FAQs:

1. Should we be worried about H5N1?

The risk to the general public is currently low, according to The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The risk to the general public may increase if the virus changes and can transfer from one person to another. No cases of human-to-human spread have been registered so far. People who work with or around birds and other animals are at high risk of developing it.

2. Is H5N1 the cause of the bird flu?

Bird flu is caused by distinct strains of the avian influenza virus (AIV). One of the most common and dangerous is the H5N1 virus. While birds are the main hosts of this virus, some strains can also infect humans and other animals, which can trigger serious health issues.

3. How do you prevent H5N1 bird flu?

In order to decrease your risk of developing H5N1 bird flu, you must follow the following tips:

• Don’t make a direct contact with birds and other animals

• Try to maintain proper hygiene

• Eat only properly cooked eggs and have pasteurized milk

• Avoid traveling to high-risk areas

4. What is the real case fatality rate of H5N1 avian influenza?

The case fatality rate (CFR) for H5N1 avian influenza is about 50%. This means that around half of the people infected with the H5N1 virus have died. However, the CFR can change based on multiple factors, for instance, the specific strain of the virus, the person's health, and access to treatment.