Public health officials are keeping a close watch on the recent bird flu outbreak in the United States, which has affected millions of birds, chickens, and cattle. The virus, known as avian influenza or H5N1, has also spread to humans, primarily affecting farm and dairy workers.
Emily Landon, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Chicago Medicine, reassures that unless one is frequently around livestock or sick birds, there is no need for excessive concern. She describes the situation as "watch and wait," but does not anticipate it escalating into a global health emergency. Unlike early COVID-19 days, strategies to prevent influenza spread are well-known and vaccines can be produced more readily.
“At this time, the best thing to do is be vigilant,” Landon advises. Currently, the bird flu virus does not transmit from human to human. However, if mutations occur making it highly transmissible among humans, it could spread rapidly.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports low numbers of human cases but acknowledges that actual figures might be higher due to mild symptoms like pink eye or cold symptoms that could lead to underreporting.
Landon suggests several measures for protection against bird flu:
1. Consume only pasteurized dairy products since contaminated dairy poses a risk.
2. Properly refrigerate and cook eggs, meat, and poultry according to CDC guidelines.
3. Get vaccinated against human influenza to minimize unnecessary healthcare screenings.
4. Protect pets by avoiding raw milk or unpasteurized products and consider pet vaccinations.
5. Avoid contact with wild or sick animals; report any such findings to wildlife officials.
6. Practice frequent hand washing especially after potential contact with birds.
7. Follow public health recommendations particularly if working with livestock.
Bird flu symptoms include conjunctivitis, fever, coughs, muscle aches, and sore throats. Though most recover quickly without hospitalization in the U.S., antiviral medications can help reduce risks.
The virus spreads rapidly among poultry and mammals but currently does not easily transmit between humans—a situation that could change with mutations over time.
While older vaccines exist for avian influenza in humans they are limited due to rare cases of severe disease so far. Vaccine manufacturers are working on updated versions potentially available soon for high-risk groups like farm workers.