Avian influenza, or bird flu, is spreading among birds in the U.S., hiking egg prices and prompting pet food recalls.
Health officials are currently monitoring an outbreak of bird flu among wild birds, poultry and dairy cows.
While the bird flu virus doesn’t usually infect people, it can happen. A small number of people have been infected, mainly dairy and poultry workers who have extended close contact with sick or dead birds.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued a reminder to steer clear of sick or dead birds and keep pets away from them as well.
How does bird flu spread to humans?
Birds and other animals who are infected with bird flu can spread the virus through body fluids, including saliva, mucous, feces and milk.
Bird flu is a respiratory virus and can spread the same way flu viruses spread among humans.
“Humans can become infected if they get the virus in their eyes, mouth or nose or inhale respiratory droplets,” said Jennifer Grant, MD, system medical director for Infection Prevention and Control at Endeavor Health. “It can happen the same way we get infected by other viruses, by touching something contaminated by the virus, then touching our eyes, nose or mouth.”
People should avoid touching sick or dead animals, their feces or any surface, even water, that could be contaminated with the virus from the animal’s body fluids. Those who may come in to contact with sick or dead birds or other animals should use personal protective equipment.
Pasteurized cow’s milk and the eggs sold in grocery stores are also safe to eat, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The pasteurization process kills bacteria and viruses like bird flu. While bird flu virus particles have been found in raw milk, drinking raw milk or eating an undercooked egg or raw meat is more likely to transmit bacteria like salmonella or listeria.
It’s important to note that human bird flu infections are rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say the risk to the public is low and that human cases are minimal.
What symptoms does bird flu cause in humans?
This season, respiratory symptoms and/or conjunctivitis — pink eye — are the most common symptoms for people infected with bird flu, officials say.
Humans infected with bird flu can experience symptoms similar to human flu viruses, including:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Nose congestion
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Fever, but not always
Bird flu can also cause pneumonia and shortness of breath in people.
“If you feel unwell, see your health care provider. Let them know if you have been exposed to sick or dead birds, so they can help you get treated and feel better soon,” said Lakshmi Halasyamani, MD, chief clinical officer at Endeavor Health.
Could bird flu become a pandemic?
At this point, bird flu is not a pandemic concern for humans. But, as we saw with COVID-19, viruses can originate in animals, mutate and become more easily spread among humans.
Human-to-human spread of bird flu is very rare. While limited human-to-human transmission of avian influenza has been reported globally, there has been no evidence of human-to-human infections from the current bird flu in the U.S., according to the CDC. The people who have been infected were exposed to animals who were infected or had died from the infection.
Endeavor Health will continue to closely monitor the situation and follow CDC, state and local guidance.
How can you stay healthy?
“Protecting yourself from illness, whether it’s bird flu or the common cold, starts with good personal hygiene,” said Carolyn Hines, RN, director of infection prevention at Endeavor Health. “Keeping yourself healthy by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating healthy can keep your immune system strong.”
Take these steps to increase your chances of staying healthy through flu season:
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water
- Try not to touch your face
- Cover your mouth with a tissue (or into your elbow) when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Get a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster
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