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With recent reports of avian influenza, or “bird flu,” appearing in various animal populations and some humans, it’s natural for families to have concerns. While the risk to the general public remains relatively low, it’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions. That is why we are sharing the following article by Robert W. French Jr. MD, FAAP from healthychildren.org (released 1/17/25.):
Birds in the United States can get sick with avian flu (also called H5N1 bird flu or avian influenza). But can it affect your family?
Here's what parents need to know about bird flu and how to help prevent exposure.
What causes bird flu?
Bird flu is caused by avian influenza type A viruses, including the avian flu type A(H5N1) that is the most recent strain circulating in the U.S. The virus is known to infect birds around the world.
Is bird flu spreading in the United States?
Sometimes, wild birds spread the virus and cause outbreaks on poultry farms. In 2022, it was found in wild birds in our country for the first time since 2016. Several states have since reported bird flu in poultry flocks and wild birds. In the past few years, tens of millions of chickens were removed from farms where the virus was detected. This affected the egg supply and caused a big increase in the price of eggs.
Does bird flu only make birds sick?
Bird flu is common in wild birds—especially wild waterfowl like ducks and geese. It is spread easily by infected birds that carry the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and droppings (feces).
When sick birds fly overhead, the virus can spread through their droppings to farms and backyard pens. If your family keeps birds as backyard pets or on small hobby farms, they are also at risk.
Other animals can get bird flu, too. In March 2024, bird flu was identified in dairy cattle in several states. It was the first time that this virus had been found in cows.Several cats on a farm in Texas also died after drinking raw milk from infected cows. Infected indoor cats have also died after eating contaminated raw pet food. And in January 2025, testing confirmed bird flu had caused the deaths of a flamingo and seal at a Chicago zoo.
Can people get bird flu from animals?
Bird flu can spread from animals to humans. Since last spring, there have been more than 60 cases of people infected with bird flu in the U.S., including two children.
The first child, who tested positive in November 2024, had mild symptoms and was treated with flu antiviral medicine. A second child, who tested positive in January 2025, also had mild symptoms that included fever and conjunctivitis (pink eye). A 13-year-old Canadian teenager with bird flu was hospitalized with serious symptoms in late 2024.
In January 2025, a person who was hospitalized with bird flu in Louisiana died. The person, who was over age 65, contracted bird flu after exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds.
Most infections have been in people who work with dairy cattle or poultry, but in at least three cases the source of exposure was unknown.
So far, none of the people who got bird flu from sick animals have spread it to other people. Health experts continue to watch for any changes in how the virus spreads—including in people with exposure to dairy cows and poultry. They urge backyard flock owners, hunters, other bird enthusiasts, and anyone who has contact with birds or other animals that may be infected to protect themselves.
What are the symptoms of bird flu in people?
In people, signs and symptoms of bird flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, pneumonia, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, acute respiratory distress, respiratory failure, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes neurologic changes (altered mental status, seizures).
Will the flu vaccine protect me from bird flu?
Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses. The annual influenza vaccine protects against three strains that are most widely circulating in humans. The risk of kids—or adults—getting seasonal influenza is much greater. That is why annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older.
Can bird flu spread through chicken or dairy products?
You cannot get bird flu from eating fully cooked domestic or wild poultry products like chicken, turkey, or duck.
There is no evidence that the flu can be spread through pasteurized dairy products.
Is raw milk safe to drink?
"Raw," unpasteurized milk can harbor dangerous microorganisms, such as H5N1 bird flu, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria, that can pose serious health risks. Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria by heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period.
Health officials have long advised against drinking raw milk, which has not been pasteurized. However, raw milk may be extra risky now because of possible transmission of the H5N1 virus.
Public health experts keep a close watch for bird flu outbreaks on farms to make sure our food supply is safe. People who work in the livestock industry also follow safety steps to protect themselves and others in case they have close contact with sick animals.
Are eggs safe to eat?
Cooking eggs will kill any virus or bacteria, so they are safe to eat. The germs that can make us sick are found on the eggshell.
Salmonella, Campylobacter, and other germs get on the eggshell from bird poop. Poultry often carry these germs. (That's why health experts advise us to avoid eating raw eggs and avoid licking the bowl when we make cake or cookie batter!)
What about eggs from backyard chickens?
Eggs from the grocery store are washed before they are put into their cartons.
If your family has backyard poultry, be sure to clean eggs carefully with fine sandpaper, a brush, or a cloth to remove germs from their shells. Don't wash warm, fresh eggs because colder water can pull germs into the egg through tiny pores in the shell. Other healthy steps include keeping a clean coop, collecting eggs often, and throwing away cracked eggs you collect.
Remember
Public health experts are watching the bird flu outbreaks and infections very closely.
Families should also keep in mind that, in general, birds carry a lot of diseases besides bird flu. The best way to avoid getting sick is to make sure that children wash their hands with soap and water after being around any bird or bird droppings.
Supervise children around birds and remind them not to rub their eyes or touch their nose or mouth while handling birds or bird feces. Tell your child not to touch, handle, or move a sick or dead bird. They should let an adult know so that it can be reported.
More information
If you have questions about your child’s health in regards to the avian flu, feel free to reach out to Kids First Pediatrics. And while it won’t protect against the bird flu, we offer flu vaccinations against the 3 most common strains of flu. Book your child’s appointment today. Raleigh: (919) 250-3478, Clayton: (919) 267-1499.
Article source: Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): Facts for Families, healthchildren.org
*This article is informational but is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.