Welcome to Quiet Please. You’re listening to Avian Flu 101: Your H5N1 Bird Flu Guide. Today, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about H5N1 avian flu – from the science, to the history, to the big questions on people’s minds right now. Let’s get started.

Let’s start with some basic virology. The virus causing all this concern is called H5N1, which stands for Hemagglutinin type 5 and Neuraminidase type 1. Those are just fancy names for proteins on the surface of the virus. H5N1 belongs to a big family called influenza A viruses – the same group that includes seasonal flu and, in the past, swine flu. But H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, is especially dangerous to birds, often wiping out entire poultry flocks in just a couple of days. In people, it’s much less common, but when it does jump from birds to humans, it can be very serious.

The H5N1 virus was first identified back in 1996, and since then, outbreaks have popped up across the globe. In the U.S., over 200 million chickens have been infected since 2022, according to the University of Florida. While the virus mostly spreads among wild birds and poultry, it can also infect mammals – we’ve seen cases in cows, sea lions, even cats and dogs. For people, most infections have been in farm workers who have close contact with infected animals. Symptoms usually start two to seven days after exposure and typically include fever, cough, and sometimes conjunctivitis, which is redness or irritation of the eyes. In rare cases, there can be more severe respiratory problems.

Now, let’s talk about how this virus jumps from birds to people. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re at a farm, and a bad winter storm blows down a fence. Suddenly, animals that normally don’t interact are mingling. If a chicken infected with H5N1 comes into contact with a cow, or a human, the virus gets a chance to spill over. Most often, people catch it by touching infected animals or their environment, and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Sometimes, breathing in the virus can also lead to infection. That’s why farm workers are most at risk, and why public health experts recommend avoiding sick or dead birds, wearing protective gear if you have to handle them, and always cooking eggs and poultry thoroughly.

You might be wondering: how is this different from regular flu or COVID-19? Here’s the breakdown. Seasonal flu is caused by different influenza A and B viruses, and it spreads easily between people. H5N1, in contrast, rarely spreads person-to-person. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is even more contagious and can be spread by people who have no symptoms. While all three can cause fever and cough, conjunctivitis is more common with H5N1, and you’re much more likely to catch seasonal flu or COVID-19 than bird flu. The mortality rate for H5N1 has historically been high globally, but in recent U.S. cases, most have been mild, with only rare fatalities.

Let’s move to some common questions. Can you get bird flu from eating chicken or eggs? No – as long as they’re cooked properly. Pasteurized milk is also safe. Should I be worried about my pets? Cats are especially vulnerable to H5N1, so keep them away from wild birds and poultry. If your cat is sick with fever, trouble breathing, or eye discharge, see a vet right away. Dogs can get infected too, but usually have milder symptoms. Are there vaccines for bird flu? Yes, but they’re mostly reserved for high-risk groups and may not match the latest strains. Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu can help if you’re diagnosed early.

Is H5N1 the next pandemic? Right now, the risk to the general public is low, according to the CDC. The virus would have to change a lot to spread easily between people. But scientists are watching closely, because flu viruses mutate often, and the more animals H5N1 infects, the more chances it has to adapt.

Before we wrap up,...