Welcome to Quiet Please. Today: Bird Flu Explained—H5N1 Risks & Prevention. This is your essential guide to understanding avian influenza, what it means for you, and how to stay safe.

First, what is bird flu? H5N1 is a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza that primarily infects birds but can spread to other animals, including mammals like cows—and occasionally to humans. According to Stanford Medicine, while H5N1 doesn’t currently spread easily between people, it’s a virus scientists are watching closely, as flu viruses can change quickly, sometimes becoming both more contagious and more severe in humans.

How does H5N1 spread? The virus mainly spreads among birds through their feces, saliva, and even contaminated surfaces like bedding or cages. Humans generally catch it through close contact with infected birds or animals, their environments, or their products. The Public Health Agency of Canada notes that direct handling of sick or dead birds, especially without protection, is a major risk. Raw milk from infected cows can also carry the virus, though pasteurization—a heating process—destroys it, making pasteurized milk safe. Consuming raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, or dairy, or feeding pets raw meat or milk, also increases risk.

Who is most at risk? People working with birds or livestock—like farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers—face increased exposure. Backyard chicken keepers, people who handle wild birds, and those in environments with poor hygiene are also at higher risk. Vulnerable groups—young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems—may experience more severe illness if infected.

Now, let’s talk prevention. Simple, practical steps can make a big difference. The CDC and Canada’s public health agency recommend always washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with animals, poultry, animal products, or their environments. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. When handling birds or other high-risk animals, wear gloves, a well-fitted respirator or mask, and eye protection. Avoid touching your face during and after these activities. Stay away from sick or dead animals and report unusual wildlife or livestock deaths to local authorities.

Food safety is also key. Only eat pasteurized dairy products and cook poultry and eggs thoroughly, as heat kills the virus. Do not consume raw milk, even if it’s legally sold in your area, and avoid feeding pets raw meat or milk. Public health agencies, including the FDA, strongly advise against consuming raw milk due to the risk of illness not just from bird flu, but also other pathogens. Keep pets away from wild birds and wild bird feces.

How can you protect your indoor environment? Global Biodefense highlights the importance of clean air—improve ventilation, use air filters, and follow guidance for reducing airborne transmission, especially in shared or high-risk spaces. If you’re sick, stay home, wear a mask, and avoid contact with others, particularly vulnerable individuals. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.

What about vaccines? While there’s a human vaccine for H5N1, and countries like Canada maintain limited supplies for high-risk individuals, current vaccines for older strains may not be fully effective against newer variants. Flu viruses mutate rapidly, so the best bet is prevention and prompt response in case of outbreaks. Meanwhile, getting your annual flu shot can help prevent severe illness from seasonal flu, though the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H5N1 specifically.

Let’s clear up some common myths. First, you cannot catch bird flu by eating properly cooked poultry or pasteurized dairy. The U.S. CDC reassures people that commercial raw milk is not allowed for interstate sale, and pasteurization is highly effective at...