Quiet please. Welcome to Quiet Please’s “Bird Flu Explained: H5N1 Risks & Prevention.” This is your essential primer on what everyone needs to know right now about H5N1—risks, transmission, and most importantly, how to stay safe—delivered in about three minutes. Here’s what you should know.

Let’s start with the basics. H5N1, known as bird flu or avian influenza, is a virus that primarily affects birds, but can also infect mammals—including cows, cats, and even humans. According to medical experts, close contact with infected animals and their environments is currently the main way people get this virus in the U.S. That means touching sick or dead birds, cows, or other animals, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth—or even inhaling virus particles—can get you sick. Importantly, there’s no strong evidence yet that H5N1 spreads easily between people, but as flu viruses can swap genes, that could change—so prevention is critical right now.

So, where and what are the high-risk behaviors and environments to avoid? Farms, backyard flocks, poultry markets, dairies, and places where you find lots of birds or cows are hotspots. If you work with animals, you’re at higher risk. The CDC and Florida health authorities recommend you avoid visiting poultry farms, bird markets, or dairy farms unless absolutely necessary. And never touch sick or dead animals—if you must, use personal protective equipment. According to recent guidance, you should also stay away from wild birds and their droppings, and never feed wild birds near farms or your home.

Prevention is about layers. For everyone: wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after contact with animals or their environment. Never touch your face with unwashed hands. If you’re in a high-risk setting—like working on a farm—always wear protective gear: gloves, a fit-tested N95 respirator, splash goggles, fluid-resistant coveralls, and boots you can disinfect. Change clothes and shower after handling animals. Work outdoors or in well-ventilated areas when possible, and always keep pets away from wild birds, raw milk, and raw poultry—H5N1 can sicken and even kill cats who eat contaminated food.

What about food? According to the CDC and local health departments, only consume pasteurized dairy products, and cook all eggs, poultry, and beef thoroughly—internal temperatures of at least 165°F kill the virus. Raw, unpasteurized milk and cheeses are a big no—they can carry H5N1 and make you sick. And don’t eat soft-boiled or raw eggs, especially in places with ongoing outbreaks.

Now, let’s talk about vaccines and misconceptions. The seasonal flu shot does not protect you against H5N1. However, getting that vaccine can reduce your risk of getting both seasonal flu and H5N1 at the same time, which could lower the chance of a dangerous genetic mix-up between the viruses. Currently, there is no widely available H5N1 vaccine for the general public. Scientists are closely monitoring the virus and working on vaccines, but for now, prevention is about your everyday actions—not waiting for a shot.

Some common myths? Let’s clear them up. “You can get H5N1 from properly cooked chicken or eggs.” False—according to the CDC, thoroughly cooked poultry and eggs are safe. “Only farm workers are at risk.” False—anyone in close contact with birds, cows, or infected environments could be at risk. “Masks aren’t necessary outdoors.” Actually, in outbreak areas or when handling sick animals, masks—plus goggles and gloves—are crucial for protection.

Special considerations for vulnerable populations: Young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should be extra cautious. They may be at higher risk for severe disease if they do get infected. The only reported U.S. death so far was in an older adult with underlying conditions. This group should avoid all high-risk environments and consult a doctor immediately...