Welcome to Bird Flu Intel: Facts, Not Fear, on H5N1, a Quiet Please production. Today we’re setting the record straight on avian influenza—specifically, the H5N1 strain—and fighting misinformation with science.

Let’s jump in by naming four common myths about H5N1 that are circulating right now.

Myth number one: “H5N1 is spreading widely between people.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins University, and the World Health Organization all confirm there is no evidence of significant human-to-human transmission currently. Nearly all human cases have come from direct contact with infected animals, like poultry or dairy cows. To date, person-to-person spread is extraordinarily rare, and there have been zero sustained chains of human transmission reported in the U.S. or globally.

Myth number two: “Eating chicken or eggs, and drinking milk, is risky because of bird flu.” Leading health institutions like Cleveland Clinic and the CDC state clearly: you cannot get H5N1 from consuming thoroughly cooked poultry or pasteurized milk. The virus is killed by proper cooking and standard pasteurization, and any flocks or herds with confirmed infection are kept out of the food supply.

Myth number three: “Most people who get H5N1 die from it.” Historically, the global fatality rate is high, especially where access to healthcare is limited. But in the current U.S. and recent outbreaks, most human cases have only resulted in mild symptoms like conjunctivitis, especially among those exposed during animal handling. Tragically, there have been two deaths in the Americas over the past four years, but the science shows that severe outcomes are rare in the U.S. and for most healthy people.

Myth number four: “Bird flu is just an animal problem, not a human issue.” The reality is more nuanced. H5N1 has caused significant outbreaks among birds, and more recently, among mammals such as dairy cattle and even house cats, raising risks for people who work closely with these animals. However, the current public health risk to the general population remains low, according to the World Health Organization and CDC.

Why does misinformation like this spread? Social media, sensational headlines, and quick reposting of news without checking sources can amplify inaccuracies. Misinformation causes unnecessary fear, leads to improper safety behaviors, and—critically—can undermine public health measures. It also distracts from legitimate concern: preparedness for actual viral change or spread.

So, how do you evaluate information quality? Start by checking the source—is it a reputable health authority like CDC, WHO, or a top medical institution? Look for consistency across multiple trusted outlets. Be wary of dramatic claims without scientific backing or unspecified “insider sources.” If in doubt, consult official public health updates.

Here’s what science agrees on today: H5N1 is a serious threat to birds, with occasional spillover to humans and certain mammals. The dominant route of infection for humans is direct contact with infected animals or their fluids, not through food. While most cases are mild, an evolving virus demands strong surveillance. Person-to-person spread remains extremely limited, but ongoing monitoring is key.

Yet, there are still areas of uncertainty. Scientists are closely watching whether the virus may develop easier human transmissibility, especially given its spread among mammals. The risk of mutation remains, but there is no evidence of pandemic-level potential at this time.

Thank you for tuning in to Bird Flu Intel: Facts, Not Fear, on H5N1. Come back next week for more evidence-based updates. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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