Welcome to Bird Flu Intel Facts, Not Fear, on H5N1 the podcast where we cut through the noise with science. Today we’re busting the biggest myths about H5N1, better known as bird flu, and arming you with the tools to spot misinformation.

Let’s get right to it with some common misconceptions making the rounds.

Misconception one “H5N1 is causing widespread severe illness in people and is spreading rapidly between humans.” Evidence says otherwise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of October 2025, about 70 cases of H5N1 in people have been detected in the United States during the current outbreak, with exposures almost entirely in farm workers or those handling sick animals. There’s been one death and, importantly, no evidence of person-to-person spread. Most cases here and globally are mild, and conjunctivitis or eye irritation is the most common symptom, not severe flu or pneumonia. The current public health risk remains low, says the CDC.

Misconception two “H5N1 is found in pasteurized dairy and grocery store eggs and is unsafe for consumers.” This is not supported by available evidence. According to the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute, pasteurization—used for practically all store-bought milk—effectively kills H5N1 virus, and similarly, cooking eggs and poultry thoroughly destroys it. The real risk is with raw, unpasteurized milk or undercooked animal products, which health authorities have long advised people to avoid, for bird flu and many other reasons. The U.S. milk supply remains safe.

Misconception three “Catching bird flu from wild birds while walking outdoors or from pets is extremely likely.” While H5N1 does circulate in wild birds and some mammals, including cats and cows, the risk to the general public is extremely low, unless you have direct, close contact with sick animals or contaminated surfaces. The CDC and Johns Hopkins both confirm that household pets like cats can become infected, usually after eating raw food or exposure to infected birds, but casual outdoor contact poses minimal danger. Standard hygiene—like washing your hands after handling animals—goes a long way in reducing risk.

How does misinformation about H5N1 spread and why is it harmful? Viral headlines, social media rumors, and sensational coverage often get ahead of the facts or misinterpret preliminary science. This can cause unnecessary fear, stigmatize farmers and animals, drive unsafe behavior like drinking raw milk, and distract from more pressing health risks. Critically, it may promote distrust in the public health system during true emergencies.

So, how can you tell good information from bad? Here are a few quick tools

Check the source: Prioritize information from established disease experts like the CDC, WHO, or your state health department.
Look for scientific consensus: Reliable data comes from peer-reviewed studies and institutions monitoring outbreaks.
Be wary of extreme claims, especially around conspiracies or easy “cures.”
If in doubt, fact-check with at least two reputable sources. Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, and the CDC all provide regularly updated, easy-to-read materials.

The current scientific consensus is that H5N1 remains a serious concern for agriculture and biosecurity, and scientists remain vigilant in monitoring possible mutations that could change human risk. Outbreaks in animals are ongoing, and the virus can change over time, so staying updated matters. But so far, the jump to efficient human-to-human spread has not happened.

Where do uncertainties remain? Influenza viruses can mutate quickly, and rare severe cases are possible, especially for those with direct animal contact. Researchers are watching closely for any genetic changes that could signal increased transmissibility or severity in humans, and new vaccine development is underway. The...