Welcome to Bird Flu Risk? Avian Flu & You, Explained, your quick guide to understanding your personal risk from avian flu in 2025.

You might be wondering: Am I at risk for bird flu right now? According to the CDC and a joint assessment by the WHO, the current public health risk of avian flu—especially from the H5N1 strain—remains low for most people in the United States. However, certain factors can raise your individual risk, so let’s break those down.

First, your risk by occupation. People with regular, close contact with birds, poultry, or dairy cattle face the highest risk. If you’re a poultry or dairy farm worker, process raw milk, or handle sick or dead wild birds, your risk is in the low to moderate range depending on how well you use personal protective equipment and follow safety practices. Veterinarians, animal health responders, and wildlife workers may also face increased risk. For the general public—those not working directly with animals—the risk remains very low according to the WHO and CDC.

Next, let’s talk about location. Rural or agricultural regions, especially in areas where avian flu outbreaks among poultry or cattle have recently occurred, pose higher risk. If you have backyard poultry or frequent live animal markets, your risks increase. Urban or suburban residents without animal contact are at very minimal risk.

Now, consider your age and health status. The older you are, especially past age 65, the higher your chance of severe illness if infected. Children have a lower risk of severe illness, but infections can still occur in all ages. Those with chronic conditions—like heart disease, lung problems, weakened immunity, or diabetes—are also at elevated risk of serious outcomes from bird flu.

Let’s run through a quick risk calculator in everyday language:

Are you a healthy adult living in a city with no animal contact? Your risk is extremely low—think “background flu risk” levels.

Are you a poultry worker who had direct contact with sick birds without protection? Your risk is much higher, and you should monitor yourself for symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat—especially if you get sick within 10 days of exposure.

Are you over the age of 65 with a chronic illness and spent time on a dairy farm with an outbreak? Your risk is at its highest and you should be extra vigilant.

For high-risk individuals—farmers, animal health workers, or those with chronic health conditions—use proper protective gear, wash hands after animal contact, avoid raw milk, and see a healthcare provider promptly if you develop symptoms after potential exposure. Early treatment with antivirals can be lifesaving.

For most of you listening, though, the best news is that bird flu does not spread easily between people. According to the latest CORI and WHO reports, no sustained human-to-human transmission has been seen and recent case numbers are down across the US. Most outbreaks result in limited, isolated cases related to direct animal exposure.

A simple decision framework: If you work around birds or farm animals, treat every exposure as a point of vigilance and use protective gear. If you do not, don’t worry—just follow standard hygiene and pay attention to any public health announcements.

Thanks for tuning in to Bird Flu Risk? Avian Flu & You, Explained. Come back next week for more clear answers to your health questions. This has been a Quiet Please production—check out QuietPlease dot A I for more.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI