With bird flu, also known as avian influenza, making headlines as it spreads among wild birds, poultry and even some mammals like dairy cows, it’s natural to have questions. While the risk to the general public remains low, understanding the risks and signs of infection in humans is an important part of staying safe and prepared.
This guide will focus on the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain and walk you through who is most at risk, how to recognize bird flu symptoms and what simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
How Bird Flu Spreads and Who’s at Risk
Understanding how the virus moves from animals to people helps clarify who is most at risk.
Transmission Routes
Humans are primarily infected with bird flu through direct contact with infected animals. This can happen by touching sick or dead birds, or through contact with their saliva, mucus or feces. You can also get infected by breathing in droplets or dust from contaminated environments, such as barns or poultry processing facilities.
Importantly, the CDC confirms there is currently no evidence of person-to-person spread of the H5N1 virus. You also cannot get bird flu from properly handled and cooked poultry or eggs.
Key Risk Groups
The risk of infection is highest for people who have close or prolonged contact with infected birds or other animals.
While the overall risk to the public is low, individuals with increased exposure risk include:
- Poultry farm workers
- Workers involved in culling operations
- Veterinarians and animal health responders
- Backyard flock owners
- Hunters or others who handle wild birds
- People exposed to infected mammals, such as dairy cows
Recognizing Bird Flu Symptoms in Humans
The symptoms of bird flu in people can range from mild to severe. Knowing the early warning signs is key to getting timely medical care.
Early Symptoms to Watch For
Initial symptoms of bird flu can look a lot like the seasonal flu. If you’ve been exposed to potentially infected birds or other animals, pay close attention to these signs:
- Fever (100°F or higher) or feeling feverish
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Eye redness (conjunctivitis)
Some people may also experience diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of exposure to the virus.
Progression to Severe Illness
In some cases, a bird flu infection can quickly become a serious respiratory illness. It’s crucial to recognize the signals that the infection is worsening.
These signs indicate that immediate medical help is needed:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Seizures
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down
These severe symptoms can lead to life-threatening complications like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure.
If you develop any of these symptoms within 10 days of being exposed to sick or dead birds, or other potentially infected animals, contact your doctor. Be sure to tell them about your potential exposure before your visit so they can take proper precautions.
What Makes H5N1 Different?
You may hear a lot about the H5N1 strain of bird flu. Health authorities are concerned about this particular virus for a few key reasons. While human infections with H5N1 are rare, they are often much more severe than those caused by seasonal flu.
Compared to other avian influenza strains, H5N1 has a higher likelihood of causing serious complications, including severe pneumonia that can lead to respiratory failure.
This high severity is why health organizations like the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) track it so carefully. The goal is to contain outbreaks and prevent the virus from adapting to spread easily between people.
Practical Steps to Lower Your Risk
Prevention is the most effective strategy against bird flu. Following simple safety and hygiene practices can significantly reduce your risk of exposure.
Preventive Actions
- Avoid contact: Do not touch wild birds, especially if they appear sick or are dead. Avoid contact with sick poultry and other animals.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after touching birds or being in areas where they live.
- Handle food safely: Cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Avoid eating raw or undercooked poultry products. The CDC also recommends against consuming raw milk, as it could be a potential source of exposure.
- Use protective gear: If you work with poultry or other animals, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks and eye protection.
What If Exposure Occurs?
If you believe you were exposed to an infected bird or animal, monitor yourself for symptoms for 10 days. If you become ill, contact your healthcare provider right away. Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), may be prescribed to treat the illness and can be most effective when started soon after symptoms appear.
Bird Flu in Context—Tracking Outbreaks
Staying informed is another key part of prevention. Health agencies closely monitor bird flu activity to protect public health.
Monitoring Bird Flu Activity
Since 2024, the CDC has been tracking sporadic human cases of H5N1 in the U.S., mostly among dairy and poultry farm workers. As of early 2026, there have been 71 cases and two deaths reported in the United States.
Has Bird Flu Been Detected in New York?
Bird flu has been found in domestic poultry, wild birds and a few species of wild mammals in New York since 2022.
Most recently, in January 2026, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced five positive cases of bird flu in snow geese and duck species in Suffolk County. More deceased birds on Long Island are being tested.
To date, there have been no human cases of bird flu and no detection of infected cattle in New York. Health officials continue to emphasize that the risk to the general public is low.
You can find the latest updates and advisories from reliable sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provides current situation summaries and guidance
- World Health Organization (WHO): Offers a global perspective on avian influenza
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Reports on detections in animals
- Your local and state public health departments
Bird flu is a serious disease, but human infections remain rare. By knowing the symptoms, understanding your risk and taking simple preventive measures, you can protect yourself and your community.
