As of now, there is no vaccine specific to the Bird Flu, but getting the regular Influenza vaccine is recommended. photo courtesy of Peter Garrard Beck
The virus referred to as “Bird Flu” is beginning to spread around the country this year.
In the mid 1900s, Avian Influenza, also known as “Bird Flu,” was identified in multiple strands of poultry and other domestic animals. The virus, also known by the medical name of H5N1, has been detected in several humans as of this year, and some of these cases are now in the United States. The first human case in 2024 followed the virus’s detection in some dairy cattle on farms in Kansas and Texas. Shortly after this discovery, a human tested highly positive for H5N1, becoming the first transmission of the Bird Flu from cattle to human. More cases are being reported as the year progresses.
The origin of H5N1 comes from parts of Scotland in the 1950s, where different species of poultry were found infected with Influenza A. Some of these birds showed brutal symptoms like death, whereas others simply showed no symptoms at all. The virus spreads when animals or humans come close to the infected subject, and possibly inhale the particles, or even just touch their mouth, nose, or eyes- like how human beings catch other contagious viruses. The most common reason that individuals are becoming infected with Bird Flu is from coming too close to either chicken or cows that are sick. As of now, becoming infected with the Bird Flu from another human is extremely rare, but researchers are continuing to pay attention to the main sources of the virus within the United States.
When infected with the Bird Flu as a human, the main symptoms are very much alike to common Influenza symptoms that most people can manage. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some examples of common experiences under this condition include a fever, headache, and cough. In total this year, there have been over 200 human cases of the Bird Flu, and over 100 deaths. Although about half of the positive cases have come to be fatal, these numbers are still low enough that the H5N1 virus is not considered too prevalent yet. However, the research from the CDC has found one case of virus from a resident in Colorado. These outbreaks are very common within poultry and dairy farm workers. The first few symptoms that the worker experienced were redness and irritation in eyes, as well as a feverish feeling.
This year, in the United States most cases of H5N1 have been seen in California, coming specifically from dairy cattle farms. This is slightly concerning as this year marks the first year that the virus has spread from dairy cattle to a human. However, scientific research is progressing on the topic of what Bird Flu’s risks really are, and as of now the virus is still classified as low risk because it isn’t spreading rapidly. The spread of the virus has been tracked to geese and chicken in California, who are passing the virus to cattle. Human beings can catch the Bird Flu from any contact with the animal’s saliva, mucous, or feces. When working in farms with these animals, people have taken to being extra cautious when coming into close contact with possibly infected animals, making sure to not touch their faces after interacting is vital.
Despite the spread of the Bird Flu becoming significantly more relevant this year, the virus is treatable with an Influenza antiviral medication, which is what is taken when infected with the common flu. When it comes to prevention of H5N1, people are being cognizant when handling raw poultry. Washing hands and fully cooking off the meat is advised, as the virus is starting to frequent in the United States more often.
