Gulfport, MS – As flu season begins, local doctors are on high alert due to emerging cases of bird flu. Dr. Nicholas Conger with Memorial Health System explains that the bird flu is distinct from regular flu and cannot be transmitted through people.
The H5 strain, a new antigen, primarily spreads among birds and has not spread widely among humans before. This is why some people are concerned about its impact.
Flu shots are still essential for overall health, but they won’t protect against this specific strain. Dr. Conger emphasizes the importance of flu prevention for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
According to Dr. Conger, this flu season has been relatively mild so far. However, there’s an uptick in hospital admissions for respiratory infections and viruses, likely due to increased doctor visits.
Source: https://www.wlox.com/2025/01/08/bird-flu-versus-flu-what-do-local-doctors-have-say-about-disease