The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been detected in various bird populations since January 2022, with nearly 70 human cases reported so far. Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical contributor, sheds light on what Americans need to know about the latest bird flu outbreak.
Bird flu can spread from animal to human through close contact with infected animals. This is particularly concerning for farm workers who handle sick cows and birds. However, health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low. The main concern is the potential for the virus to mutate into hybrid strains that could lead to human-to-human transmission.
Bird flu affects the availability and price of eggs, with over 40 million egg-laying birds killed in the past year alone. Cooking and pasteurizing are recommended ways to minimize the risk of infection when consuming eggs and milk.
Symptoms of bird flu include common flu-like symptoms such as coughing and vomiting, as well as conjunctivitis or pink eye. Most U.S. cases have resolved within four days after first showing symptoms, with treatment options including antiviral medication.
Currently, there is no cure for bird flu, but prevention measures are being explored. The seasonal flu vaccine does not provide protection against H5N1, but other vaccines are being prepared in case of a pandemic. mRNA vaccines hold promise, but their development and approval process may be more challenging under proposed regulations.
To stay safe, Americans can take simple precautions such as cooking eggs thoroughly and pasteurizing milk. Health experts recommend avoiding unpasteurized dairy products like raw milk, which has become a recent trend. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, Americans can minimize their exposure to bird flu.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bird-flu-2025-symptoms-eggs-humans