We are getting some questions about Bird Flu and if it can affect our kids. At this time, the answer is mostly no, but it might be helpful to have some additional background information.
When we talk about flu, we’re generally talking about epidemic strains of flu that vary from year to year, and have a known ability to spread from person to person. Each year, scientists use global information and computer models to predict which strains are most likely to be active in the next flu season and create a vaccine to fight those strains. Some years it’s a great fit, some years it’s meh. But even in “meh” years, we know that the more people who get the flu shot, fewer people die of the flu.
The “Bird Flu” is a recent Influenza A strain (H5N1) that was first detected in wild birds and became an issue for poultry farms, and some mammals as well (including cows). We saw cow-to-cow transmission in 2024 which was a problematic mutation. So far, we haven’t seen any human-to-human spread, though scientists are monitoring this closely.
Most cases in humans have been in people who have close contact with animals, but some are a little mysterious. Most cases are fairly mild and are probably underreported, but unfortunately, some can be quite severe. One interesting fact is that conjunctivitis is a fairly common feature of this illness in humans. Severe symptoms and death have been primarily in people with weaker immune systems, underlying medical problems, or a very large “dose” from occupational exposure.
FYI, flu tests can be positive for both Flu A and Bird Flu. Tamiflu does work especially if started very early. If you have had close contact with farm animals (especially poultry and cows), or sick birds, that would be helpful for us to know as we make decisions about treatment.
Here’s the skinny right now:
- Don’t worry too much yet.
- Worry more about the flu we can prevent. It’s not too late to get your flu shot.
- Don’t touch wild birds, and try to keep your pets from having contact with wild birds. I have a story about this and our dog, Selkie, so ask me if you’re in the office.
- If you have chickens on your property, you should check in with the CDC for recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/caring/index.html
- Backyard birdfeeders are OK, yay!! Wash them every few weeks: https://www.wbu.com/bird-feeder-care-cleaning/
- Don’t drink unpasteurized milk and do not feed it to your pets.
- We promise to yell and shout if things change and there is more to worry about!
I relied on information from the CDC, the USDA, and YLE (Your Local Epidemiologist) Katelyn Jetalina, MD who saved my life during the pandemic. I think she’s the bee’s knees and is worth a follow: https://www.yourlocalepidemiologist.co/
Comprehensive info:
Please contact our office if you have further questions.
