people who have been infected, but it does not seem to have been transmitted further,” Schaffner says. “It doesn’t seem to have adapted to us.” Osterholm adds that while the risk to humans is low, it’s not zero. “We need to continue to monitor it closely,” he says. “We need to make sure that if it does start to show signs of spreading to humans, we’re on top of it very quickly.” How can you protect yourself and your family? The best way to protect yourself and your family from bird flu is to practice good hygiene and food safety habits. This includes washing your hands regularly, especially before and after handling poultry products. Cook eggs and poultry thoroughly, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs and meat. Additionally, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and wear protective gear if you work in the poultry industry. If you have concerns about bird flu in your area, stay informed through reliable sources like the CDC, FDA, and USDA. And if you start to experience flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. As for getting a flu shot, the CDC says it’s always a good idea to protect yourself against seasonal influenza, which can help prevent the spread of other flu viruses as well. Overall, while the presence of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. is concerning, public health experts are actively monitoring the situation and taking steps to prevent its spread to humans. By staying informed and following basic hygiene and food safety practices, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from this infectious disease.\”
