H5N1 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know with Dr. Charles Bloom
With bird flu cases popping up across the US and now Canada, many are wondering: What does this mean for me? To get some clarity, we sat down with HAP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Charles Bloom, to break down the essentials on H5N1 and share how we can protect ourselves.
Charles Bloom, DO, FACOEP
HAP Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer
Q: What is bird flu, and should people be concerned?
Dr. Bloom: Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a virus that usually infects birds but can occasionally spread to livestock and, in rare cases, to people. The H5N1 strain is the one making headlines right now. While it can cause respiratory symptoms in humans, the CDC assures us that the risk of it spreading from person to person is currently very low.
Q: What symptoms should people be watching for?
Dr. Bloom: The symptoms vary. Some people might get mild issues like eye redness, fever, or a sore throat, while others could experience more serious problems like shortness of breath or pneumonia. If you start to feel sick, it’s best to isolate for 10 days and check in with your local health department for advice on testing and treatment.
Q: How is H5N1 spreading in the U.S.?
Dr. Bloom: We’re seeing H5N1 mostly in animals—dairy cattle, poultry, and wild birds. Thankfully, there’s no sign that it’s spreading from person to person. Health officials are keeping an eye on the situation to make sure we’re informed if that changes.
Q: Does the seasonal flu shot help protect against bird flu?
Dr. Bloom: While the flu shot won’t prevent H5N1 directly, it’s still a great idea. Getting vaccinated reduces your risk of catching the seasonal flu, which in turn lowers your chance of being infected by both flu strains at once—a scenario that could lead to new flu strains. So yes, it’s a helpful preventative measure, especially if you’re around animals.
Q: What precautions should people who work around animals be taking?
Dr. Bloom: Using personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, and eye protection is crucial if you’re in close contact with animals in affected areas. Also, stick to pasteurized milk and thoroughly cooked meat—cooking and pasteurization are reliable ways to kill viruses.
Stay Safe and Informed
The seasonal flu vaccine is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, so make it a priority this season. If you have questions or need help finding a doctor, HAP’s “find a doctor” tool is a great resource to help you stay safe and informed.