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Avian influenza (H5N1)

What Should I Do?

Based on CDC and WHO guidance, checked against those sources on Oct 12, 2026. Educational information only — not a diagnosis or a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional.

1 · Prevention

  • Avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals; don't touch them — report them to wildlife or agriculture authorities.
  • If you work with animals that may be infected, wear protective equipment (a fitted respirator, eye protection and gloves) as recommended.
  • Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or eat raw milk products; cook poultry, eggs and beef to a safe internal temperature.
  • Keep pets away from sick or dead animals, and don't feed pets raw pet food or raw milk.

Vaccines & preventive medicines

  • Seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H5N1 but is recommended for people who work with animals to reduce the chance of being infected with both viruses at once.
  • Antiviral medicines can treat bird flu and may be recommended after a high-risk exposure. A healthcare professional or health department will decide.

2 · Possible exposure

  • Watch for symptoms for 10 days after your last exposure to infected or possibly infected animals.
  • Contact your local health department — they may offer testing or preventive antiviral medicine.
  • If symptoms start, stay home away from others and seek testing promptly.

3 · Symptoms or illness

  • Contact a healthcare provider or health department right away and tell them about your animal exposure — call ahead.
  • Stay home and away from other people, including household members, until advised otherwise.
  • Antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Protect family & others

  • Isolate while sick and until cleared by health officials.
  • Wash hands after any animal contact and before touching your face.
  • Health departments set isolation and monitoring periods for bird flu cases — follow their instructions.

Groups at higher risk of severe illness

  • Workers on dairy and poultry farms, slaughterhouses, and culling operations
  • Backyard flock owners
  • Hunters handling wild birds
  • Veterinarians and wildlife workers
  • If infected, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions may be more likely to become very sick
Avian influenza (H5N1) · OutbreakWatch