Bird Flu (H5N1) and Your Child: What Parents Need to Know

The phrase "Bird Flu" (Avian Influenza) has appeared frequently in the news lately, primarily concerning outbreaks in poultry and wild animals. As parents, hearing about any new virus naturally raises questions about your child’s safety. Our infectious disease expert, Dr. Tina Tan, answers your questions about the current bird flu risk, transmission and the simple steps you can take to protect your family's health.

What is Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) and H5N1? 

Bird Flu, or Avian Influenza, is a type of influenza A virus that primarily infects birds (like chickens, ducks and wild fowl). While there are many subtypes, H5N1 is the specific strain that has recently been in the news due to its spread among wild birds, domestic poultry and certain mammals (such as dairy cows and pigs). 

Currently, the risk of transmission to the general public, including children, remains low. While human infections are rare, they usually occur after very close, prolonged contact with infected animals. This may include backyard chickens that are exposed to and infected to the Bird Flu virus by wild birds.  

How does Bird Flu affect humans and children? 

The way humans contract the H5N1 virus is fundamentally different from seasonal flu. Most human cases linked to H5N1 have resulted from direct and unprotected contact with infected animals, such as: 

• Handling sick or dead poultry
• Visiting farms, markets or environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals

Bird Flu is currently NOT spreading from person to person. This is the key difference from common seasonal flu. 

What are the symptoms of Bird Flu? 

If a child were to become infected, the symptoms are similar to those of severe seasonal flu, often appearing within a few days of exposure, including: 

• Fever (usually high)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (which can be a sign of pneumonia)
• Eye redness (conjunctivitis)

How to Prevent Bird Flu 

While the risk is very low, preventative awareness is the best tool for protecting your family. Follow these common-sense hygiene and safety guidelines: 

1. Teach Safe Animal Interaction 

Teach children never to touch sick, dead or injured wild birds or any other wild animals. Report sightings of sick or dead birds to local wildlife authorities, not your pediatrician. If visiting farms or petting zoos, ensure children wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching animals, especially before eating or touching their faces. 

2. Food Safety is Key  

The risk of contracting Bird Flu from properly handled and cooked food is very small. The H5N1 virus is destroyed by heat. Ensure all poultry, eggs, and meat are cooked to the appropriate internal temperature. Do not consume raw (unpasteurized) milk or undercooked poultry. 

3. Reinforce Everyday Hygiene 

The same rules that fight common colds and seasonal flu also protect against avian flu. Encourage frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water. Remind children to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. And remember to stay home if someone in your family is sick, develops a fever or severe respiratory symptoms. 

When to Call Your Pediatrician 

If your child develops flu-like symptoms and has had close contact with sick or dead birds or other farm animals within the last 10 days, call your child's pediatrician immediately. Tell the clinic about the animal exposure so they can take appropriate steps to assess the situation and coordinate with public health authorities if necessary. 

Our priority is always the health and safety of your child. By staying informed and practicing these simple precautions, you are taking the best steps to protect your family. 

Learn more about Lurie Children's Infectous Disease Division

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