Bird Flu: What Seniors Need to Know

You may be seeing headlines about the current Bird Flu outbreak in the United States. This article will assure older adults that they have little reason to be concerned with the Bird Flu impacting their health and outlines what illnesses they should be worried about this season.

What is the Bird Flu?

The Bird Flu is a viral infection, similar to the seasonal flu, that often spreads between birds and rarely affects humans. The Bird Flu is also sometimes called avian influenza and the H5N1 virus. The Bird Flu can be spread by working closely with infected birds, cows, raw milk or other infected animals.

Why is the Bird Flu making headlines?

In January 2025, a Louisiana man caught the Bird Flu from his backyard flock of chickens and died - being the first person in the country to die from the virus.

The Bird Flu is also impacting the price of eggs across the country. This is because a number of egg laying hens have died of Bird Flu at farms in the last few months.

Who should be worried about catching the Bird Flu?

The risk of contracting Bird Flu is very low. To date there have only been 67 human cases of the current virus in the US and none of these cases have spread human to human (meaning you can’t catch the bird flu from your neighbor). Farmers, wildlife workers and people who handle chickens, turkeys, waterfowl and dairy cows are most at risk.There is also some risk for people who have chickens in their backyard and those who drink raw milk.

Should seniors worry about the Bird Flu?

Again the risk of contracting the bird flu is very very low for the general population. The CDC says the chance of any public outbreak remains low and most of the 67 human cases have remained mild. Unless you have frequent, direct contact with chickens and livestock you should not be concerned about catching the Bird Flu.

How can seniors protect themselves against the Bird Flu?

Avoid contact with sick farm animals. Wash your hands and wear gloves if you do need to touch livestock and chickens. Lastly, you should not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk

What flu is most dangerous for seniors?

Influenza A (or Flu A) is considered the most dangerous type of flu for seniors, because it tends to cause more severe symptoms and complications, like pneumonia The majority of flu-related deaths in older individuals are attributed to influenza A. The best way to protect yourself against Flu A is to get the seasonal flu vaccine every year.

Learn more about the flu vaccine here.

Should older adults be worried about the Flu this year?

Older adults are always at higher risk of serious flu and flu-related complications including pneumonia and hospitalization. In the winter many regions of the country experience flu outbreaks. To see if your city is experiencing a flu outbreak check out the CDC’s activity map.

How can seniors protect themselves against the Flu?

Seasonal vaccinations can help you safeguard your health, providing immunity to diseases that can become serious if you’re not protected.

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