There’s been a recent uptick in bird flu cases.
But does this mean another pandemic could be on the way?
See what our experts had to say.
This is the first reported case of the H5N1 bird flu in humans in Canada.
We dont know how he got his infection, but he did not spread it to anybody else.
Given the events of theCOVID-19 pandemicin the past five years, its hard not to feel panicked.
infectious disease physician at Cleveland Clinic
This might bring you some relief: experts say theres truly no need to panic right now.
Is there an immediate risk to the average person in the US?
The risk is as close to zero as it can get, Dr. Schaffner says.
Are we in public health and infectious diseases and the veterinarian community watching this like a hawk?
you’re free to be sure.
We have already developed a blueprint for making a bird flu vaccine.
We have treatment available should it become necessary.
What is bird fluand who is at risk?
The current bird flu outbreak has been developing for years.
infectious disease physician at Cleveland Clinic
The virus has infected a range of animals, includingsealsandminks, and many domesticchicken flocksanddairy herds.
The people who are most likely to contract bird flu right now are agricultural workers, Dr. Dumford adds.
But many precautions have been put in place to protect them.
Thesymptoms of bird fluin humans are similar to symptoms because of other flu viruses, Dr. Schaffner says.
They include cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and muscle aches.
For the most part, cases have been relatively mild to this point, Dr. Dumford says.
(Note: underlying conditions are any chronic or long-term illness that requires ongoing treatment.
This could range from conditions like diabetes and liver disease to autoimmune disorders and cancer.)
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Despite this, experts are still advising everyone to stay calm.
I wouldnt be too worried at this point, Dr. Dumford says.
Dr. Dumford also adds that there have beeninternational casesin Asia, Europe, and South America.
Could another pandemic be possible?
Nobody can say how the virus might evolve and whether it might eventually become more dangerous to humans.
We cant predict when or whether this will happen, Dr. Schaffner says.
For what its worth, infectious disease experts dont want you to lose any sleep over this right now.
Take a breath, unclench your jaw, and rest your shoulders.
How can you protect yourself?
Most people probably arent engaging in activities that raise their risk of exposure to bird flu.
While youre at it you should get your seasonal flu vaccine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) does constant surveillance for influenza, Dr. Schaffner says.
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