3 steps to protect your family from bird flu exposure

Bird flu, or avian influenza, might sound like something only farmers or birdwatchers need to worry about — but that’s not the case. With recent outbreaks making headlines and health experts keeping a close eye on how it spreads, it's smart for families to know how to stay safe.

Here’s the good news: with a few simple habits, you can seriously lower the risk of bird flu exposure in your home. Let’s break it down:

What is bird flu and how does it spread?

Bird flu is a type of flu virus that mostly affects birds — especially wild waterfowl like ducks and geese—but it can sometimes infect people, too. The most well-known strains are H5N1 and H5N8. While rare, human infections can happen and tend to be serious.

So how does it spread? Here’s what you should know:

• Direct contact with infected birds (alive or dead)
• Touching surfaces contaminated with bird droppings or saliva
• In rare cases, limited human-to-human transmission may occur
  

Bird flu has been popping up more often, with recent alerts from the CDC warning people — especially those in rural areas or near bird habitats — to be cautious. But no matter where you live, taking precautions matters.

Step 1 – practice safe hygiene around birds

Good hygiene can go a long way, whether you’re visiting a farm, a petting zoo, or just out for a walk in the park.

Here’s what you can do:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after being outdoors or near birds.
• Don’t touch wild birds — even if they look sick or injured. Teach kids to admire birds from a distance.
• Avoid feeding birds with your hands or touching bird feeders and birdbaths without gloves.

Pro-tip for parents: Make handwashing a fun routine for kids after outdoor play. Use a song or timer to ensure they scrub for at least 20 seconds!

Step 2 – know the symptoms and stay vigilant

If bird flu does spread to humans, catching it early is key. Symptoms can look a lot like seasonal flu, so it’s important to be alert.

Look out for these symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea, eye infections, or trouble breathing (more rare)

If anyone in your household shows severe flu-like symptoms—especially after contact with birds or bird-related environments — it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Early testing and antiviral treatment can make a big difference.

Step 3 – limit exposure and be prepared

While you can’t eliminate all risks, you can reduce exposure by making some smart choices:

• Avoid live bird markets or places with recent outbreak reports
• Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly — yes, bird flu can be killed by heat
• Consider adding air purifiers to your home, especially during flu season
• Keep disposable gloves and masks handy for cleanup or emergencies
• Sign up for updates from trusted sources like the CDC or World Health Organization

Staying informed helps you act fast if cases start rising in your area.

When to visit urgent care for flu-like symptoms

If you or a family member starts feeling flu-ish — especially after a possible exposure—don’t wait it out at home. Head to urgent care, especially if symptoms are getting worse or if there are breathing problems.

Solv makes it easy to find and book urgent care appointments near you. Skip the wait, get answers, and start feeling better—fast.

Worried about bird flu? Don’t be! With a few simple steps, you can help protect your family and stay one step ahead. Stay smart, stay clean, and book a visit with urgent care through Solv if you’re in any doubt.