Avian influenza better known as Bird Flu has long been a threat to birds and some livestock. A recent finding suggests that it could be more dangerous than we previously thought. A study has raised concerns about the spread of the H5N1 strain of bird flu through the air. Now this has become an important moment to understand why the air we breathe might carry more risk than we realise.
What is H5N1 and how does it spread?
The H5N1 form of bird flu mostly impacts birds, but it can potentially infect animals including people. Although direct contact with infected birds or their droppings is the main way that it is spread, a 2024 study shows that the virus may have evolved to spread through the air under certain conditions. This could increase the risk of infection, especially in places like farms and dairy enterprises where people work closely with animals.
Concerns about airborne transmission
A study that was published in Nature Microbiology examined how H5N1 spreads through the air. Research that looked at virus particles from sick ferrets found that newer strains of the virus, particularly those from 2022 and 2024, have a little stronger propensity to spread by air than older strains. This means that the virus may still be harmful in specific circumstances even though it is not as readily transmitted through the air as the human flu.
The researchers found that while the virus’s airborne transmission is limited, it is nonetheless conceivable. Some ferrets infected with the 2022 and 2024 H5N1 strains were discovered to exude modest amounts of virus into the air. This is a significant change, as older H5N1 strains did not show any airborne shedding.
Why should we be concerned?
The possibility of H5N1 spreading through the air is concerning especially since close contact between humans and animals may make the virus easier to spread. Workers on farms, in dairy farms, and in similar settings, for example, may be more susceptible to exposure, particularly if the virus keeps changing.
While air transmission is still much less efficient than other flu viruses, such as seasonal H1N1, the study says that the virus could still be a threat, especially in areas with high levels of exposure. The genetic mutations in newer strains of H5N1 may help the virus spread more efficiently in mammals which will further increase the risk.
What’s being done to monitor the situation?
Scientists are closely monitoring how the H5N1 virus is evolving, especially since it has shown a mild increase in its ability to spread through the air. Researchers are studying the virus’s behaviour in both animals and humans to better understand how it might adapt to air transmission.
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How to stay safe
While the risk of airborne bird flu is still relatively low, there are steps as per the US CDC that you can take to reduce the chances of infection:
- Avoid contact with infectious animals: Stay cautious of sick or bird flu-exposed animals and birds. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when working with animals to reduce exposure.
- Maintain proper hygiene by frequently washing your hands, particularly after visiting places where animals are kept
- Observe public health recommendations: Stay informed of any local avian flu public health advisories. If there are outbreaks in adjacent farms or livestock facilities, authorities will give you advice on how to be safe.
- Raw milk or raw milk products should not be handled or consumed, especially if they come from animals that have a proven or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.
- Monitor for symptoms: If you experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
