Welcome to Bird Flu Risk? Avian Flu & You, Explained. I’m here for your personal three-minute risk check on the current bird flu, or avian influenza, situation. Let’s break down exactly what you should know about your risk—based on where you live, your job, your age, and your health.

First, the basics: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall risk for the general U.S. population from the bird flu is considered low as of late 2025. But, your individual risk may be higher if you’re exposed directly to infected animals or contaminated environments. So let’s personalize that further.

Are you a poultry, dairy, or livestock worker? Maybe a veterinarian, public health responder, or someone who works at a zoo or sanctuary? If so, your risk increases, especially with prolonged, unprotected contact with infected birds, cows, or animals, or their waste, feathers, or milk. Farmers, animal cullers, and those handling raw milk or dead birds are higher-risk. Hunters and backyard flock owners also have more exposure than the average person. The World Organisation for Animal Health notes that risk for those with animal contact ranges from low to moderate, depending on how well you protect yourself and whether local outbreaks are underway.

Now, flip to location—if you live or work near an area with known animal outbreaks, your risk is a notch higher. This goes up if there are outbreaks at local farms or if you’re around wild birds, especially in affected regions.

Age matters. According to the CDC, older adults face a higher risk of severe illness if exposed. Young, healthy adults and children are less likely to get seriously ill, though it’s not impossible. Chronic medical conditions also raise your chances of complications if infected.

Let’s walk through a risk calculator together in narrative form.
- Imagine you’re a healthy office worker living in a city with no recent outbreaks, no animal contact: your risk is very low.
- Now picture a dairy worker helping with infected cows in your county—not wearing protective gear daily. Your risk is higher, especially if proper protection isn’t used.
- Or say you’re an elderly backyard chicken keeper with heart disease in an area with active poultry outbreaks: this is a scenario for increased vigilance. Wear protective gear, avoid direct contact when possible, and clean up carefully.

So, what does guidance look like?
- High-risk individuals—anyone with frequent animal contact, people over age 65, or those with chronic health conditions—should use respirators or well-fitted masks, gloves when handling animals, and wash thoroughly after all contact. Stay alert for symptoms like fever, cough, or eye irritation. Seek medical care early if you’re worried.
- For those at low risk—urban dwellers, workers outside agriculture, and healthy adults without animal contact—standard hygiene is enough. For you, the risk is very low and there’s no need to worry unless you have direct exposure.

Any need for extra worry? Only if you’re exposed to infected animals or their waste, or if you’re older or have health problems. For everyone, being informed but not alarmed is key. If you develop flu-like symptoms after animal contact, contact your health provider promptly.

Thanks for tuning in to Bird Flu Risk? Avian Flu & You, Explained. Come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production. And for me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI