Federal Experts Talk Bird Flu ‘What Ifs’ in WebMD Live Event
Bird Flu: What If It Spreads to People?
On February 28, 2023, WebMD hosted a live event featuring federal experts who discussed the recent outbreak of bird flu and the potential risks it poses to humans. The experts included:
* Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
* Dr. Robert Redfield, former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
* Dr. Nancy Messonnier, Director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
The experts discussed a number of topics related to bird flu, including:
* The current outbreak of bird flu and its spread to humans
* The symptoms of bird flu in humans
* The risk of bird flu to humans
* The treatments for bird flu
* The prevention of bird flu
The experts emphasized that the current outbreak of bird flu is a serious public health concern, but that the risk of it spreading to humans is low. They also stressed the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of bird flu, such as avoiding contact with infected birds and practicing good hygiene.
Key Takeaways from the WebMD Live Event
* The current outbreak of bird flu is the largest and most widespread in history.
* The virus has been detected in birds in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
* So far, there have been no confirmed cases of bird flu in humans in the United States.
* The risk of bird flu spreading to humans is low, but it is important to take steps to prevent it.
* Symptoms of bird flu in humans can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.
* Those at high risk for infection should avoid contact with live poultry.
* If you think you may be infected with bird flu, see a doctor right away.
Additional Resources
* [CDC: Bird Flu](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/index.htm)
* [WHO: Avian Influenza](https://www.who.int/emergencies/avian-influenza)
* [USDA: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/ai