Birds, cows, people.
You've likely seen recent headlines about bird flu, and if you're unsure about your level of concern, you're not alone. It’s natural to feel unsettled when health news hits close to home.
On the one hand, we’ve heard about viruses like MERS, Ebola, and Zika over the years — scary-sounding illnesses that didn’t end up having a big impact in the U.S. But then there’s another side of the coin: the Covid pandemic, which showed us how quickly a virus can change everything.
Now, H5N1, also known as avian influenza or the H5N1 bird flu, is making waves. It’s spreading to mammals and even causing a handful of human cases in the U.S. and Canada, with concerns about possible human-to-human transmission. While it’s not time to panic, it’s definitely worth paying attention.
Understanding the risks and staying prepared can be crucial for HR and other leaders in supporting their teams.
What is Bird Flu?
Bird flu, officially called H5N1, is a type of influenza virus that mainly affects birds, especially chickens, ducks, and other poultry, even pet birds. It’s also referred to as avian influenza because of its strong connection to wild birds and domestic poultry populations. The virus has been circulating for decades, but it first caught global attention in the late 1990s when an outbreak in southern China not only devastated chicken farms but also caused the first documented human cases. Eighteen people were infected, and six died, sparking global concern.
The virus spreads easily among wild aquatic birds, often wiping out large populations. This has severe implications for food supplies, farmers’ livelihoods, and economies. While rare, H5N1 can also infect humans, typically when they come into direct contact with a sick or dead bird, infected poultry, or even a wild bird.
When people are infected with bird flu, symptoms can vary widely. In some cases, individuals might experience no symptoms at all, or only mild issues like red, sore eyes or mild respiratory discomfort. However, certain strains of avian flu virus can cause more severe symptoms, including sore throat, fever, and fatigue, similar to those of the seasonal flu.
What’s different now? The bird flu virus has recently spread to mammals, including dairy cows and other animals in parts of the U.S. and abroad. This means the H5N1 virus is adapting and moving beyond its usual bird hosts. Health experts are monitoring the potential for it to become a more infectious disease, possibly leading to H5N1 infections in larger populations of humans and animals. Cases involving backyard flocks and domestic birds have also raised concerns about transmission risks in rural areas.
The takeaway? Bird flu isn’t new, but its ability to evolve and impact both animals and humans keeps it on the radar as a potential threat. For workplaces in certain industries, like agriculture and food processing, understanding how to manage infectious diseases like the highly pathogenic avian influenza is critical.
Why Should Employers Care?
The recent spread of H5N1 raises concerns about potential workplace impacts, especially in industries like farming, food processing, and animal care. As of December 20, 2024, 61 bird flu cases were reported in the United States, many linked to infected birds, including poultry farms and backyard poultry.
Most concerning is that at least four people tested positive without having had direct contact with a sick animal, including a teenager in British Columbia who remains in critical condition. This raises the possibility that the avian influenza virus might be capable of human-to-human transmission, which could lead to much more rapid disease spread.
Even if the likelihood of widespread transmission is low, staying ahead of health risks builds trust among employees and positions your organization as proactive and caring.
Here’s the good news: Human-to-human transmission of H5N1 is rare.
Cases in people tend to be less severe lately, possibly due to immunity from past influenza viruses. For now, bird flu isn’t a big immediate threat to most workplaces. However, disease control measures and preparedness are essential to staying ahead of potential risks.
How Can HR Leaders Prepare
While bird flu might not be knocking on your office door, being ready for crises is always a smart move. Here are some tips:
1. Educate Your Team
Share basic facts about avian influenza with employees, especially if your industry involves animals. Provide resources from trusted health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) or the CDC to cut through misinformation.
2. Review Health Policies
Now’s a great time to revisit workplace hygiene policies. Do you have protocols in place for sick leave, handwashing, and workplace cleanliness to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?
3. Stay in the Loop
Encourage your leaders to follow updates from credible sources like the CDC or WHO. Regular updates can help you adjust policies as needed.
4. Consider Offering Flu Vaccinations
Although the seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with avian flu viruses, it can reduce the risk of co-infections with human influenza.
Proactive Tips for Protecting Your Team
When it comes to bird flu infection, small proactive steps can make a big difference in keeping your team safe and informed. Here are a few practical tips to share with employees and incorporate into workplace wellness initiatives:
1. Choose Pasteurized Products
Encourage employees to avoid raw milk and raw milk products. Consuming pasteurized milk is the best way to ensure safety for themselves and their families. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and viruses, including those that might be associated with H5N1.
2. Handle and Cook Poultry Safely
Let employees know that properly handled and thoroughly cooked poultry is safe to eat in the U.S. Share reminders about basic food safety practices, like washing hands and utensils after handling raw poultry and cooking meat to the appropriate internal temperature.
3. Be Cautious with Products from Infected Animals
For industries involving cattle or other animals potentially exposed to H5 viruses, emphasize the importance of proper handling and preparation of animal products. Stay updated on any recommendations from health authorities regarding these products and communicate them to your team.
4. Promote Workplace Hygiene
Encourage simple hygiene practices like frequent handwashing, sanitizing shared surfaces, and avoiding contact with sick birds and infected animals. These habits can reduce the risk of severe illness from various sources, not just bird flu.
By sharing these tips with your employees, you can help them feel confident and prepared while building a culture of health and safety in your workplace.
The Bottom Line
While bird flu might not be your top workplace concern, its recent rise in the news makes it something to keep on your radar. For HR and wellness leaders, staying informed about potential health risks is essential to fostering a safe, supportive, and prepared work environment.
Here’s the truth: employees thrive in workplaces that prioritize their well-being. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your team and strengthen trust, boost morale, and build a more resilient organization. Health challenges are opportunities to show you care.
