What we can do now to minimize the risks of a bird flu epidemic
October 29, 2024
Bird flu is a strain of influenza A (usually H5N1) which historically affects wild and domesticated birds but has more recently caused illness and death among many mammals, including cats, alpacas, and cows. Avian influenza has been identified in wild birds in every state, and in domesticated fowl in 48 states. Avian flu has infected dairy cows in 14 states.
Epidemiologists have been worried about avian influenza for over a decade. Influenza strains mutate quickly, and they worry that this virus could mutate to be transmissible from human to human. Historically, cases of bird flu in humans have had high mortality rates -- so a bird flu human epidemic could look like the beginning of the COVID pandemic. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against avian flu.
Avian influenza has also been identified in 27 humans, although there has not been a documented case of person-to-person transmission (so far). Wastewater studies suggest that human cases are substantially underreported.
Implications for employers:
This is a good year to double down on recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccine. Higher rates of vaccination will make it less likely that people will be co-infected with human and bird flu, which could promote viral mutation that could lead to much more deadly bird flu.
Employers can check to be sure that influenza vaccinations are covered without member cost sharing in both the pharmacy and the medical plan, so that members can receive these vaccines at a provider office or a pharmacy.
Workplace transmission of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and any type of infuenza, can be minimized by better indoor air quality (more air exchanges and more filtration) and by use of masks if there is widespread respiratory disease.
Employers may consider updating the emergency protocols they likely designed during the COVID pandemic, including air quality considerations, cleaning, and triggers to move to remote work where possible.
When the flu season ramps up, employees with influenza symptoms should seek medical care. Antiviral medicines are effective in decreasing symptoms and hospitalizations if given within three days of symptoms, and it’s likely that available antiviral medications would be effective against avian influenza.
Availability of sick leave or PTO helps encourage workers who have respiratory illnesses not to come to the workplace where they can infect others.