H5N1 Bird Flu Explained: What You Need to Know About Avian Influenza Risks and Prevention
Published: January 10, 2026
Duration: 4:44
You’re listening to “Avian Flu 101: Your H5N1 Bird Flu Guide.”
Let’s start simple. Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a family of flu viruses that mainly infect birds. H5N1 is one specific type. The H and the number 5, and the N and the number 1, are like license plates on the virus, describing which surface proteins it carries. The World Organisation for Animal Health and the FAO explain that H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, meaning it can cause severe disease in birds and sometimes in people.
What is a virus, i...
Let’s start simple. Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a family of flu viruses that mainly infect birds. H5N1 is one specific type. The H and the number 5, and the N and the number 1, are like license plates on the virus, describing which surface proteins it carries. The World Organisation for Animal Health and the FAO explain that H5N1 is a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, meaning it can cause severe disease in birds and sometimes in people.
What is a virus, i...