Avian influenza A(H5N1), commonly known as bird flu or avian flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds but has the potential to infect humans and other animals. Since its emergence in 1997, H5N1 has been a persistent public health concern due to its high mortality rate in human cases and the potential for viral mutations that could facilitate human-to-human transmission.
With increasing cases of H5N1 in birds across Canada and globally, healthcare professionals must stay informed about transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies to effectively manage potential cases.
Human cases of H5N1 infection are rare and primarily result from direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, such as live poultry markets. The virus is shed through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces, increasing the risk of exposure when handling sick or dead birds.
Although human-to-human transmission is rare, past outbreaks have raised concerns about the virus evolving to become more transmissible. Additionally, H5N1 has been detected in cattle and wild mammals, demonstrating its ability to spread beyond birds.
H5N1 does not currently spread easily between humans, but exposure to infected animals remains a significant risk. Healthcare professionals should remain alert to potential zoonotic transmission.
The incubation period for H5N1 ranges from one to five days but can extend up to nine days. Early symptoms resemble seasonal influenza and often include:
Some patients may also experience diarrhea, conjunctivitis, or gum bleeding.
Severe cases can progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndro
me (ARDS), and multi-organ failure. Neurological symptoms, including confusion and seizures, have also been reported in some cases.
Approximately 50% of confirmed cases have been fatal, though this figure may overestimate the true fatality rate due to undiagnosed mild infections.
A confirmed diagnosis of H5N1 requires:
Healthcare providers should have a high index of suspicion for H5N1 in patients presenting with severe respiratory illness and rece
nt exposure to birds or animals in affected areas.
Currently, neuraminidase inhibitors are the first-line treatment:
For severe cases, supportive care is critical, including:
Given the high risk of complications, early antiviral treatment is strongly advised for suspected cases, even before laboratory confirmation.
Currently, no H5N1 vaccine is available for humans, making preventive measures essential.
While human cases remain rare, the ongoing spread of H5N1 in birds and other animals increases the risk of future outbreaks. Physicians and pharmacists play a critical role in:
Staying informed about emerging research, surveillance data, and best practices is essential for managing potential cases.
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This information is based on official updates from the Government of Canada as of Tuesday, February 11, 2025. For the latest guidelines, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Avian Influenza page.
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2025, February 11). Avian Influenza A(H5N1). Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/avian-influenza-h5n1.html
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2025, February 11). Avian Influenza A(H5N1) – Information for Health Professionals. Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/avian-influenza-h5n1/health-professionals.html
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