Share on PinterestThough avian influenza (often known as hen flu) primarily spreads amongst birds and domesticated fowl like chickens, it could unfold to mammals, together with people. Tao Xu/Getty ImagesH5N1 is a type of hen flu that’s elevating considerations amongst well being officialsThe virus has been round for 25 years and barely spreads to humanStill, latest experiences of outbreaks in different mammals have officers monitoring the state of affairs closelySince the World Well being Group (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, different viruses have additionally circulated in giant numbers. In 2022, and declared states of emergency in response to , a viral an infection with hallmark lesions. And a (COVID, flu, and RSV) alarmed consultants this winter.People could also be sick of being — and listening to — about illness. However consultants at the moment are involved about one other virus, H5N1 influenza, often known as the hen flu.At a on Wednesday, February 8, WHO officers harassed that the threat to people was low however wanted to be monitored intently. Nonetheless, the unfold of H5N1 — a virus generally affecting poultry and birds — is elevating flags and questions, together with whether or not hen flu might begin one other pandemic. Under are solutions from well being consultants to a few of the commonest questions folks have about hen flu, the potential risks, and how one can finest defend your self.