Bird Flu Treatment: Which Medications Work?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza A (H5N1), is a type of viral infection that primarily affects birds but can uncommonly infect humans as well – usually those in close contact with infected poultry or livestock.

Human infections from bird flu are extremely rare, and the CDC currently considers bird flu to be a low risk to public health. But like the seasonal flu, early treatment is key to reducing bird flu symptoms and preventing complications like pneumonia or death. Read on to explore available bird flu treatment options, how to tell if you have bird flu, and when to seek medical care.

How do I know if I have bird flu?

If you aren’t in direct contact with farm animals, it is highly unlikely that you have the bird flu. As of February 2025, all human cases of bird flu in the US have been poultry farm workers or dairy workers in close contact with infected birds and livestock.

If you do have close exposure to animals such as poultry and cows, common symptoms of bird flu in humans include:

• Eye redness or discharge (conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”)
• Cough or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea and/or vomiting (more rarely)
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches and/or fatigue
• Fever (100°F or higher)
  
  

However, you can’t tell if you have the bird flu from symptoms alone – you’ll need to have your doctor order a bird flu lab test in order to confirm. This usually consists of a throat or nasal swab (or eye swab, if you’re exhibiting signs of pink eye) that is administered by a healthcare provider and sent to a lab for analysis.

What is the best treatment for bird flu?

Antiviral treatments are considered to be the best treatment for avian influenza A viruses. Commonly-prescribed antiviral medications for bird flu include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Peramivir (Rapivab)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)
  
  

If taken within 48 hours of developing symptoms, these medications are very effective at preventing the avian flu virus from replicating and reducing the severity of your symptoms.

How does bird flu spread?

Bird flu usually spreads from bird to bird, and sometimes from birds to mammals. The virus is spread via contact with a sick bird’s saliva or feces.

Because the strain of influenza we call “bird flu” is specifically adapted and designed to spread within birds, it’s extremely rare for humans to spread bird flu to other humans. As of February 2025, there have not been any reported instances of bird flu spreading from one human to another in the US.

People like farmers, veterinarians, and wildlife workers who interact​ with infected dairy cows, poultry, or wildlife ​have a greater risk of infection because of the frequent, close contact with animals.

If you are near animals that are sick with bird flu, or if you suspect that they are sick with bird flu, the CDC recommends wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when touching sick or dead birds, their droppings, or surfaces that could be contaminated such as water or troughs.

Can humans recover from bird flu?

Yes, most humans recover from the bird flu virus. Like with seasonal influenza and other flus, bird flu symptoms can range in severity depending on risk factors. People who are older, immunocompromised, pregnant, or living with a chronic condition have a higher risk of severe illness.

What kills the avian flu virus?

If you’ve been infected by bird flu, your immune system will work to kill the virus. Antivirals can also help your body attack the virus and boost your immune system.

Additionally, the avian flu virus cannot survive pasteurization (the process of heating certain foods and liquids to a high temperature to kill bacteria and viruses). This is why pasteurized dairy products are considered safe for consumption – and one of the reasons why healthcare providers recommend against drinking raw milk!

It’s important to note that eggs within their shells (like the ones you get in cartons at the grocery store) are unpasteurized. To ensure that all bacteria and viruses are killed, the CDC recommends cooking eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F before eating them.

How Sesame can help

If you’ve tested positive for bird flu, a clinician on Sesame may be able to prescribe treatment during a same-day online doctor appointment.

During your visit, your provider can review your lab results, assess your symptoms and prescribe an antiviral medication like Tamiflu if appropriate. After your appointment, your provider will send any prescribed medications to your local pharmacy for same-day pickup.