Blog — The Children's Clinic

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): What Families Should Know

Birds across the United States can contract avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu or H5N1. But what does this mean for your family? Here’s what parents need to know about bird flu, how it spreads, and how to reduce exposure.

What Causes Bird Flu?

Bird flu is caused by avian influenza type A viruses, with the H5N1 strain currently circulating in the U.S. This virus primarily affects birds worldwide but has been detected in other animals and, in rare cases, humans.

Is Bird Flu Spreading in the U.S.?

Wild birds can carry and spread the virus, leading to outbreaks in poultry farms. In 2022, bird flu was found in wild birds in the U.S. for the first time since 2016, and multiple states have since reported cases in poultry and wild bird populations. These outbreaks have led to the loss of millions of chickens, impacting egg availability and prices.

Does Bird Flu Only Affect Birds?

While bird flu is most common in wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, it can spread to other animals. The virus can be transmitted through an infected bird’s saliva, nasal discharge, and droppings. Families raising backyard poultry or keeping birds as pets should take precautions.

In 2024, bird flu was identified in dairy cattle for the first time, spreading concern beyond birds. Additionally, several cats in Texas died after drinking raw milk from infected cows, and some indoor cats became sick after consuming contaminated raw pet food. The virus has even been linked to the deaths of a flamingo and a seal at a Chicago zoo in early 2025.

Can Humans Get Bird Flu?

Though rare, bird flu can be transmitted to people. Since last year, more than 60 human cases have been reported in the U.S., including two children. In both cases, the children had mild symptoms and recovered after receiving antiviral treatment. However, a 13-year-old in Canada experienced severe illness, and in January 2025, an elderly person in Louisiana died after exposure to an infected backyard flock.

Most infections have occurred in individuals who work closely with poultry or dairy cattle, but a few cases had no clear source of exposure. While there have been no confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission, health officials continue to monitor the virus closely.

Symptoms of Bird Flu in People

Bird flu symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

  • Fever

  • Cough and sore throat

  • Muscle aches

  • Shortness of breath and pneumonia

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

  • Neurological issues such as confusion or seizures

Will the Flu Shot Protect Against Bird Flu?

The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu. It is designed to prevent the most common strains of influenza circulating in humans. However, health officials strongly recommend the annual flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older, as seasonal flu poses a greater risk.

Can Bird Flu Spread Through Meat or Dairy Products?

Eating properly cooked poultry, such as chicken, turkey, or duck, does not pose a risk of bird flu infection. Likewise, pasteurized dairy products are considered safe.

Is Raw Milk Safe?

Raw (unpasteurized) milk can carry harmful bacteria and viruses, including bird flu. Health officials advise against consuming raw milk due to the risk of exposure to dangerous pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Pasteurization effectively eliminates these threats by heating milk to a safe temperature.

Are Eggs Safe to Eat?

Yes, fully cooked eggs are safe to eat. However, raw eggs can carry bacteria such as Salmonella, which is why it’s best to avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs, including in cookie dough or cake batter.

For those with backyard chickens, eggs should be cleaned properly with a dry cloth, brush, or fine sandpaper. Avoid washing warm eggs with cold water, as it can cause bacteria to enter through tiny pores in the shell.

Key Takeaways

Health officials continue to monitor bird flu outbreaks and their potential risks. To minimize exposure, families should:

  • Encourage frequent handwashing after handling birds or visiting areas with birds.

  • Supervise children around birds and discourage them from touching their face, eyes, or mouth.

  • Avoid handling sick or dead birds and report them to local authorities.

If you have any questions about bird flu and how to protect your family, you can contact the Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN for more information.

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3 Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can make a significant difference in a child’s development. Many children on the autism spectrum show differences in social and language skills during infancy and toddlerhood. However, they often reach major motor milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking on time. Because of this, the more subtle differences in gestures (such as pointing), pretend play, and social communication can sometimes go unnoticed.

At The Children's Clinic in Jackson, TN, we are committed to helping parents recognize early signs of ASD so that children can receive the support they need as soon as possible. Here are three key developmental differences to be aware of:

1. Delayed or Limited Joint Attention

One of the earliest indicators of ASD is a delay or lack of joint attention, which is the ability to share focus on an object or event with another person. This skill is a fundamental building block for communication and social interaction.

What is Joint Attention?

Joint attention involves looking back and forth between an object and a person, signaling an understanding that they are sharing the experience. This interaction helps develop social engagement, communication, and learning.

Typical Joint Attention Development vs. ASD

  • By 12 months: Most babies will follow a parent’s pointing gesture, look at the object, and then back at the parent, often sharing a smile.

    • Children on the autism spectrum may not follow the pointing gesture, sometimes leading parents to wonder about their hearing.

  • By 15 months: Most toddlers point to things they want.

    • Children on the spectrum may instead take a parent’s hand and lead them to the object without making much eye contact or may place the parent’s hand on the object itself.

  • By 18 months: Most toddlers point to interesting objects and look back at their parent to ensure they are paying attention.

    • Children with ASD may only point to request something rather than to share their interest in it.

2. Language Delays & Differences

Nearly all children on the autism spectrum experience delays in nonverbal communication and spoken language. Some key differences to look for include:

  • Use of Labels vs. Requests: A child with ASD may learn words for objects but not use them to make requests. They may name a toy but not say “want toy.”

  • Repeating & Echoing: Many children repeat words and phrases, but those on the spectrum may do so for an extended period. Some repeat lines from movies or conversations in the exact tone they heard, a behavior called echolalia.

  • Unusual Speech Patterns: Some children with ASD develop speech but may use language in an unusual way. For example, they might sound more like an adult than a toddler.

Some children may appear to develop language typically and then suddenly or gradually stop using certain words. This regression, which can also include increased social withdrawal, typically occurs between 15 and 24 months.

3. Regression in Skills

Approximately 25% of children later diagnosed with ASD experience a regression in language or social engagement. They may stop using words they previously spoke or become more withdrawn. This can be an early sign that intervention is needed.

Screening & Early Intervention

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for autism at 18- and 24-month well-child visits. Research shows that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with ASD.

When to Talk to Your Pediatrician

If you have concerns about how your child plays, communicates, or interacts with others, don’t wait—speak with your pediatrician. At The Children's Clinic in Jackson, TN, we encourage parents to trust their instincts. You know your child best, and your concerns matter.

Early action can make a big difference in your child’s development. Schedule an appointment with our team today to discuss any concerns and explore the best support options for your child.

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Vitamin A Does Not Prevent Measles

Vitamin A, at any dose, does not protect against measles and no parent should give to their child vitamin A in hopes of preventing measles. Vitamin A is a micronutrient, meaning very small amounts are all we need to stay healthy and we get those through a healthy diet and in recommended doses of over-the-counter multivitamin supplements. Larger doses of vitamin A given over prolonged periods are very dangerous and can lead to vomiting, blurry vision, headaches, and, when more severe, liver damage and coma.

It is recommended, that under a doctor's supervision, kids infected with measles be given vitamin A once a day for two days to reduce the severity of the illness. But that is a small amount in a medical setting. The only way to prevent measles is to get your child vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Talk to your pediatrician with questions and learn more: https://bit.ly/4hKbZNK

Is It the Flu, COVID, RSV, or Just a Cold? How to Tell the Difference

Your child has a stuffy nose, a cough, and a fever—but is it the flu? COVID-19? Or could it be respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? With so many overlapping symptoms, it can be tough to figure out what’s making your little one feel under the weather.

At the Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, we see many cases of viral respiratory illnesses, and while they share similar symptoms, there are some key differences that may help you identify what’s going on.

Common Symptoms of Childhood Respiratory Illnesses

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Fatigue

  • Stuffy nose

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sneezing

  • Rapid breathing

  • Flaring nostrils

  • Wheezing and grunting

  • Poor feeding or loss of appetite

  • Chest caving in between or under the ribs when breathing

RSV symptoms typically worsen between days 3 to 5 and can last between 7 to 14 days.

Flu (Influenza)

  • Fever and chills

  • Headache

  • Body aches

  • Dry cough

  • Fatigue

  • Stuffy nose

  • Sore throat

  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

Flu symptoms appear 1 to 4 days after exposure.

COVID-19

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Congestion

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sore throat

  • Headache

  • Sneezing

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Loss of taste or smell (less common in newer variants)

COVID-19 symptoms may develop 2 to 14 days after infection.

Common Cold

  • Fever (sometimes mild)

  • Cough

  • Fatigue

  • Stuffy nose

  • Sore throat

  • Sneezing

  • Slightly swollen glands

Colds are upper respiratory infections that can be caused by various viruses. Healthy children can have 6 to 10 colds per year.

When to Call Your Pediatrician

While most viral illnesses can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and symptom relief, you should seek medical attention if your child experiences:

  • Rapid breathing, wheezing, or nasal flaring

  • Chest caving in with each breath

  • Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours

  • Bloody diarrhea

  • Extreme fatigue or appearing very ill

  • Poor feeding or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears when crying, fewer wet diapers)

  • Fever above 104°F in any child

  • Fever above 100.4°F in infants under 2 months old

  • Fever above 103°F lasting more than 24 hours

Can a Child Be Infected with Multiple Viruses at Once?

Yes. It’s possible for children to have both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, or to develop a secondary infection like bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or an ear infection. Because symptoms of viral infections often overlap, your pediatrician may order a test to confirm the diagnosis if needed.

How to Reduce the Risk of Illness

The best way to protect your child from severe illness is through routine vaccinations and healthy hygiene habits.

Recommended Immunizations

  • Flu Vaccine – Recommended yearly for everyone 6 months and older. Get vaccinated early to stay protected throughout the flu season, which can last until late spring.

  • COVID-19 Vaccine – Recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Ask your pediatrician when your child should receive the updated vaccine.

  • RSV Immunization (Nirsevimab) – Recommended for babies under 8 months old during their first RSV season and for some high-risk children up to 19 months old.

  • RSV Vaccine (RSVpreF) – Recommended for pregnant individuals to help protect newborns from RSV.

Additional Ways to Stay Healthy

  • Teach kids to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when sneezing or coughing.

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.

  • Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces during cold and flu season.

Final Thoughts

If your child is sick and you’re unsure about their symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. The team at the Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, is here to help answer your questions and provide guidance on keeping your family healthy.

It’s also important to keep up with routine check-ups, sports physicals, and immunizations to ensure your child stays protected year-round. If you need to schedule an appointment, give us a call—we’re happy to help!

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