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Part of a report on bird flu briefly appeared on a CDC web page before being taken down. From the information that appeared it is not clear whether cats got bird flu from people or vice versa. We need more information on the study and its results to draw any conclusions. We do know that cats are especially susceptible to bird flu, and cat owners can protect their cats by keeping them indoors and avoiding raw pet food products.
WHAT WE KNOW
Cats are very susceptible to bird flu, and the virus is often deadly for cats. Dogs can also get the virus, but they appear to be more resilient to it.
Most cats get bird flu from contaminated raw pet food or unpasteurized milk. It is also possible for outdoor cats to get sick from contact with wild birds. Cat owners should keep their cats indoors, and avoid raw pet food products.
High heat is necessary to kill the virus. Freeze dried or frozen raw cat food is not safe for cats because it is not heated and could still have the live virus. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against feeding cats raw food.
In 2016, a veterinarian in New York City got sick with bird flu from a cat. This was the last reported case of a person getting bird flu after being exposed to several sick cats.
More information on how to protect your pets from bird flu can be found on the American Veterinary Association's website.
UNKNOWNS
We are still waiting for the release of the full report to help determine how likely it is for people to get bird flu from cats or vice versa.
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Part of a report on bird flu briefly appeared on a CDC web page before being taken down. From the information that appeared it is not clear whether cats got bird flu from people or vice versa. We need more information on the study and its results to draw any conclusions. We do know that cats are especially susceptible to bird flu, and cat owners can protect their cats by keeping them indoors and avoiding raw pet food products.
WHAT WE KNOW
Cats are very susceptible to bird flu, and the virus is often deadly for cats. Dogs can also get the virus, but they appear to be more resilient to it.
Most cats get bird flu from contaminated raw pet food or unpasteurized milk. It is also possible for outdoor cats to get sick from contact with wild birds. Cat owners should keep their cats indoors, and avoid raw pet food products.
High heat is necessary to kill the virus. Freeze dried or frozen raw cat food is not safe for cats because it is not heated and could still have the live virus. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against feeding cats raw food.
In 2016, a veterinarian in New York City got sick with bird flu from a cat. This was the last reported case of a person getting bird flu after being exposed to several sick cats.
More information on how to protect your pets from bird flu can be found on the American Veterinary Association's website.
UNKNOWNS
We are still waiting for the release of the full report to help determine how likely it is for people to get bird flu from cats or vice versa.
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Seasonal influenza cases are elevated nationally and expected to remain elevated in the weeks ahead. It's the second peak in flu cases this season, and doctor’s visits for flu-like symptoms are higher than they have been in 15 years. According to CDC’s flu tracking data, flu levels are “very high” for Nebraska and Georgia, and “high” for Missouri. As of February 1st, the CDC estimates there have been 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths from flu in the U.S. since October. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
WHAT WE KNOW
In the week ending February 1st, flu rates in the U.S. are estimated to be higher than they have been in the past 15 years. The CDC uses a combination of current test results and hospitalizations as well as some assumptions about flu behavior based on previous years to estimate flu rates. Infection or testing patterns may change these estimates. More information on these assumptions can be found here.
Some schools have temporarily closed due to high numbers of student absences due to illness. The temporary closings allow for time to disinfect classrooms and for sick staff and students time to recover. At least ten states have seen school closures due to high levels of illness this season.
Based on surveillance data as of February 12, 2025, the most common flu viruses currently circulating are Influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, which are seasonal influenza viruses that circulate yearly.
People who have the flu should stay home until 24 hours after they no longer have a fever to avoid spreading it to others. It is also not too late to get vaccinated, and it is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year.
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Seasonal influenza cases are elevated nationally and expected to remain elevated in the weeks ahead. It's the second peak in flu cases this season, and doctor’s visits for flu-like symptoms are higher than they have been in 15 years. According to CDC’s flu tracking data, flu levels are “very high” for Nebraska and Georgia, and “high” for Missouri. As of February 1st, the CDC estimates there have been 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths from flu in the U.S. since October. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
WHAT WE KNOW
In the week ending February 1st, flu rates in the U.S. are estimated to be higher than they have been in the past 15 years. The CDC uses a combination of current test results and hospitalizations as well as some assumptions about flu behavior based on previous years to estimate flu rates. Infection or testing patterns may change these estimates. More information on these assumptions can be found here.
Some schools have temporarily closed due to high numbers of student absences due to illness. The temporary closings allow for time to disinfect classrooms and for sick staff and students time to recover. At least ten states have seen school closures due to high levels of illness this season.
Based on surveillance data as of February 12, 2025, the most common flu viruses currently circulating are Influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, which are seasonal influenza viruses that circulate yearly.
People who have the flu should stay home until 24 hours after they no longer have a fever to avoid spreading it to others. It is also not too late to get vaccinated, and it is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year.
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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
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This is true
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Tri-Union Seafoods announced a voluntary recall of canned tuna products, including the Genova, VanCamps, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s label names. The recall is due to a manufacturing defect in the can that may allow contamination or spoilage of the tuna. The product was sold in Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart, and independent retailers. People should check their pantries for the recalled tuna and return or throw it away even if it looks and smells normal.
WHAT WE KNOW
The manufacturing defect affects the pull tab of the tuna can lid and could cause the tuna to be contaminated with the bacteria that produces a toxin called botulinum which causes Botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious disease that attacks the nervous system and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and possibly death.
The bacteria that make the botulinum toxin are naturally occurring in many places but need very specific conditions to grow and produce botulinum. Botulinum toxin cannot be detected with smell, color, or taste.
Canned foods that are improperly sealed are ideal environments for this bacterium to make the toxin, which is why the tuna cans were recalled and should be returned to the store or thrown away.
UNKNOWNS
No illnesses have been reported with this defect. The company will announce if any additional brands or lots have been affected.
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Tri-Union Seafoods announced a voluntary recall of canned tuna products, including the Genova, VanCamps, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s label names. The recall is due to a manufacturing defect in the can that may allow contamination or spoilage of the tuna. The product was sold in Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart, and independent retailers. People should check their pantries for the recalled tuna and return or throw it away even if it looks and smells normal.
WHAT WE KNOW
The manufacturing defect affects the pull tab of the tuna can lid and could cause the tuna to be contaminated with the bacteria that produces a toxin called botulinum which causes Botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious disease that attacks the nervous system and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and possibly death.
The bacteria that make the botulinum toxin are naturally occurring in many places but need very specific conditions to grow and produce botulinum. Botulinum toxin cannot be detected with smell, color, or taste.
Canned foods that are improperly sealed are ideal environments for this bacterium to make the toxin, which is why the tuna cans were recalled and should be returned to the store or thrown away.
UNKNOWNS
No illnesses have been reported with this defect. The company will announce if any additional brands or lots have been affected.
HEARD IT
BELIEVABILITY
HEARD IT FROM
We’re still learning about this claim
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Each spring, public health experts make predictions about what the most common flu virus variants will be for the upcoming fall flu season. Vaccines are then produced to protect against those variants. When this prediction is accurate, the flu vaccine is more effective. But the flu virus can change over time, so some predictions are less accurate. Some believe that happened this year. Still, even a mismatched vaccine will lower a person’s chances of severe flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Variants included in the 2024/2025 flu vaccine are influenza A(H1N1) virus, an influenza A(H3N2) virus, and an influenza B/Victoria virus.
We won’t know the true effectiveness of the flu vaccine this year until after the flu season is over, but based on data from the Southern Hemisphere it is likely around 35% effective, which is lower than last year’s 42% but still close to the typical range of 40% to 60% effectiveness.
There are several factors that determine how many people get sick with the flu each year including which strain of the vaccine is dominant and how many people get vaccinated.
For the first year since the COVID pandemic began, the number of deaths from seasonal influenza is higher than the number of deaths from COVID.
Even if you still get sick after getting the flu vaccine, being vaccinated reduces your risk of being hospitalized or getting severe illness.
Even if you already got sick with the flu this season without being vaccinated, you could still get sick with a different strain than the one you already had. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine to reduce your risk of serious illness.
UNKNOWNS
We will not know the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine in the U.S. until the flu season is over and public health officials are able to examine the data.
SOURCE
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YOU CAN SAY THIS...
Each spring, public health experts make predictions about what the most common flu virus variants will be for the upcoming fall flu season. Vaccines are then produced to protect against those variants. When this prediction is accurate, the flu vaccine is more effective. But the flu virus can change over time, so some predictions are less accurate. Some believe that happened this year. Still, even a mismatched vaccine will lower a person’s chances of severe flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Variants included in the 2024/2025 flu vaccine are influenza A(H1N1) virus, an influenza A(H3N2) virus, and an influenza B/Victoria virus.
We won’t know the true effectiveness of the flu vaccine this year until after the flu season is over, but based on data from the Southern Hemisphere it is likely around 35% effective, which is lower than last year’s 42% but still close to the typical range of 40% to 60% effectiveness.
There are several factors that determine how many people get sick with the flu each year including which strain of the vaccine is dominant and how many people get vaccinated.
For the first year since the COVID pandemic began, the number of deaths from seasonal influenza is higher than the number of deaths from COVID.
Even if you still get sick after getting the flu vaccine, being vaccinated reduces your risk of being hospitalized or getting severe illness.
Even if you already got sick with the flu this season without being vaccinated, you could still get sick with a different strain than the one you already had. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine to reduce your risk of serious illness.
UNKNOWNS
We will not know the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine in the U.S. until the flu season is over and public health officials are able to examine the data.
SOURCE
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Part of a report on bird flu briefly appeared on a CDC web page before being taken down. From the information that appeared it is not clear whether cats got bird flu from people or vice versa. We need more information on the study and its results to draw any conclusions. We do know that cats are especially susceptible to bird flu, and cat owners can protect their cats by keeping them indoors and avoiding raw pet food products.
WHAT WE KNOW
Cats are very susceptible to bird flu, and the virus is often deadly for cats. Dogs can also get the virus, but they appear to be more resilient to it.
Most cats get bird flu from contaminated raw pet food or unpasteurized milk. It is also possible for outdoor cats to get sick from contact with wild birds. Cat owners should keep their cats indoors, and avoid raw pet food products.
High heat is necessary to kill the virus. Freeze dried or frozen raw cat food is not safe for cats because it is not heated and could still have the live virus. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against feeding cats raw food.
In 2016, a veterinarian in New York City got sick with bird flu from a cat. This was the last reported case of a person getting bird flu after being exposed to several sick cats.
More information on how to protect your pets from bird flu can be found on the American Veterinary Association's website.
UNKNOWNS
We are still waiting for the release of the full report to help determine how likely it is for people to get bird flu from cats or vice versa.
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Seasonal influenza cases are elevated nationally and expected to remain elevated in the weeks ahead. It's the second peak in flu cases this season, and doctor’s visits for flu-like symptoms are higher than they have been in 15 years. According to CDC’s flu tracking data, flu levels are “very high” for Nebraska and Georgia, and “high” for Missouri. As of February 1st, the CDC estimates there have been 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths from flu in the U.S. since October. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
WHAT WE KNOW
In the week ending February 1st, flu rates in the U.S. are estimated to be higher than they have been in the past 15 years. The CDC uses a combination of current test results and hospitalizations as well as some assumptions about flu behavior based on previous years to estimate flu rates. Infection or testing patterns may change these estimates. More information on these assumptions can be found here.
Some schools have temporarily closed due to high numbers of student absences due to illness. The temporary closings allow for time to disinfect classrooms and for sick staff and students time to recover. At least ten states have seen school closures due to high levels of illness this season.
Based on surveillance data as of February 12, 2025, the most common flu viruses currently circulating are Influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, which are seasonal influenza viruses that circulate yearly.
People who have the flu should stay home until 24 hours after they no longer have a fever to avoid spreading it to others. It is also not too late to get vaccinated, and it is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year.
UNKNOWNS
SOURCES
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heard this concern.
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As of March 6, 2025, there are active measles outbreaks in Texas, New Mexico and New Jersey. The largest of these, in Texas, includes 198 measles cases and the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015. The death occurred in an unvaccinated school age child. Most of the U.S. measles cases in 2025 have been among children ages 5-19 years (45% of cases) and children under 5 years (34% of cases). Nearly all measles cases (94%) have occurred in people who are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status. In 2025 to date, there have been more than twice as many measles cases in the U.S. as the same date in 2024.
WHAT WE KNOW
Measles is one of the world’s most infectious diseases, and spreads through the air. The virus can remain active on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours. One person infected by measles can infect nine out of ten unvaccinated people they come into contact with.
Measles used to result in 48,000 hospitalizations each year before the vaccine was developed.
In the US, the vaccine is not given to babies under 1 year of age or people with weakened immune systems. This makes these groups especially susceptible to infection if they are exposed to someone with the virus. As a result, they can only rely on herd immunity (having around 95% of the population immunized) to help protect them against measles.
Side effects of the measles vaccine have been well researched. About 10% of children will develop a fever 6-12 days after vaccination, and some experience a small rash. In very rare cases, the fever can induce seizures.
Two doses of the vaccine (MMR vaccine) are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective. Breakthrough infections, especially somewhere where high levels of measles outbreaks are occurring, are possible. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Multiple studies have shown no connection between the measles vaccine and autism. Autism symptoms begin to show in children around the same time a child is receiving vaccines. It makes sense to suspect vaccines as a cause, and research has looked into this for that reason. However, according to these studies, the timing is coincidental.
Parents can have conversations with their doctors to decide if their child should receive the measles vaccine, and choose a timeline that works best for their family.
UNKNOWNS
The CDC and state health departments are actively monitoring measles outbreaks and measles cases. The CDC website is updated every Friday with updated measles information.
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heard this concern.
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Tri-Union Seafoods announced a voluntary recall of canned tuna products, including the Genova, VanCamps, H-E-B and Trader Joe’s label names. The recall is due to a manufacturing defect in the can that may allow contamination or spoilage of the tuna. The product was sold in Trader Joe’s, Costco, Walmart, and independent retailers. People should check their pantries for the recalled tuna and return or throw it away even if it looks and smells normal.
WHAT WE KNOW
The manufacturing defect affects the pull tab of the tuna can lid and could cause the tuna to be contaminated with the bacteria that produces a toxin called botulinum which causes Botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious disease that attacks the nervous system and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and possibly death.
The bacteria that make the botulinum toxin are naturally occurring in many places but need very specific conditions to grow and produce botulinum. Botulinum toxin cannot be detected with smell, color, or taste.
Canned foods that are improperly sealed are ideal environments for this bacterium to make the toxin, which is why the tuna cans were recalled and should be returned to the store or thrown away.
UNKNOWNS
No illnesses have been reported with this defect. The company will announce if any additional brands or lots have been affected.
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heard this concern.
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Each spring, public health experts make predictions about what the most common flu virus variants will be for the upcoming fall flu season. Vaccines are then produced to protect against those variants. When this prediction is accurate, the flu vaccine is more effective. But the flu virus can change over time, so some predictions are less accurate. Some believe that happened this year. Still, even a mismatched vaccine will lower a person’s chances of severe flu.
WHAT WE KNOW
Variants included in the 2024/2025 flu vaccine are influenza A(H1N1) virus, an influenza A(H3N2) virus, and an influenza B/Victoria virus.
We won’t know the true effectiveness of the flu vaccine this year until after the flu season is over, but based on data from the Southern Hemisphere it is likely around 35% effective, which is lower than last year’s 42% but still close to the typical range of 40% to 60% effectiveness.
There are several factors that determine how many people get sick with the flu each year including which strain of the vaccine is dominant and how many people get vaccinated.
For the first year since the COVID pandemic began, the number of deaths from seasonal influenza is higher than the number of deaths from COVID.
Even if you still get sick after getting the flu vaccine, being vaccinated reduces your risk of being hospitalized or getting severe illness.
Even if you already got sick with the flu this season without being vaccinated, you could still get sick with a different strain than the one you already had. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine to reduce your risk of serious illness.
UNKNOWNS
We will not know the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine in the U.S. until the flu season is over and public health officials are able to examine the data.
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heard this concern.
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