Health
CDC, WebMD give update on current bird flu outbreak: ‘Be alert, not alarmed’
As bird flu continues to spread among cattle in the U.S., WebMD and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) joined forces on Thursday to present a live-streamed briefing on the status of the outbreak.
The presentation, called “WebMD and CDC Presents, 2024 Bird Flu: What You Need to Know,” was moderated by Neha Pathak, M.D., chief physician editor for WebMD in Atlanta, Georgia.
The first reports of sick dairy cows came to the USDA in early March, according to Eric Deeble, deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Congressional Relations at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Washington, D.C.
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Testing revealed that the cows had contracted H5N1, more commonly known as avian influenza, or bird flu.
“Any new disease of cattle is a great concern to us,” Deeble said during the briefing.
As bird flu continues to spread among cattle in the U.S., WebMD and the CDC issued an update on Thursday. (Getty Images)
“The H5N1 in cattle is a relatively mild disease. They generally recover after supportive care” within two to three weeks, he said.
“Their milk volume returns to normal, and they appear healthy and continue to feed as they did before they became sick.”
“Any new disease of cattle is a great concern to us.”
So far, the USDA has detected H5N1 in 49 dairy herds in nine states, Deeble stated.
“To put that into perspective, that’s around 1% of dairy farms in the affected states and about 1/10th of 1% nationally,” he said.
On April 29, a federal order from the USDA took effect, limiting the movement of lactating dairy cattle in an effort to monitor and compile H5N1 test results.
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“Under this order, dairy farmers are required to test their cows before moving them across state lines so that we know those cows are H5N1-free and don’t pose a risk to any new herd,” Deeble said.
The order also requires that any test results that detect the presence of H5N1 are reported to USDA labs.
No current food risk, experts say
Deeble assured those tuning in on Thursday that there is no risk with consuming milk and meat.
“I can say without reservation that our commercial milk and meat supplies are safe,” he said. “At no time were animals that are sick from H5N1 or any other animal disease permitted to enter into our food supply.”
He added, “USDA has never detected H5N1 in meat sold at retail.”
The first reports of sick dairy cows came to the USDA in early March, health officials said. (iStock)
Tests have confirmed that cooking meat to an internal temperature of 155 or above is sufficient to eliminate all traces of the virus, Deeble noted.
For milk, the pasteurization process ensures it is safe to drink, he said.
“Our milk is cleared to a high temperature for a brief period of time, inactivating H5N1, as well as other bacteria and viruses that could make someone sick,” he said.
Risk of transmission to humans
The overall risk to the public from bird flu is low, according to Dr. Nirav D. Shah, M.D., principal deputy director of the CDC in Atlanta.
“That is in part because it’s rare for people to get infected with bird flu viruses — but it has happened,” he said during the briefing.
“If and when it does happen, it’s most often through direct unprotected contact with infected animals — for example, not wearing gloves, face masks or eye protection.”
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In April, the CDC reported one human case of bird flu in a dairy worker in Texas, Shah said.
“This person’s only symptom was eye redness, or conjunctivitis,” he said. “After testing positive, this person was provided [with] an antiviral medicine and thankfully made a full recovery. There have been no new or additional human cases since this individual in Texas.”
Other symptoms to watch for include cough, fever, muscle aches and fatigue, according to Shah.
Experts said there is no risk associated with drinking milk purchased commercially. (iStock)
Although the overall risk to humans is low, the CDC is taking “aggressive steps” to make sure Americans stay well and informed, Shah said.
“Right now, one of our top areas of focus is around farm worker safety and protection — specifically making sure that workers have access to personal protective equipment … like gloves, goggles or face masks, which can help reduce their risk of exposure if they happen to be working around affected cows.”
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The CDC is also working with local health departments to ensure that sick farmers are tested for bird flu and to monitor their status.
“In addition to that, scientists in our laboratories here at CDC are looking closely at the bird flu viruses to see if there are any changes in their DNA that might tell us if these viruses are able to spread more easily to people, between people, and, importantly, whether they might be causing more serious illness,” Shah added.
Although the overall risk to humans is low, the CDC is taking “aggressive steps” to make sure Americans stay well and informed, a doctor said. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)
Although the risk to the public “remains low” currently, the doctor offered guidance for certain groups that may be at a higher risk.
“If you happen to work around animals, whether it’s chickens, whether it’s cattle, or whether it’s pigs, and you develop signs and symptoms that might otherwise be the flu, it’s important to make sure you call a health care provider and have a conversation with them.”
Not another COVID, experts say
The current situation with bird flu is different from the early days of COVID-19, Shah said during the briefing.
“We are in a much different place because of over two decades of investment in planning and preparing for things like influenza,” he said.
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“As a result of that extensive planning and preparedness, there are medicines in place.”
If those medications are given early, they can reduce the severity and duration of illness, as was the case with the farmer in Texas, Shah noted.
“This is just one of many ways in which … influenza and bird flu differs from what many of us remember from four years ago,” he added.
Vaccines and prevention
The traditional influenza vaccine doesn’t provide much protection against avian flu, the experts noted.
“Even though they are … basically the same virus, they differ just enough to where the flu shot — which we hope everyone gets — doesn’t do a great job at protecting you,” said Shah.
“It might do a little bit of work, but it’s not enough to take you to the bank.”
“We’re not at a spot where vaccination is recommended for anyone,” a doctor said in the briefing on Thursday. (Julian Stratenschulte/dpa)
David Boucher, PhD, director of Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response at ASPR in Washington, D.C., spoke during the Thursday briefing about the potential need for a bird flu vaccine.
“We’re not at a spot where vaccination is recommended for anyone,” he said.
Through the National Influenza Vaccine Program, the ASPR works with health partners to identify influenza viruses that are “just a little bit different from the things that we’ve seen in the past,” Boucher said.
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For a novel virus, the team develops “building blocks” of a vaccine, he noted.
“The good news here is that this system has worked the way we hoped it would, and we have an initial supply of the building blocks we would need if we needed vaccines for the [H5N1] virus,” he said.
To monitor potential spread, the CDC is on the lookout for an increase in emergency department visits or laboratory tests that might signal a “cluster of cases,” a doctor said. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration)
In that scenario, Boucher said, the ASPR could partner with manufacturers of seasonal influenza vaccines for “large-scale” production.
Boucher also emphasized the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) — such as gloves, goggles, face shields and N95 masks — for agricultural workers who may be close to infected animals.
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To monitor potential spread, the CDC is on the lookout for an increase in emergency department visits or laboratory tests that might signal a “cluster of cases,” Shah said.
“We’re also more recently looking at wastewater to see if there are changes there,” he said.
People can stay up to date on the latest bird flu developments from the CDC, the USDA, the FDA and other trusted sources of information, Shah added.
“We should be alert, not alarmed.”
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For years, researchers have believed prolonged sitting could raise dementia risk — but new findings suggest the type of sitting may matter more than previously thought.
The research, which was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in March, found that replacing mentally passive sedentary behavior with mentally active sedentary behavior was associated with a significant reduction in dementia risk.
Mentally active sedentary behaviors could include reading, office work and other activities that keep the brain engaged while sitting, while mentally passive behaviors may include watching television or other low-engagement screen activities.
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To gather the findings, Swedish researchers analyzed data from more than 20,000 adults between ages 35 and 64 who were tracked over a 19-year period, between 1997 and 2016, according to a press release.
Participants answered questions about their sitting habits, physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors, while dementia diagnoses were identified using Swedish health and death records.
Researchers emphasized that how people use their brains while sitting may matter more than previously understood. (iStock)
Mentally active sedentary behavior was associated with “a significant reduction in dementia risk” compared to more passive sitting activities.
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Although the study was based in Sweden, the release said the findings “are likely generalizable to a wider global population” and could help “inform public health guidelines and preventive strategies to reduce dementia.”
In a statement, lead researcher Dr. Mats Hallgren of Sweden’s Karolinska Institute said the study highlighted major distinctions between passive and mentally engaging sedentary habits when it comes to brain health.
The research tracked more than 20,000 adults over nearly two decades to examine links between sitting habits and dementia. (iStock)
“While all sitting involves minimal energy expenditure, it may be differentiated by the level of brain activity,” said Hallgren.
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“How we use our brains while we are sitting appears to be a crucial determinant of future cognitive functioning and, as we have shown, may predict dementia onset.”
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Sedentary behavior is a “ubiquitous but modifiable risk factor for many health conditions, including dementia,” according to the researcher.
“Our study adds the observation that not all sedentary behaviors are equivalent; some may increase the risk of dementia, while others may be protective,” he added. “It is important to remain physically active as we age, but also mentally active — especially when we are sitting.”
The findings suggest not all sitting behaviors are equal when it comes to protecting long-term brain health. (iStock)
The CDC projects that by 2060, nearly 14 million American adults will have Alzheimer’s disease.
One recent study published by the Alzheimer’s Association found that a person’s biological age may be tied to dementia risk.
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Researchers also recently found that a higher intake of unprocessed meat may protect against dementia in older people who have a variant of a certain gene.
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Walking is a great way to get the body moving and clear the mind — but if you’re doing it wrong, it may do more harm than good.
That’s according to Dr. Milica McDowell, author of the new book “Walk,” a guide to getting the most out of walking.
The Montana-based doctor of physical therapy, who specializes in lower extremity and orthopedics, shared in an interview with Fox News Digital how powerful walking can be.
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“Walking has incredible health benefits for your wellness today and your longevity tomorrow,” she said. “And it’s something that’s at an all-time low since the pandemic.”
“Walking improves every system in your body – gut, musculoskeletal, mental health, your hormones – and so it has an incredible power to help optimize how you’re doing.”
“Walk,” co-authored by physical therapist Milica McDowell, explores how walking can improve longevity, mobility, mental well-being and overall fitness. (Amelia Anne Photography; Hachette Book Group/Alexander Ryabintsev)
McDowell added that walking is a “phenomenal way” to support a weight-loss journey, as it’s low-impact and low-intensity. It can also boost creativity and reduce stress.
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While the health benefits of walking are evident, McDowell warned of some mistakes that could reverse progress.
No. 1: Walking while scrolling
Escaping our phones can sometimes feel impossible, but if there’s ever a time to be on do-not-disturb, it’s during a walk, according to McDowell.
Walking while scrolling is “really dangerous,” she cautioned, as you’re less aware of your surroundings and more susceptible to accidents.
Walking while scrolling is a danger to public health, the expert says. (iStock)
“You could step in a pothole. You could get hit by a car. You could trip over something. You could bump into someone,” she said. “Walking and scrolling is actually a bit of a public health crisis.”
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Scrolling also puts the neck in a downward position, making the head heavier, which changes your posture “from the top down,” McDowell said. “That can be a problem if you’re someone who struggles with neck pain, back pain or shoulder pain.”
No. 2: Wearing the wrong shoes
McDowell recommends wearing a proper shoe designed specifically for walking to support the feet, promote healthy alignment and protect musculoskeletal health.
The shoe should be “shaped like a foot” so that the toes have room to spread within a wide toe box, she said.
Having space between each toe activates more muscles in the foot and creates a “more healthy walking gait,” according to the expert.
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More than 60% of adults wear the wrong shoe size, according to McDowell, and sizing can vary significantly between brands and manufacturers. She recommends getting measured by a professional to ensure the optimal fit.
No. 3: Not balancing your routine
Walking engages important muscles that support stability and mobility, including the glutes, which help propel the body forward with each step.
But walking shouldn’t be your only form of exercise, experts say. Incorporating strength training and other forms of movement can help prevent overuse injuries, improve balance and build overall fitness.
A well-rounded fitness routine will boost the health benefits of walking, the expert said. (iStock)
“A health stack includes drinking enough water, having healthy nutrition and sleeping adequately — and walking can be added to the other activities,” she said.
Pairing walking with activities like weightlifting, pickleball, dancing or CrossFit can help create a more balanced fitness routine, according to McDowell, and are all part of building a strong “health stack.”
“A health stack includes drinking [enough] water, having healthy nutrition, sleeping adequately — and walking can be added to the other activities,” she said.
No. 4: Not considering walking speed
The speed at which we walk may tell us more about our health than we think.
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Walking speed is the sixth vital sign of health, according to McDowell. These clinical measurements also include blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature.
If your walking speed begins to decline, this could be a marker of underlying health conditions up to seven years before they occur.
A decline in walking speed could be an early warning sign of an underlying health condition. (iStock)
While most people walk at about 90 to 100 steps per minute, translating to about three miles per hour, McDowell suggested increasing your speed to reap “higher level benefits.”
This might mean taking a brisk walk at about 120 to 130 steps per minute, or three and a half to four miles an hour.
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“That can be a place where you get higher level payoff, including more calories burned, if you’re on a weight-loss journey,” she said.
No. 5: Not staying consistent
McDowell emphasized the importance of staying consistent with your walking routine.
A daily walk will have bigger payoffs than only walking once or twice a week. The expert likened walking to basic hygiene, such as brushing your teeth.
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“Everyone is at different places on their walking journey,” she said. “Don’t set the 10,000 steps per day benchmark. That is a marketing myth … Go ahead and find a step count that works well for you, maybe between 5,500 and 7,500.”
Efficiency is everything
McDowell summed up that each walk should be efficient.
“If you are an efficient walker, you are graceful, you are not wasting energy, you are walking balanced no matter your height, your weight or your age,” she said.
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As the wellness movement has emphasized the importance of just moving, McDowell commented that walking is a “pinnacle activity” in this push.
“People are recognizing that these softer, more consistent activities can provide a lot of benefit for our physical and mental health,” she said.
McDowell encourages walking with a friend for added social benefit. (iStock)
“You don’t have to go and crush yourself in the gym. You don’t have to be dripping sweat … It’s something you can do for periods of time throughout the day, little ‘snacks’ that all add up, or you can take longer walks depending on what time is available to you.”
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Walking can also be a positive social experience done with friends and loved ones, McDowell noted. This is particularly important for seniors who can benefit from the combined physical activity and social interaction.
“Walking with an older adult can help combat loneliness,” she said. “It can also help improve balance and reaction time, and reduce fall risk.”
Health
Filtered water at specific ages could add months to your lifespan decades later, new study finds
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Drinking filtered water may extend a person’s life by several months, according to a new study.
The research, published in the American Journal of Health Economics, reveals that being exposed to water filtration systems early in life can significantly increase longevity. By analyzing public health infrastructure shifts from the early 20th century, researchers found that city water filtration alone increased the lifespan of older American men by an average of 3.2 months.
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“While water quality has improved in many areas, this study shows the real impacts to communities without access to safe water, both in the U.S. and globally,” co-author Jason Fletcher, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, said in a press release.
“The consequences on human health are significant.”
“This study shows the real impacts to communities without access to safe water,” the study’s author said in a press release. (iStock)
The team analyzed data from the Social Security Administration’s Death Master Files. They tracked death records for American men born between 1975 and 2005, mapping each individual’s year and city of birth to historical water filtration records.
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By connecting early-life environments to late-life outcomes, the researchers isolated the lifelong impact of clean water.
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Beyond adding months to a person’s life, the study suggests that clean water in childhood sets off a positive chain reaction for socioeconomic and physical development.
The paper is part of a broader research initiative examining how environmental conditions earlier in life shape the modern American lifespan. (iStock)
Additional data from mid-20th-century censuses showed that early exposure to filtered water was linked to increased height, higher education and income levels later in life.
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The paper is part of a broader research initiative called the American Mortality Project, which examines how early-life conditions shape the modern American lifespan.
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The researchers exclusively analyzed historical data from American men, meaning the findings may not fully capture how early-life water filtration impacted the long-term longevity, physical growth, or cognitive scores of women from the same era.
Due to analysis of a limited dataset of American cities, this may not apply to other nations or rural communities. (iStock)
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The data is limited to public health infrastructure changes across U.S. cities during a specific window in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Because of this, the exact timeline and magnitude of the lifespan extension (3.2 months) may not directly translate to modern developing nations, rural communities, or areas with different environments.
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