Zoonotic diseases can spread from animals, including the ones we consume or keep as pets, including cats. Why are we talking about cats today? It is because of the increasing numbers of bird flu in the United States, cats of all shapes and sizes have come down with bird flu.

Bird flu was seen in poultry, where chickens have been affected, and even cows too. Why is it a concern for cats? This is because barn cats drink raw milk. In recent days, 20 wild cats at a Washington State animal sanctuary that ate infected birds and other reports of indoor cats dying from eating contaminated food have come out.

Why do cats get bird flu?

One of the leading causes is that unlike dogs, cats hunt for smaller prey, which includes birds and mice, carriers of bird flu. Dr Michael Bailey, the president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in a guidance released for cat owners noted that by their very nature, cats have more "opportunity" to ger infected with bird flu.

“We don't know if the cats are more susceptible than anybody else,” he said. “It's just the fact they're exposed to higher viral burdens because of where they go.”

Reports say that domestic cats have been bird flu virus carrier since 2004. Kristen Coleman, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health told a media outlet that before, about half of cats died, and now with the spreading of the bird flu even in cows, about 90% of them seem to be dying. Coleman has also been tracking the deaths. She has also shared 4 main tips to protect pets from bird flu which includes:

• Do not touch or allow pets to touch sick or dead animals or animal dropping
• Do not consume, or feed your pet, raw meat or milk
• Keep a close watch on free-roaming outdoor pets
• Immediately report rabies-like symptoms to a veterinarian

Are there symptoms of bird flu in cats one should look out for?

As per AVMA, pet owners must look out for signs like:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever

Bird flu infection can also progress with neurologic signs, which includes:

• Tremors
• Seizures
• Not being coordinated
• Blindness

Cats may also suffer from:

• Severe depression
• Discharge from their eyes or nose
• Respiratory symptoms which includes rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and sneezing or coughing

Are humans at threat?

Sick animals may also be able to transmit influenza virus to humans through their saliva, excretion and other bodily fluids. People can also get infected by breathing in the virus or by touching something that has virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.

If you think your cat might have bird flu—or any other infectious disease—try to limit their contact with other pets and people in your household, especially those with weakened immune systems, until you get advice from a veterinarian, as recommended by the AVMA. While the chances of cats transmitting H5N1 to humans are extremely low, they aren’t zero.

According to CDC guidance, keep an eye on yourself and your family for flu-like symptoms and reach out to a healthcare provider if needed. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your cat or cleaning their litter box and bedding.

Flu cases are on the rise and as of the January 3, 2026 data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 120,000 cases have been detected in clinical laboratories, apart from those detected in home tests. About 40,000 influenza cases were admitted to the hospital in the prior week and 17 influenza-related deaths reported in children, this season. Physicians across the US are constantly telling everyone, especially the vulnerable population to keep an eye on the symptoms. They have time and again also urged people to get vaccinated against the flu. The country is also seeing an overload of flu cases, with many calling it the 'worst flu season' ever.

The 2025-2026 flu season's main culprit is the influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, or the superflu. This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2 virus and has a history of being most contagious, staying longer on surface, which is why it is driving the most numbers of hospitalization this season.

Jesse Pines, Chief of Clinical Innovation for US Acute Care Solutions and a practising physician for over 20 years of experiences writes for Forbes the 5 must-know things about the flu.

5 Must-Know Things About Flu, From An ER Doctor

Identify the Symptoms

It is important to know what symptoms you have to know about the illness. This flu starts with high fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat and a headache. However, not everyone can have the similar symptoms. Children could experience gastrointestinal symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Older adults may have atypical symptoms, which may include not feeling hungry, dizziness, or weakness.

Read: Face Masks Are 'Inadequate', Says WHO, Must Be Swapped For Respirators

Vaccine Is A Must

While the flu vaccine for this season was made at least 7 to 8 months before, like usually it happens, which means the subclade K strain may not be this vaccine's target. However, data shows that despite this mismatch, it has a 72 to 75% effective rate in preventing emergency department visits and hospital admissions in children and adolescents, and 32 to 39% effectiveness in adults.

What To Do If You Have Flu Symptoms

The first response should be to contact your healthcare provider for prescription. Pines note that "Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and baloxavir (Xofluza) are primary options". These are used to reduce the symptom duration, and prevent any further complications like pneumonia. It is most effective if started with in the 48 hours of symptoms.

Should You Seek Higher-Level Medical Care With Flu?

While many people recover at home, if you see your symptoms are not showing any signs of reduction beyond 4 to 5 days, you may need a higher levels of medical care for your flu. This could also be applied if your symptoms worsen suddenly after a few days.

How to Manage Post Flu Weakness?

While everyone is talking about flu and its treatment, not much attention is paid on what to do afterwards. Even after the treatment, one might feel the weakness during their recovery period. This has a scientific name, known as 'post-viral' syndrome, which means a lingering cough and fatigue for 2 to 3 weeks after the illness. This is the time when you gradually return to normal activities, but ensure to maintain adequate hydration, sufficient calorie and protein intake in your diet and adequate sleep.

The NHS has issued an alert for anyone taking a widely used heart medication. People are being advised to watch for serious warning signs, including yellowing of the skin or “nosebleeds lasting more than 10 minutes.”

What Is Propranolol?

Propranolol is a beta blocker that slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels, helping lower blood pressure and reduce the heart’s oxygen demand. It is also prescribed to ease symptoms of anxiety, such as trembling or excessive sweating, and can help prevent migraines. The medication is prescription-only but is commonly prescribed throughout the UK.

According to the Mirror, the British Heart Foundation reports that more than 50 million beta blocker prescriptions are issued in the UK each year, including for propranolol. Patients usually take it once a day, in either a standard or slow-release form.

While propranolol is generally safe, it does carry possible side effects. The NHS advises contacting 111 immediately if serious symptoms affecting the blood or kidneys appear.

The NHS notes: “Like all medicines, propranolol can cause side effects in some people, but many experience none or only minor effects. Side effects often ease as your body adjusts to the medication.”

Propranolol Side Effects

Common side effects include headaches, fatigue, weakness, cold fingers or toes, nausea, and stomach discomfort. While most people over 12 can safely take propranolol, the NHS recommends consulting a doctor first if you have a history of low blood pressure, heart failure, depression, or diabetes.

More serious reactions can occur, including yellowing of the eyes or skin, pale stools, or dark urine. The NHS also warns of nosebleeds lasting longer than 10 minutes, unexplained bruising, or increased tendency to bruise easily.

Anyone experiencing these warning signs should contact a doctor or call 111 immediately. The NHS also cautions against stopping propranolol abruptly without medical guidance, as this could trigger severe heart problems, including chest pain or even a heart attack.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious With Propranolol

While propranolol is widely prescribed and generally safe for most adults, certain people need to monitor themselves more closely or consult their doctor before use. Those with low blood pressure, heart failure, slow heart rates, diabetes, respiratory conditions like asthma, or a history of depression may face higher risks of side effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also speak to a healthcare professional before taking the medication.

The NHS emphasizes that even minor symptoms—like unusual fatigue, dizziness, or cold hands and feet—should not be ignored, especially if they worsen over time. Monitoring for these effects early can prevent more serious complications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience any side effects or unusual symptoms while taking propranolol or any other prescription medicine, seek medical attention immediately.

A California man died last weekend after eating so-called death cap mushrooms, marking the third fatality linked to the toxic fungi in the state since November.

Health officials say California is seeing an unusually high number of mushroom poisonings this season. Between November 18 and January 4, at least 35 cases were reported statewide. In a typical year, the number is usually fewer than five.

“This year’s figures are far beyond what we normally see,” said Sheri Cardo, a communications specialist with the California Department of Public Health.

California Resident Dies After Eating Death Cap Mushrooms

At least three people have now lost their lives in California due to death cap mushroom poisoning since November. Media reports indicate a sharp rise in cases tied to foraged wild mushrooms, with more than 35 poisonings recorded over the past three months.

“The numbers we’re dealing with this year are comparatively off the charts,” Cardo told NBC News.

The most recent death occurred in Sonoma County and was the first fatal wild mushroom poisoning reported there this season, according to county health officials.

Dr. Michael Stacey, interim health officer for Sonoma County, urged residents to avoid eating wild mushrooms unless they are purchased from reliable grocery stores or licensed sellers. He warned that death cap mushrooms can look strikingly similar to safe, edible varieties.

What Is Death Cap Mushroom Poisoning?

Death cap mushrooms, scientifically known as Amanita phalloides, are among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. They commonly grow beneath oak trees and can be found in parks, gardens, and wooded areas.

Experts say these mushrooms are often mistaken for edible types because of their appearance. Typical features include:

• A smooth cap that may appear whitish, pale yellow, light brown, or green
• White gills underneath the cap
• A white spore print
• A cup-like structure called a volva at the base of the stem
• A ring, known as an annulus, around the stem

Death Cap Mushroom Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin between six and 24 hours after ingestion. Early signs often include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

In many cases, symptoms ease or disappear after one or two days, which can create a false sense of recovery. By that point, however, the toxins may have already caused severe damage to the liver.

According to experts, the poison responsible, known as amatoxin, can seriously harm the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. Without prompt treatment, the damage can be fatal.

U.S. Poison Centers receive an average of about 52 calls each year related to amatoxin exposure, said Hallen-Adams, though not every case is officially reported.

Is the Risk Easing?

The danger may now be starting to decline in parts of California. Mike McCurdy, president of the Mycological Society of San Francisco, said he has noticed far fewer death cap mushrooms during recent foraging trips.

Earlier this winter, McCurdy said he spotted hundreds of death caps during a two- to three-hour walk in Sonoma County. On a recent outing near Lafayette, California, he found just one. “I think we’re getting close to the end,” he said.