As bird flu spreads, CDC recommends faster 'subtyping' to catch more cases

The accelerated "subtyping" of flu A in hospitalized patients is in response to "sporadic human infections" of avian flu, the CDC wrote in a press release.

"CDC is recommending a shortened timeline for subtyping all influenza A specimens among hospitalized patients and increasing efforts at clinical laboratories to identify non-seasonal influenza," the agency wrote.

The goal is to prevent delays in identifying bird flu infections and promote better patient care, "timely infection control" and case investigation, the agency stated.

These delays are more likely to occur during the flu season due to high patient volumes, according to the CDC.

"Subtyping is especially important in people who have a history of relevant exposure to wild or domestic animals [that are] infected or possibly infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses," the CDC wrote.

The agency spokesperson clarified that this accelerated testing is not due to bird flu cases being missed, as the CDC noted in its press release that those hospitalized with influenza A "probably have seasonal influenza."

Since 2022, there have been 67 total human cases of bird flu, according to the CDC, with 66 of those occurring in 2024.

The CDC recommends that people avoid direct contact with wild birds or other animals that are suspected to be infected. Those who work closely with animals should also wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).