Several people have tested positive for bird flu in the U.S., raising questions about the availability of tests in the event of a potential outbreak.

As of July 11, the H5N1 virus has affected more than 99 million poultry (in all 50 states), more than 9,500 wild birds (in 48 states) and more than 145 dairy herds (in 12 states), according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Five human cases have been reported since 2022, including a farm worker infected in Colorado and dairy workers ill in Texas and Michigan.

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As of June 28, only 53 people have been tested for the virus associated with the dairy cow outbreak, according to the CDC.

Here is more information. 

How do people get tested for bird flu?

At this point, only governmental health departments are providing H5N1 avian influenza testing, according to Edward Liu, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

“However, the CDC is taking steps to ramp up the nation’s capacity to test for the flu virus, asking private companies to develop and increase the number and types of tests that can effectively detect H5N1 infections in people,” Liu told Fox News Digital via email.

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“A recent announcement from the CDC seemed to indicate that multiple private organizations are working on developing tests.”

Private companies, however, will likely not ramp up production unless there is a clear demand for avian flu tests due to increasing numbers, Liu added.

As of July 11, the H5N1 virus has affected more than 99 million poultry, more than 9,500 wild birds and more than 145 dairy herds, according to the CDC. (iStock)

Neal Barnard, M.D., an adjunct professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, confirmed there are currently no consumer-level tests for bird flu. 

“The home tests for flu (which can be bought on Amazon, for example) are not sensitive to bird flu,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.

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“If a person has symptoms and an exposure history suggestive of bird flu, a doctor can send a swab sample to the state health department, which can arrange appropriate testing, but this is rarely done.”

CDC’s warning of limited availability of testing

In a June 10 memo, the CDC issued a public statement warning of a lack of testing availability.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified this virus as a major public health concern, as it has the potential to cause a global pandemic,” the statement read. 

“The home tests for flu are not sensitive to bird flu.”

“The current testing capabilities for influenza A(H5) are limited, which could hinder efforts to contain and control the virus in the event of an outbreak.”

Currently, only the CDC and certain jurisdictional public health laboratories are equipped to test for and diagnose bird flu, according to the agency.

In a June 10 memo, the CDC issued a public statement warning of lack of testing availability for the H5N1 virus. (Getty Images)

“This poses a significant problem, as these laboratories may not have the capacity to handle a large number of cases in the event of an H5 epidemic or pandemic,” the statement said. 

“This could result in delays in diagnosing and treating individuals, leading to the further spread of the virus.”

It also noted, “The amount of testing required in the event of an emergency may quickly exceed the capacity to test at public health laboratories, both domestically and internationally.”

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To address the situation, the CDC called for private companies to design a lab developed test (LDT) to gain regulatory approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The different types of flu tests

The tests currently available to individuals will alert that a person has the flu — but may not be able to determine if it is avian flu (which is a flu A variant) versus other circulating strains of flu, the expert said. 

“However, at the least, that broad detection will give enough information for a clinician to start the patient on antiviral medication, like Tamiflu, which currently will treat avian flu,” Liu noted.

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A number of tests are available to detect flu viruses, the doctor said.

The most common are rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs), which detect parts of the virus that stimulate an immune response. 

Advanced tests — reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), viral culture and immunofluorescence assays — will be able to differentiate avian flu from other strains of flu, a doctor said. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

“These tests can provide results within approximately 10 to 15 minutes, but may not be as accurate as other flu tests,” Liu said. 

Other flu tests, called rapid molecular assays, detect the genetic material of the flu virus.

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“Rapid molecular assays produce results in 15 to 20 minutes and are more accurate than RIDTs,” Liu said.

The CDC has recommended molecular tests due to their greater sensitivity.

There have been a total of five human cases reported since 2022, including the case of a farm worker in Colorado and that of dairy workers in Texas and Michigan. (iStock)

“There are several other, more accurate flu tests available that must be performed in specialized laboratories, such as hospitals and public health laboratories,” Liu said.

These advanced tests — reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), viral culture and immunofluorescence assays — will be able to differentiate avian flu from other strains of flu, the doctor said.  

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“These tests require a health care provider to swipe the inside of the nose or the back of the throat with a swab and then send it for testing,” he said. “Results may take one to several hours.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the CDC requesting comment.

A fitness and weight loss coach has shared a rule she lives by — one that she claims will help others become addicted to fitness as well. 

Jenna Rizzo, a fitness coach for six years, recently took to TikTok to share a hack she often shares with women trying to lose weight. 

In the video, the Georgia resident explained her “2-2-2” method, which she claims a person can follow for just three weeks to feel better physically. (See the video at the top of this article.)

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“Starting today, every day, you’re going to have two big bottles of water, you’ll have two big servings of fruits and vegetables, and you’re going to go for two walks,” she states in her video. 

Rizzo said these are not the only items a person should eat in one day, but rather in addition to regular meals. 

As for the fitness aspect, Rizzo recommended walking for however long you can, but said not to overcomplicate it. 

She also noted that additional exercise can be added, though it’s not necessary. 

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“These will simply be our daily minimum requirements,” she explained in the video. 

She added, “Your skin’s going to be clear, you’re gonna have more energy, you’re gonna be sleeping better, and you’ll probably already be down a few pounds.”

Part of the “2-2-2” method shared by a fitness coach involves drinking two big bottles of water each day.  (iStock)

Registered dietitian nutritionist Tanya Freirich of North Carolina told Fox News Digital that in theory, aspects of the plan make sense. 

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“Focusing on adequate hydration and eating more fruits and vegetables is a mainstay in most dietary recommendations. This is not a novel idea,” she said. 

The Charlotte-based professional agreed that it’s important to consume fresh produce for fiber, vitamins, minerals and more. 

A fitness coach who is active on TikTok recommended eating two servings of fruits and vegetables each day. (iStock)

Freirich brought up some specific points, however — calling some of the recommendations very “vague.”

She noted the lack of clarification in terms of how big a “big bottle of water” should be. 

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“Drinking two 32-ounce bottles of water per day is appropriate for most people,” she said.

“However, someone else may interpret the recommendation as two 64-ounce bottles of water and [is] drinking too much water too fast — [which] can cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels.” 

Take two walks each day, said a fitness coach on social media.  (iStock)

Freirich also said that Rizzo’s recommendation of eating two servings of fruits and vegetables could be clearer.

“While the USDA has a definition of what a serving is, one person may think that they eat two scoops of vegetables, while another person may eat an entire eggplant and an entire head of broccoli,” she said. 

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She continued, “This is why dietary recommendations should always be accompanied by a thorough explanation of the application of that recommendation.”

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Freirich noted that dietary recommendations are usually based on someone’s age, weight, medical history, activity level and more. 

Experts always advise checking first with a doctor or health care practitioner before making any big dietary or fitness changes.  (iStock)

She recommended consulting with a health care practitioner before making dietary changes and simply listening to your body. 

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“Unfortunately, many wellness influencers in their efforts to create a catchy soundbite are overgeneralizing health advice,” she added. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Rizzo for additional comment and updates. 

Popular medications for weight loss and diabetes control could have a surprising bonus benefit, according to some anecdotal reports.

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis who use GLP-1 drugs — such as Wegovy and Ozempic — have reported an improvement in the severity and frequency of their arthritic symptoms.

It has been “well-established” that autoimmune patients who also have obesity “fare worse” than those who are at a healthy weight, according to Dr. Elizabeth Ortiz, M.D., a Texas-based rheumatologist and clinical adviser at WellTheory, a platform specializing in autoimmune disease treatment.

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“Any improvements in joint pain or joint inflammation are likely due to a combination of factors, of which weight loss is only one,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Our understanding of the interplay between obesity, adipose tissue and inflammation is incomplete, so as of today, it is difficult to ascribe an improvement in joint pain to any particular cause,” she continued in a written statement. 

“We are beginning to learn of the direct anti-inflammatory effects of these medications — and that, with weight loss, is likely to be of benefit for autoimmune patients.”

Does this mean GLP-1s could be prescribed eventually for arthritic patients?

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“There are certainly compelling anecdotes and emerging research into the anti-inflammatory effects of these medications,” said Ortiz, “but we will need dedicated studies evaluating their effectiveness in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis before they become a part of standard care.”

What we may see sooner, she predicted, is the use of GLP-1s as a means of addressing obesity and metabolic syndrome in those with autoimmune arthritis. 

“These medications could reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life by addressing underlying inflammation and obesity, according to a recent meta-analysis,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“Obesity has been associated with worse autoimmune and inflammatory symptoms and with poorer response to standard therapy,” she said. 

“Those with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases also carry a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without these conditions, and the addition of GLP-1 therapy to their immunomodulating therapy may prove to be a successful combination.”

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There are some potential risks to consider, the expert noted.

In addition to having a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, those with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have osteoporosis, a condition of weakened bones that can lead to fractures.

“This can be a consequence of low muscle mass, something we are seeing in many taking the GLP-1s,” Ortiz said.

“Obesity is a gateway disease underpinning nearly all non-infectious age-related diseases.”

“This will need to be paid special attention to and weighed when determining how best to utilize these medications in autoimmune patients.”

The other potential limitation with the use of GLP-1s is cost, she added. 

“Autoimmune drug spend is already very high, and together with safety and effectiveness, the cost of GLP-1 treatment needs to be considered,” Ortiz said.

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert at Senolytix, has been a longtime proponent of semaglutide drugs — including Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound — which belong to the GLP-1 class of medications. 

Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert at Senolytix, said obesity exacerbates inflammation throughout the body, primarily through visceral fat. He’s been a longtime proponent of semaglutide drugs. (Dr. Brett Osborn)

“These medications could reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life by addressing underlying inflammation and obesity, according to a recent meta-analysis,” Osborn told Fox News Digital.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is marked by chronic inflammation, joint pain and flare-ups, the doctor noted, and those with higher body fat and BMIs face a greater risk of developing the condition.

“Why? Because obesity exacerbates inflammation throughout the body, primarily through visceral fat (the fat around your abdominal organs), which secretes cytokines, chemical mediators that heighten inflammation,” Osborn said. 

Cost could be a limitation of using GLP-1 drugs for arthritis. “Autoimmune drug spend is already very high, and together with safety and effectiveness, the cost of GLP-1 treatment needs to be considered,” one doctor said. (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“This chronic inflammation can worsen RA symptoms and reduce the effectiveness of standard treatments,” the doctor added.

These medications help to reduce people’s consumption of simple carbohydrates — such as bread, pasta and rice — that contribute significantly to inflammation, according to Osborn. 

“By curbing appetite and encouraging healthier eating patterns, GLP-1 drugs help decrease the consumption of these inflammation-triggering foods.”

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Beyond rheumatoid arthritis, GLP-1 drugs can also help fight systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other autoimmune conditions, the doctor noted. 

“Targeting obesity first can improve overall health and reduce risks of conditions like heart attacks and strokes as well,” he added.

In addition to having a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, those with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have osteoporosis, a condition of weakened bones that can lead to fractures. (iStock)

“Obesity is a gateway disease underpinning nearly all non-infectious age-related diseases.”

GLP-1 drugs offer “exciting potential” for managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, according to Osborn. 

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“Their ability to reduce inflammation and promote healthier eating patterns could significantly improve patients’ quality of life.”

Osborn noted, however, that more research is needed to fully understand the impact of GLP-1 drugs on autoimmune diseases. 

GLP-1 drugs offer “exciting potential” for managing rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, a doctor said. (iStock)

“These genetic diseases are fueled by obesity-associated inflammation — however, an ‘obesity-first’ approach may not suit all patients and could lead to poorly controlled inflammation if underlying conditions are not addressed.”

Other potential risks associated with GLP-1 medications, such as the muscle loss Ortiz mentioned, “can be mitigated with careful surveillance by a seasoned physician,” said Osborn.

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Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, declined to comment on the potential arthritis impact when contacted by Fox News Digital.

A first-ever study about the presence of toxic metals in tampons is raising concerns about women’s health.

University of California, Berkeley Public Health released the results of this first-time research on July 3, revealing that tampons from several brands may contain toxic metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium.

Millions of people — between 52% and 86% of menstruating women in the U.S. — use tampons for several hours at a time each month, according to UC Berkeley.

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As the researchers noted in their paper, which was published in the journal Environment International, the numbers are particularly troubling because the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than any other part of the body.

Exposure to metals can increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes and cancer, according to the university.

Toxic metals can also damage the liver, kidney and brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems, researchers warned. 

Metals can also harm maternal health and fetal development.

“It’s time to make America healthy again and to protect consumers.”

— Dr. Nicole Saphier

Lead author Jenni A. Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, wrote in a statement that despite public health concerns, “very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons.” 

She continued, “To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead.”

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The study measured levels of 16 metals – arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium and zinc – in 30 tampons from 14 different (unspecified) brands. 

Metal concentrations varied depending on whether tampons were purchased in the U.S. or Europe/U.K., whether they were organic or non-organic, and whether they were a store brand or a name brand.

Metal concentration levels varied by brand, location of purchase and type of tampon (organic versus non-organic), according to new research. (iStock)

Higher lead concentrations were present in non-organic tampons, while arsenic levels were higher in organic tampons.

Regardless of levels, “measurable concentrations” of all 16 metals were found in all types of tampons.

“No category had consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals,” the study said.

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“We detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon, including some toxic metals, like lead, which has no ‘safe’ exposure level.”

Tampons can absorb metals in a variety of ways, such as through water, air, soil or a nearby contaminant, according to UC Berkeley.

“We detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon.”

— UC Berkeley researchers

Some metals could be added intentionally by manufacturers “as part of a pigment, whitener, antibacterial agent or some other process in the factory.”

The researchers confirmed that it is unclear whether the presence of these metals contributes to negative health effects or not.

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“Future research will test how much of these metals can leach out of the tampons and be absorbed by the body, as well as measure the presence of other chemicals in tampons,” the researchers stated.

Women’s health experts weigh in

Dr. Jillian LoPiano, a Miami-based OB-GYN and also chief health officer at the reproductive telehealth platform Wisp, confirmed in a conversation with Fox News Digital the danger posed by high levels of toxic metals like lead. She was not involved in the tampon study. 

“Because they are ubiquitous in the environment, there are levels established for each type of metal that are considered acceptable exposure and are not known to cause dangerous side effects,” said the doctor.

Doctors agreed that manufacturers should test for toxic metals in their tampon products. (iStock)

The levels noted in the study were below the thresholds of concern, according to LoPiano, although the study has not investigated the effects of absorption.

Regardless, the OB-GYN stressed that manufacturers should “100%” test for toxic metals and should know which components and contaminants are in their products.

“It is extremely important for women to know what is in their products.”

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Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier, M.D., director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, told Fox News Digital that the results of this study are “concerning.”

“The vaginal lining is extremely absorptive, so any harmful chemicals or substances that are exposed to this region are likely to be absorbed through the tissue, potentially reaching the systemic (circulation) system,” warned Saphier, who also was not involved in the research.

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier, M.D., director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, told Fox News Digital that the results of this study are “concerning.” (Fox News)

As cases of cancer and autoimmune diseases are on the rise, Saphier said it’s “apparent” that environmental exposures “largely contribute” to the increased prevalence of disease.

“Some exposures we cannot do much to avoid, like air and microplastics,” she continued.

“However, women should be able to trust the menstrual and other health products being sold to them, as these are vital for women’s health.”

“Companies should be required to test for harmful toxins in products that are being sold for human consumption and bodily use.”

Health products that may be harmful is “unfortunately not novel,” Saphier mentioned, as other everyday products have been proven to contain chemicals that lead to disease.

“No wonder we have so many young people with cancer and autoimmune diseases these days,” she said. “Companies should be required to test for harmful toxins in products that are being sold for human consumption and bodily use.”

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She added, “The U.S. should look around the world at places that have already begun to ban products containing harmful ingredients. It’s time to make America healthy again and to protect consumers.”

For women who feel uncomfortable about using tampons based on this research, one doctor suggested some alternatives, including menstrual cups, discs, pads and period underwear.  (iStock)

For women who feel uncomfortable about using tampons based on this research, LoPiano suggested some alternatives, including menstrual cups, discs, pads and period underwear. 

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LoPiano commended UC Berkeley on directing research toward understanding safety in women’s health.

“As with most research in women’s health, it is a good start and jumping-off point to collect more quality data, with which we can begin to draw conclusions and make recommendations to improve women’s lives and safety,” she said.

What to know about tampon regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tampons as medical devices, according to its website.

“FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two,” the agency states on the site. “The absorbent fibers used in FDA-cleared tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment).”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates tampons as medical devices. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo)

Before tampons can be sold in the U.S., “they must go through the FDA’s review to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons,” according to the agency.

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When contacted by Fox News Digital, an FDA spokesperson provided a statement about the study.

“The FDA is reviewing the study,” the agency said. “All studies have limitations. While the chemical method used indicates these metals are present in the tampons tested in the laboratory, the study does not assess whether any metals are released from tampons when used in the body. It also does not address whether any metal, if released, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining or, subsequently, into the bloodstream. We plan to evaluate the study closely, and take any action warranted to safeguard the health of consumers who use these products.”

Fox News Digital also reached out to the UC Berkeley researchers and several tampon manufacturers for additional comment.