H5N1
Medical abbreviation · Infectious Disease
| Stands for | Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
H5N1 stands for Influenza A virus subtype H5N1, an infectious disease abbreviation.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that causes massive outbreaks in wild birds and poultry and occasionally infects mammals and humans. Since 2024 it has spread among US dairy cattle, with sporadic human infections, mostly mild, in farm workers.
Example: Dairy worker with conjunctivitis tested positive for H5N1; oseltamivir and contact tracing started.
Usage notes
Human H5N1 infection was first identified in Hong Kong in 1997, and historically about half of reported human cases were fatal. Sustained person-to-person spread has not been documented. Commonly called "bird flu". Pronounced "H-five-N-one".
Related abbreviations
More infectious disease abbreviations
- FUO – Fever of unknown origin
- GAS – Group A Streptococcus
- GC – Gonococcus (gonorrhea)
- GNR – Gram-negative rods
- GPC – Gram-positive cocci
- H1N1 – Influenza A virus subtype H1N1
- HAART – Highly active antiretroviral therapy
- HAP – Hospital-acquired pneumonia
- HAV – Hepatitis A virus
- HBsAg – Hepatitis B surface antigen
- HBV – Hepatitis B virus
- HCV – Hepatitis C virus
See all 92 infectious disease abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.