Looking after yourself and others during the H5N1 (bird flu) avian influenza

10 Oct 2026

News and images about H5N1 may feel worrying. If you are feeling stressed, unsure or anxious, you are not alone.

Simple things may help

There are small, practical things you can do to care for yourself and the people around you.  These simple steps may help you look after your wellbeing and stay informed:

  • Get information from trusted sources, such as health authorities, the Department of Health, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Merri-bek City Council or your GP.
  • Limit how often you check news or social media - Checking one or two trusted updates each day can help you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Take a break if you find yourself checking updates often. Do something calming or enjoyable instead.
  • Focus on what you can control, such as eating well, staying active, resting and keeping a regular routine.
  • Talk with family, friends or someone you trust about how you are feeling. A simple conversation can help you feel more supported. 

If stress or worry is starting to feel too much, reach out early. Support is available:

If there is immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000)

Beyond Blue – free mental health support and counselling, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call: 1300 22 4636
Visit: Beyond Blue

Lifeline – Crisis support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  
Call: 13 11 14  
Text: 0477 13 11 14 
Online chat: Lifeline

Medicare Mental Health – Free mental health information, support and connection to local services. No referral or appointment is required.
Call: 1800 595 212
Visit: Medicare Mental Health

MensLine Australia – 24-hour telephone and online support for men.
Call: 1300 78 99 78
Visit: MensLine Australia

Suicide Call Back Service – for 24/7 counselling for people affected by suicide. 
Call: 1300 659 467
Visit: Suicide Call Back Service

Kids Helpline – for children, teenagers and young adults aged 5 to 25, available 24/7. 
Call: 1800 55 1800
Visit: Kids Helpline

Centre for Grief and Bereavement – free grief counselling for individuals and families.  
Call: 1800 642 066
Visit: Grief Australia

Talk to your GP, workplace support program, or a trusted local health service if you would like ongoing support.

Better Health Channel:  For information about health and wellbeing. 
Visit: Better Health Channel

Supporting children and young people

Seeing sick or dead wildlife can be upsetting for children, especially in places they know and visit.

Children may have questions about what is happening, worry about animals they care about, or become concerned about their safety, their family and their pets are safe.

Parents and carers can help by:

  • Listen to what your child is worried or concerned about.
  • Provide simple, honest and age-appropriate information.
  • Reassure them that adults and authorities are working to manage the situation.
  • Remind them not to touch sick or dead birds and to tell an adult if they see one.
  • Limit repeated exposure to distressing images, news or social media.
  • Maintain normal routines and activities where possible.

If your child continues to feel distress, or is anxious or fearful, support is available.

You can talk to your child’s GP, school or early childhood service about support for your child.

Kids Helpline – Free, confidential counselling and support for children and young people. 
Call: 1800 55 1800
Visit: Kids Helpline

headspace – Mental health and wellbeing support for young people and their families. 
Call: 1800 650 890
Visit: headspace

Emerging Minds – Australian resources to help families support children during emergencies and upsetting events 
Visit: Emerging Minds

Agriculture Victoria – for updates on H5N1 Avian Flu in Victoria, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/emergency-animal-diseases/personal-wellbeing

Better Health Channel – tips for parents and carers about trauma and how they can support their children. 
Visit: Better Health Channel

Keeping a regular routine can help children feel safe after something upsetting happens. Try to stay calm, comfort them, and get help early if they need it.

More information

For more information about avian influenza and reporting requirements, visit birdflu.gov.au or agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu.

You can also contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Download our information about Bird flu in Italiano, 中文, Türkçe, नेपाली (PDF 574Kb).

Please note: The image associated with this news item is a generic outdoor space, and not the location where the case was found.