During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans struggled financially due to lockdowns, business closures, and economic slowdowns.
To help ease the burden, the U.S. government rolled out multiple rounds of stimulus checks. Many people used the payments to cover bills and daily expenses, while others put the money back into the economy.
But now, with the rise of a new health threat—bird flu—there are questions about whether we might see more stimulus checks in 2025.
Why It Matters?
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government sent out three rounds of stimulus checks, totaling up to $3,200 per person.
These payments were crucial in helping families get by during uncertain times. However, many believe these payments contributed to inflation as the economy reopened and people spent their checks, boosting demand for goods and services.
As concerns grow over the possibility of another pandemic—this time caused by bird flu—there are worries that economic disruption could lead to similar government relief efforts.
If the bird flu becomes more serious and spreads widely, it could lead to another round of government intervention in the form of stimulus checks.
What to Know About the Bird Flu?
The bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds.
However, humans can become infected through direct contact with sick birds or their bodily fluids, such as saliva, mucus, or feces.
The current risk to humans in the U.S. is low, with fewer than 100 confirmed cases and the disease mostly showing mild to moderate symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is keeping a close watch on the situation.
While the disease is not yet considered a major public health threat, there is concern that it could mutate or evolve, leading to higher transmission rates among humans.
If that happens and the virus spreads as quickly as COVID-19 did, it could result in more significant disruptions to daily life, including school closures and business shutdowns.
Economists are already considering the possibility that the U.S. government may once again be called upon to provide economic relief to the population in the form of stimulus checks.
This has led many to wonder: Could bird flu trigger more financial aid for Americans?
What Experts Are Saying?
Experts agree that while the bird flu should not be ignored, it is still too early to say whether it will cause a major public health crisis like COVID-19.
Panagis Galiatsatos, a professor at Johns Hopkins, emphasized that the virus has not yet mutated into a strain that can easily spread between people.
According to Galiatsatos, advancements in medical technology, including the development of mRNA vaccines, could make it easier to respond to future threats.
Another expert, Daniel Havlichek from Michigan State University, pointed out that while previous outbreaks of bird flu had caused concern, they did not lead to widespread disruptions like COVID-19.
Havlichek cautioned, however, that predicting the future of any virus is difficult, as COVID-19 caught many experts by surprise.
Financial experts, like Alex Beene from the University of Tennessee, also weighed in on the potential for another round of stimulus checks.
Beene acknowledged that while the current strain of bird flu is less transmissible than COVID-19, there is always a possibility of the virus evolving into something more dangerous.
If such an outbreak occurs, he believes the government would likely consider issuing more stimulus payments to help Americans weather the financial storm.
What Happens Next?
As of now, the bird flu remains a low-risk threat to the public, with only a small number of cases reported in the U.S.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation, and officials have reassured the public that current treatments, such as the antiviral drug Tamiflu, seem effective against the virus.
Additionally, the United States has years of experience with influenza viruses, which means medical experts are better prepared than they were when COVID-19 first appeared.
While the chances of a major bird flu pandemic are slim, experts warn that the situation could change quickly.
If the virus spreads and leads to widespread illness or business closures, the government might be forced to step in again, just as it did during COVID-19.
“Stimulus payments were one of the few government decisions that gained universal approval during the pandemic,” said Beene.
“If something similar happens again, it seems likely that the government would consider another round of payments to help Americans.”
Final Thoughts
While the bird flu does not currently pose a significant threat to public health, experts remain vigilant.
If the virus were to spread and disrupt daily life, the government could once again provide financial relief to millions of Americans through stimulus checks. For now, though, it remains a waiting game as the CDC continues to monitor the situation.
If history repeats itself and the bird flu becomes a major concern, the U.S. government may decide to send out more stimulus checks to help people get through the tough times.
However, for the moment, it is important to stay informed and follow the advice of health officials.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
