H5N6 is a type of avian influenza, an infectious disease caused by a subtype of the influenza A virus. Influenza A viruses are named after the hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) on the surface of the virus, of which there are 16 subtypes of H and 9 subtypes of N. H5N6 viruses can cause acute respiratory infections, and the viruses originate in birds and can be transmitted among poultry and wild birds, as well as to humans. The main route of transmission of the disease among humans is respiratory, and the main risk of human infection with the H5N6 virus is close contact with the secretions and excretions of infected poultry, as well as objects and water contaminated with the virus. Like most avian influenza viruses, the H5N6 virus is inactivated in an environment above 100°C for about 2 minutes. After a person is infected with the H5N6 virus, the initial presentation is usually flu-like symptoms similar to other avian influenza, such as fever, runny nose, nasal congestion and headache. Although there is no effective treatment for H5N6 avian influenza, it is a preventable and controllable virus that can be vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection. Currently, the vaccines commonly used in China include H5 subtype bivalent inactivated vaccine, H5 subtype trivalent inactivated vaccine, etc. The risk of infection with the virus can also be effectively reduced by adopting habits such as wearing a mask in daily life, not touching poultry and poultry droppings, washing hands regularly, not buying meat that has not undergone health quarantine, and only consuming cooked meat or eggs.