Influenza - "The Flu"
Influenza – “the flu” as it is commonly called – is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu affects people, and some strains can affect animals. Below is some information on the different types of flu viruses.
Seasonal flu is what most people are familiar with, and many have experienced. Getting a flu shot and washing your hands are both excellent ways to avoid getting seasonal flu. Healthy adults usually don’t experience severe illness with seasonal flu, but people who are older or very young are at greater risk of complications.
Avian flu is a flu that is common in wild birds. Avian flu can be passed to domestic poultry raised for food, such as chickens, however this has not occurred in the United States.
Pandemic flu is the possibility of a natural occurrence of a flu to which most people have developed no immunity and therefore are at greater risk. There is currently no pandemic flu. No one knows whether pandemic flu will become a reality, however, basic emergency preparedness is an important way to care for your family regardless. Emergencies such as floods, strong winter storms and fires are common, and underscore the importance of family emergency planning. Should pandemic flu become a reality, good emergency planning will be a tremendous help to your family, and is strongly encouraged.
There are major differences among these flu types. Information will be added regularly to this web site should there be significant changes.
Differences in Flu Viruses
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Seasonal Flu
- Happens every year, usually in late fall and in winter. Can usually be prevented by a yearly vaccine.
- Caused by influenza viruses that circulate among people.
- Symptoms are fever, achiness, and runny nose. Some people become very ill and may die of complications such as pneumonia.
- Very young, elderly, pregnant, and those with underlying health conditions are most at risk of serious illness.
- Usually has little impact on society, but can cause people to feel miserable and be absent from school or work |
Avian (Bird) Flu
- Ongoing outbreak since 1997, affecting birds in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Has infected 393 people as of January 2009.
- Caused by a virus that is carried by wild birds but kills domestic birds such as chickens.
- Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, but people become seriously ill. These people have pneumonia.
- Only people in close contact with sick birds have gotten sick. Over 60% of those diagnosed have died. It does not spread person-to-person.
- No birds in the United States have been found to have this virus. |
Pandemic Flu
- Occurs rarely (4 times during the last century), but can happen any time of year and can last up to two years. There is no Pandemic Flu virus right now.
- Will be caused by a brand new virus not seen in people before.
- Symptoms begin like seasonal flu, but it causes more people to be seriously ill and die.
- In addition to the elderly, young, pregnant, and those with underlying health conditions, healthy adults may be at risk for serious complications. |