Seasonal Flu Information
Influenza (“the flu”) is a contagious illness caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, and general weakness. In the United States, flu season typically starts late fall and lasts until the end of March each year.
Pandemic Flu Information
A pandemic occurs when there is a worldwide outbreak of flu illness. The flu virus that causes a pandemic is a new virus (different from a seasonal flu virus) that spreads easily from person to person. Some experts are concerned that avian flu or “bird flu” could become a pandemic.
Avian Flu Information
Avian flu or “bird flu” is a flu virus that causes illness in birds. One strain of avian flu, H5N1, has caused illness and death in poultry recently. In rare cases, avian flu can cause illness in people. In the last few years, the H5N1 strain of avian flu has caused serious illness in some people.
H1N1 Flu Information
H1N1 flu (called "swine flu" early on) is a new flu virus causing illness in people. In April 2009 this specific type of H1N1 flu was first reported in the United States. H1N1 flu has also been found in other areas of the world.