General Information Flu page

Flu Terms Defined

Seasonal (or common) fluis a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.

Avian (or bird) fluis caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.

Pandemic fluis virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.

Source: www.pandemicflu.gov

The following links will give you some general information on hand washing, prevention, and treatment options, and other information about pandemic flu:

American Red Cross Flu home care guide

Cover your cough

Preventing the spread of germs

Seasonal vs. Pandemic flu information

Adult vaccination information