Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that affects a persons breathing functions. The conditions symptoms include high fever, headaches, dry cough, sore throat and extreme fatigue.

Flu viruses usually spread from person to person, and at times individuals become infected by touching their mouths or noses after touching something infected with flu viruses, such as doorknobs and sinks. All flu viruses originate as viruses in birds and may transmit to other species, including humans.

Flu complications may include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure and diabetes. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes death.

There are three primary categories of flu: Seasonal (or common) flu; Avian (or bird) flu; and Pandemic flu.

• Seasonal flu is an illness that affects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs) and can be passed from person to person. A flu vaccine is available to people, and most individuals have some immunity. In the United States, the peak of flu season can occur anywhere from late December through March. More on seasonal flu.

• Avian (or bird) flu is a highly contagious disease caused by flu viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. While usually not deadly, the disease can change to a form that can be harmful or fatal. Today, a new severe form of bird flu is being spread around the globe. This virus is known as Influenza A virus subtypes H5N1. There are a small number of cases in which people have been infected with the virus through direct contact with birds. There is no vaccine available that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for humans. More on avian flu.

• Pandemic flu is a human flu that causes a disease outbreak, or pandemic, across the world. Pandemic flu is spread easily from person to person and involves a new virus strain to which people have little natural immunity. No pandemic flu currently exists among humans. More on pandemic flu.

Submitted by Rob Anderson. Filed under Flu

Comments

Please send me the handbook on the pandemic flu. I would like to have one for my workplace. mailing address Richland Association for Retarded Citizens 119 Charter St. Delhi, La. 71232
Cissie McCormick on September 6th, 2007

I heard about free flu vaccinations on NPR and was looking for the sites in BR where they will be offered.
Katherine Bell on October 25th, 2007

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