What is Pandemic Flu?

Pandemic flu (or Pan flu) is a global outbreak of a newly evolved form of the influenza virus. Pan Flu is especially dangerous because people have not yet developed immunity to fight off this disease. There is also no vaccine developed to prevent it. The disease spreads easily from person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time. Currently, there is no pandemic flu, but scientists predict that one is possible in the near future.

What is H1N1 Influenza A?

H1N1 is thought to be spread in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread; mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus. Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, and illness may be more severe as a result. Currently there is no vaccine to protect against this virus.

What is Avian Flu?

Avian flu (or Bird flu) is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Many forms of the flu virus in birds are common but do not usually cause disease. The "H5N1" strain of flu though is deadly to domestic fowl, can be transmitted from birds to humans, and is also deadly to humans. There is virtually no human immunity to fight off this strain and human vaccine availability is very limited.

What is Seasonal Flu?

Seasonal (or common flu) is an illness of the lungs and airways that can be transmitted from person-to-person. Most people have some immunity to fight it off, and a vaccine is available to prevent it. Everyone should get a flu shot each season to minimize his/her chances of getting seasonal flu. Getting a flu shot each year is especially important for children, elderly, and immuno-compromised persons such as those living with HIV.