Pandemic Flu
There has been considerable confusion over the differences between Avian, or Bird Flu, Pandemic Flu and Seasonal Flu. In an effort to clarify the differences we present the following information:
Flu Terms Defined
Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
Avian (or bird) flu (AI) is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Low pathogenic AI is common in birds and causes few problems. Highly pathogenic H5N1 is deadly to domestic fowl, can be transmitted from birds to humans, and is deadly to humans. There is virtually no human immunity and human vaccine availability is very limited.
Pandemic flu is 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.
Flu Hotline
Currently Inactive
Additional Resources
- Central District Health Department Fact Sheet on Avian Influenza (updated 1-15-07)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Avian Flu Resources
- Official U.S. government site for Avian and Pandemic flu information
- World Health Organization web page for information on Avian and Pandemic flu
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service brochure on High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (PDF)
- Preparedness web page relating to Pandemic Flu
