Facts About Influenza (Flu) and Pandemics
What is Influenza?
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus.
What is Avian Flu?
Avian flu - commonly called the bird flu - is an infection and causes varied symptoms in birds. The H5N1 has killed birds in Europe, Asia and Africa.
What are the Symptoms of the Flu?
Influenza symptoms include: fever, headache, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and tiredness. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are more commonly seen in children.
What is a Pandemic Flu Outbreak?
A pandemic is a worldwide disease outbreak and can cause large numbers of fatalities. It can happen when a new virus strain emerges and humans have no immunity to it, meaning our bodies have no defense to the new germ.
To date, there have been no cases of the Avian (bird flu) H5N1 virus in the United States, nor has there been a human transmission of the disease in a form that could fuel a pandemic.
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