Different Types of Flu
- 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 is 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 flu is virulent human flu capable of causing a global outbreak, or pandemic. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently there is no pandemic flu.
The history of pandemics shows that such a crisis will almost certainly happen, but no one knows when. So now is the time to prepare. It is uncertain whether the current epidemic of avian flu will develop into a human flu pandemic, but it is important for everyone to inform themselves about this new and deadly strain of influenza.