What is “the flu”?

Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to lethal.

Two strains of flu, seasonal flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu, are currently circulating in the United States. A third, highly lethal H5N1 (Bird) flu is being closely tracked overseas.

Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications. Find out more about high risk groups under the “High Risk Groups” tab above.

Extensive efforts are underway to track and monitor the spread of all flu viruses. In the U.S., epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are working with states to collect, compile and analyze reports of flu outbreaks. More on the current situation.

Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms may include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. In H1N1 (swine) flu infection, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.

Seasonal flu

Annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu usually occur during the late fall through early spring. Most people have natural immunity, and a seasonal flu vaccine is available. In a typical year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the seasonal flu and approximately 36,000 flu-related deaths are reported each year.

H1N1 (swine) flu

This year, the H1N1 (swine) flu virus may cause a more dangerous flu season with a lot more people getting sick, being hospitalized and dying than during a regular flu season. H1N1 (swine flu) is a new virus first seen in the United States. It is contagious and spreads from person to person. Like seasonal flu, illness in people with H1N1 can vary from mild to severe.

H1N1 Flu Pandemic

A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population; the virus causes serious illness and spreads easily from person-to-person worldwide. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 (swine) flu is underway.

H5N1 (bird) flu

H5N1 (Bird) flu is an influenza A virus subtype that is highly contagious among birds. Rare human infections with the H5N1 (Bird) flu virus have occurred. The majority of confirmed cases have occurred in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Near East. Currently, the United States has no confirmed human H5N1 (Bird) flu infections, but H5N1 (Bird) flu remains a serious concern with the potential to cause a deadly pandemic.

Posted September 21, 2009

About Seasonal Flu

Seasonal flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect humans every year. Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu.

Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever (often high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. It can lead to more severe disease, and even death in infants and people who are very old or have chronic health problems. In New England, flu season usually begins in December and can last into March or April.

Revised February 1, 2010

What is H1N1?

H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

Revised February 1, 2010

Who is at a High Risk for Experiencing Complications from Flu?

For Certain Groups, Flu can be Life-threatening

Unlike the common cold, or other minor ailments that people mistakenly call “the flu”, real influenza is a major illness that can have life-threatening complications for people with specific high-risk conditions.

At Risk Groups

People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children are more likely to get complications from influenza.

Potential Complications

Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.

Posted September 21, 2009

Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Against Flu and Colds

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The flu is caused by a virus that is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. Follow the tips below as the best ways to avoid these viruses and to stay healthy.

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Wash your hands often.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

This decreases the chance that you will get the flu virus or other germs into your body, or that you will pass the flu to others.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Cover your mouth and nose and cough or sneeze into your sleeve. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Healthful Cough Etiquette - Should you cover your mouth when you cough?

Clean things that are touched often.

Clean things that are touched often, such as door or refrigerator handles, computer key boards/mouse, phones and water faucets.

Posted September 21, 2009