influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by viruses.

In the United States, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends every spring. The type of flu people get during this season is called seasonal flu.

Sometimes, a new type of flu virus may emerge to which the general public has no resistance. The lack of immunity enables the virus to spread quickly and easily from person to person impacting communities around the world in a very short time, causing serious illness and death. This kind of flu is called pandemic flu.

The exact symptoms of pandemic flu are unknown. However, the CDC notes that symptoms are expected to be similar to those of seasonal flu, which include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Extreme fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches and pains
• Stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Why the concern over pandemic flu?

Pandemic flu is more serious than seasonal flu. Most people who get seasonal flu recover within a week or two and usually do not require medical treatment. Pandemic flu is different because more people who get it might not recover, even with medical treatment, and people of every age may be at risk of serious illness or death.


When will this happen? Can I do something now?

Scientists cannot accurately predict the extent to which the current swine flu outbreak will become a pandemic, and if it does, how severe it will be. The best action the public can take now is to prepare for a potential pandemic and prevent further spread of the swine flu.




The best way to protect yourself and others is to practice healthy hygiene to keep you well now and during a flu pandemic. Practicing these actions now will make them easier to do later. These actions include washing your hands thoroughly and often, covering your cough or sneeze and staying home when you are sick to slow the spread of illness.