Recently, many types of flu have popped up in the media – seasonal flu, avian flu, pandemic flu.  Do you know the difference?  Are they the same?  Why should you care?  The information and links below answer these questions and many more.

Seasonal Flu

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by different influenza, “flu,” viruses.  People with the flu experience fever (usually 100°F to 103°F in adults and often higher in children) cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.  Some, especially children, may have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but these are rarely the main symptoms.

Each year, vaccine manufacturers develop a new flu vaccine because the strain or type of virus changes.  The vaccine helps individuals develop protection, or immunity, against the flu.  The young, the elderly, and the chronically ill are at a higher risk for getting the flu.  Still, it is a good idea for all individuals to consider taking the flu vaccine, so that more protection is built up for those at highest risk. 

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the flu season runs from November through April, peaking in January or later.  Following are some additional resources on seasonal flu:

·        Illinois Department of Public Health – Influenza

·        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Influenza (Flu)