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:
Visit the CDC’s “Key Facts about Influenza and
the Influenza Vaccine ” page for
more detailed flu symptom information.
Research suggests that it may take two to seven days to show
symptoms when a person catches the flu, and the symptoms may last for up
to a week.A person infected with the flu
may transmit the flu for one to two days before they have symptoms, and
for five to seven days after symptoms begin.
Contact a health care provider if you have any questions about
specific symptoms.
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 when the next pandemic
will occur.
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, covering your cough and staying home when you are sick
to slow the spread of illness.
