Influenza information for public health professionals

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that affects breathing functions. The condition’s symptoms include high fever, headaches, dry cough, sore throat and extreme fatigue. Flu viruses usually spread from person to person, and at times individuals become infected by touching their mouths or noses after touching something infected with flu viruses, such as doorknobs and sinks. All flu viruses originate as viruses in birds and may transmit to other species, including humans.

Flu complications may include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure and diabetes. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes death.

There are three primary categories of flu:
• Seasonal (or common) flu
• Avian (or bird) flu and
• Pandemic flu.

The resources on this Web site are designed for health professionals, who play an important role on preventing, treating and monitoring influenza. For easy-to-read fact sheets, materials and kids games that are aimed at the public, visit APHA Get Ready Web site.



NEW! CALL FOR COMMENTS — Notice: ASTHO seeks comments on pandemic flu planning for health departments. Comments are due by May 15, 2008.