Understanding Pandemic Influenza
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Most of us have heard about the flu (or "influenza"). But what is bird flu and how is a flu pandemic different from seasonal flu? The following information helps to explain the difference between seasonal, avian and pandemic flu.
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Avian (Bird) Flu |
Seasonal (Human) Flu |
Pandemic Flu |
| What is it? |
A disease caused by influenza viruses carried and spread among birds. |
A disease caused by influenza viruses carried and spread among humans. |
A new strain of influenza virus that spreads quickly worldwide.
• It is carried and spread among humans; and
• humans have little or no immunity against it. |
| How does it spread? |
• Wild birds are the main carriers.
• Domestic birds (like chickens and turkeys) can get the virus from wild birds and may become seriously ill.
• Humans do not easily contract bird flu viruses
• Humans can only get bird flu by handling infected birds or coming into contact with contaminated feces.
• There is no evidence that bird flu is passed by eating cooked poultry products. |
• Breathing droplets that have been sneezed or coughed into the air by someone with the flu, or having the droplets land on the surface of your eye.
• Shaking hands with an infected person or touching a contaminated surface, and then touching your own eyes, nose or mouth. |
• Spread the same way as seasonal flu. |
| What is the connection? |
| What is the connection between bird flu, human flu and pandemic flu? |
Bird flu + Human flu can = Pandemic flu
One way pandemic flu can occur is if bird flu mixes with human flu and creates a new strain of flu virus that can spread easily from human to human.
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