Influenza - Public Health Command

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Influenza

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The flu is an illness caused by influenza viruses. Because the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. Antibiotics are, however, useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with the flu. It is possible for people to catch the flu by touching objects (telephones, eating utensils, doorknobs, etc…) contaminated with flu viruses and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Every year in the U.S., 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and about 36,000 people die as a result of flu-related causes. The flu season in the U.S. usually occurs during the winter months; however, cases can occur throughout the year.

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Topics

Avian Influenza

Avian Flu Facts: Avian flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Since the flu is a viral infection, antiviral medication may be used to treat and prevent infections from avian inflenza. Antibiotics are not effective for treating the influenza itself, however, they may be useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with the f... (more)

H1N1 Influenza

H1N1 Flu Facts: H1N1 Flu is an influenza virus identified in 2009 that has caused illness in people worldwide. Since the flu is a viral infection, antiviral medication may be used to treat and prevent infections from H1N1 inflenza. Antibiotics are not effective for treating the influenza itself, however, they may be useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occ... (more)

Influenza Epidemiology and Surveillance

The following is a list of available influenza epidemiology and surveillance resources:... (more)

Influenza Policy, Guidance, and Recommendations

The following is a list of influenza-related guidance, recommendations, and policies from various government and non-government sources:... (more)

Pandemic Influenza

Pandemic Flu Facts Pandemic flu is a human flu that causes a global outbreak of illness. Because the virus is new and there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. On average, pandemics occur about every 30 to 40 years. Three pandemics occurred in the previous century: “Spanish influenza” in 1918, “Asian influenza” in 1957, and “Hong Kong influenza” ... (more)

Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal Flu Facts: The flu is an illness caused by influenza viruses. Because the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. Antibiotics are, however, useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with the flu. It is possible for people to catch the flu by touching objects (telephones, eating utensils, doorknobs, etc…... (more)