Influenza
Avian InfluenzaAvian influenza (bird flu) is a disease of birds caused by influenza viruses closely related to human influenza viruses. Economically it is an important disease for poultry farmers because of losses in poultry flocks. Transmission to humans in close contact with poultry or other birds occurs rarely and only with some strains of avian influenza. |
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Pandemic InfluenzaPandemics arise when a new influenza virus emerges which is capable of spreading in the worldwide population. This was the situation during the influenza pandemic of 1918-19, when a completely new influenza virus subtype emerged and spread around the globe in around four to six months. There are concerns that the currently circulating H5N1 strain of avian influenza may give rise to the next pandemic influenza virus. |
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Seasonal InfluenzaInfluenza or 'flu' is a respiratory illness associated with infection by influenza virus. Symptoms frequently include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints. There is a wide spectrum of severity of illness ranging from minor symptoms through to pneumonia and death. Influenza occurs most often in the winter months, and normally peaks between December and March in the Northern hemisphere. |
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