influenza (noun)

1. An acute contagious viral infection characterized by inflammation of the respiratory tract and by fever, chills, muscular pain, and prostration. Also called grippe.

2. Any of various viral infections of domestic animals characterized generally by fever and respiratory involvement.

[Italian, from Medieval Latin nfluentia, influence (so called apparently from the belief that epidemics were due to the influence of the stars); see influence.]

There are various types of influenza, each with its own unique characteristics, including Seasonal Influenza, Avian Influenza, and Pandemic Influenza.

Seasonal Influenza is the “flu” that we are faced with each winter.  This is continually tracked worldwide and vaccines are created each year to address the prevalent strains that may be present in our communities. For more information on Seasonal Influenza, click HERE.

Avian Influenza, or also known as “bird flu”, is primarily associated with wild waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans.  It is not easily spread to humans.  For more information on Avian Influenza, click HERE.

Pandemic Influenza is a widespread outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that people have not been exposed to before.  Pandemic Influenza is different from Seasonal Influenza and Avian Influenza.  To learn more about Pandemic Influenza, click HERE