Which flu is which?

Reports of bird flu, pandemic flu and seasonal flu can be confusing.  Here is a copy of the Health Protection Agency document which sets out the differences:

Seasonal Flu

Ordinary or seasonal flu occurs every year during the winter months and can affect up to 10 per cent of the population.  For most people it's an unpleasant infection, but for the very young and very old, and for people with long-term health conditions, seasonal flu can be more serious.

 

Annual vaccination is available for people who may develop serious illness as a result of catching flu, such as everyone aged 65 or over and those who fall into 'at risk' groups.  If you'd like to download a copy of a leaflet about seasonal flu and the annual vaccination programme please visit the following website at www.immunisation.nhs.uk/files/275616Fluleaflet.pdf (this is an external hyperlink).

 

The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the other forms of flu described below.

 

Avian Flu

Bird or avian flu is currently circulating in some parts of South East Asia and a few Eastern and Southern European countries.  There are many types of avian flu which affect poultry and wildfowl.  Some of these strains can also affect humans.  The strain currently circulating in Asia is called H5N1 and it has affected many thousands of birds.  Although this strain does not infect people easily, it has caused the deaths of over 150 people in Asia who have had direct contact with infected birds.

 

The avian flu virus cannot cause influenza across a whole population because it is not transmitted from person to person.

 

If avian or another flu changes into an entirely new strain, which spreads easily among people to which we are not immune, then it could cause a pandemic affecting most countries in the world.

 

More information about avian flu is available o the Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk/AboutUs/MinistersAndDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/FeaturesArticle/

fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4102997&chk=OcYuEL (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Pandemic Flu

Pandemic flu occurred three times in the last century.  It has been 39 years since the last pandemic and there is concern there may be another one soon.  Scientists estimate that pandemic flu may affect up to a quarter of the population, and it may be a more serious infection for everyone.  Because we don't yet know what new strain of flu may cause this pandemic, we don't know what age groups may be affected most, nor can we prepare a vaccine in advance.

 

When we identify the strain, the Government will start work with the drug industry immediately on developing a vaccine.  In the mean time, drugs called antivirals have been ordered in bulk as they can help to reduce the effects of pandemic flu in some people.

 

Concerned members of the public can be reassured that the Department of Health and the World Health Organisation are monitoring the situation carefully and contingency plans are in place.

 

To download a copy of the leaflet 'Pandemic Flu - important information for you and your family' please visit www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/17/38/04121738.pdf (this is an external hyperlink).

 

Hard copies of these leaflets can also be ordered from the Department of Health publications order line on 08701 555 455.

 

How to keep up to date

The latest developments in seasonal flue, avian flu and pandemic flu are published in the Chief Medical Officer's section of the Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk/AboutUs/MinistersAndDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/fs/en (this is an external hyperlink).