Influenza (Flu)
Seasonal flu, avian flu, and pandemic flu are not the same.
Seasonal Flu
Seasonal (or common) flu is a viral respiratory illness that can be spread person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
Novel H1N1 Influenza
New York State is carefully monitoring a new flu strain, referred to as Novel H1N1 Influenza, that began to appear in the U.S. and worldwide in Spring 2009. New York is working with national, state and local officials to track the disease and provide guidance to members of the public, health care professionals and others.
Avian Flu
Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The Asian highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) strain is deadly to domestic and some wild fowl, and has occasionally been spread to humans. This type of bird flu has not yet been found in the U.S.
Pandemic Flu
Pandemic flu is human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. On June 11, 2009, health officials declared novel H1N1 flu to be pandemic. While this new strain of H1N1 flu virus is spreading worldwide, it has not increased in severity at this time.