We used to hear doctors say, “Get your flu shot.” Many of us thought there was only one type of flu that left you feeling like you had a bad cold. Now the flu seems to have it’s own terminology and I’m getting confused.

The Alabama Department of Public Health provides some clarification and we hope this will help you make the best decisions to protect your health.

This chart gives key differences between seasonal flu and pandemic flu

What about Bird Flu?

Bird flu mainly affects poultry and wild birds. But a bird flu virus called H5N1 has infected some humans in other parts of the world. Experts believe this kind of flu is likely to cause a pandemic at some point in time.

H1N1 Influenza (also: Swine Influenza or Swine Flu)

A contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs (a type of swine) caused by one of several swine influenza A. In early 2009, several cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) were reported, the first of which occurred in Mexico, followed by several other countries, including the U.S. Confirmed deaths due to the disease have also been reported. Clinical presentation of swine influenza infection in humans resembles seasonal influenza. A novel vaccine for H1N1 Influenza is currently under development and is expected to be available in the fall of 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Influenza? What is it?

A highly contagious disease caused by various types of viruses; characterized by sudden onset of fever, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and nausea or vomiting in children. A person may be contagious before symptoms start and up to 5 days afterward. The virus is spread through: Direct Contact – Holding hands or kissing, for example

Indirect Contact – Touching something that someone with the flu has touched The Air – A flu patient’s coughs or sneezes can release the virus into the air

You Can Control Spreading The Infection!!

1. Practice effective hand hygiene. It’s the single most important way to prevent and reduce infections.
• Wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty or alcohol-based hand sanitizer isn’t available. Scrub hands and wrists for at least 15 seconds.
• Use a hand sanitizer (that’s at least 60% alcohol) unless hands are visibly dirty.

2. Practice cough and sneeze etiquette. If you are about to cough or sneeze:
• Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
• Use your upper sleeve (not your hands) if you have no tissue
• Always wash your hands afterward

3. Disinfect shared objects and common areas. This can help kill germs on surfaces – and keep people from getting infected. For example:
• Clean counter tops and sinks with disinfectant
• Disinfect doorknobs, tables, telephones and other items people touch often.