Influenza Information for all Ohioans

Seasonal, avian and pandemic are three different types of influenza. The seasonal flu occurs every year. Avian flu is a virus that occurs in birds, but it can also be transmitted from birds to humans and animals. Currently the H5N1 avian (bird) flu virus is spreading around the world with more than half of those who contract the virus dying. Because the virus has not yet achieved the ability to transmit easily from human to human, it has not reached pandemic flu level. However, experts believe that an influenza pandemic is inevitable, so local, state and federal government agencies have been preparing.

Last updated 04/20/2006.