Flu Terms Defined
Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY PLANNING
As you plan, it is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. It may take time to find the answers to these challenges. Below are some situations that could be caused by a severe pandemic and possible ways to address them. A checklist and fill-in sheets for family health information and emergency contact information have been prepared to help guide your planning and preparation.
Guide For Individuals and Families
Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families [Personal Planning Checklist] [PDF - 1.15MB]
Family Emergency Health Information Sheet PDF - 1.14MB]
Emergency Contacts Form [PDF - 114KB]
Guide for Individuals and Families [PDF - 8.06MB] - The Guide contains the information found in the above three links, and related background information.
This information and more is available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/