Pandemic Flu or Seasonal Flu?
Seasonal Flu
Pandemic flu is different from the seasonal flu caused by the influenza virus that many of us will experience at some time throughout the year, although mainly during the winter months.Seasonal flu affects up to about 10% of the population, and for most people is an unpleasant, but not life-threatening infection. A flu jab is available to lessen the symptoms of seasonal flu and is free for vulnerable people such as:
- Those aged 65 and over.
- People with a chronic medical condition, particularly chronic respiratory conditions and cardiac disease.
- Young children.
Pandemic Flu Symptoms
Pandemic flu is likely to have similar symptoms to those of ordinary flu, but the symptoms could be more severe due to people’s lack of immunity to the virus.People who have been infected with the H5N1 avian flu virus (mainly in the Far East) have suffered from fever, coughing, sore throat and muscle aches. Others have experienced pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases and life-threatening complications. However, it’s difficult to be certain of the symptoms that pandemic flu may cause due to variations in the virus sub-type and strain that caused the infection.
Pandemic flu has yet to develop in any part of the world. As and when it does develop, there will be news coverage and information from the Government telling people what action they should and should not take.
