Pandemic influenza:
- Refers to a worldwide disease outbreak. It affects many people and causes serious illness.
- Has occurred in the past around the world, causing much illness and death.
- Happens when there is a new influenza virus that spreads from person-to-person. People have little or no immunity (resistance).
- Can spread easily by coughing and sneezing.
- Vaccine is not immediately available.
Avian influenza (also known as "bird flu"):
- Is a common illness that occurs in wild birds (such as geese and ducks) or domestic poultry (such as chickens).
- Sometimes makes the birds very sick, and many of them die.
- Can infect humans or other animals (such as pigs).
- Is currently infecting birds in other parts of the world. Some people who work or live closely with those birds have caught the virus. Many of these people have become very ill, and more than half have died. It is not spreading from person-to-person.
- Is being closely watched by public health officials.
Seasonal influenza:
- Happens each year.
- Spreads among people through coughing and sneezing.
- Can be serious, especially for young children and older adults, but most people recover.
- Can be prevented by the annual flu shot.
What you can do to prevent catching or spreading the flu
What you can do to prepare your family for pandemic influenza
What Dakota County is doing to prepare for pandemic influenza
- Dakota County Public Health Department is working with cities, townships, and school districts on developing and testing pandemic flu plans through the High Performance Partnership Project on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.
- Dakota County Community Services is planning to meet the needs of the most vulnerable people in the County and to assure care for those who are ill in the community.
- Dakota County is prioritizing its services, determining how to protect staff to be able to continue essential services, and working with cities and townships to do the same.