About influenza

Hand-washing proves to be one of the simplest, yet most effective, methods for preventing the spread of germs and infection.

When you hear "pandemic" you might think of past catastrophes like the Spanish Flu or the Asian Flu, which affected millions worldwide. Is the H1N1 flu virus going to be the same? Is there anything you can do?

The unknowns about H1N1 influenza (human swine flu) have aroused fears about the safety of the food supply.

Get a better understanding of what the World Health Organization's pandemic levels mean.

Many people use the word flu when they actually have a cold.

Learn the role of surgical masks in preventing influenza H1N1 (human swine flu).

What side effects can the H1N1 vaccine cause?

Are you allergic to the H1N1 vaccine? Anaphylaxis is a rare but serious allergic reaction that occurs with many medications and vaccines. Cases of anaphylaxis have been reported with the H1N1 vaccine. Should you be concerned?

Learn more about why the flu virus (influenza) is so contagious, how flu spreads, the different types of flu viruses, and which flu strains are the most dangerous to humans.

Here's a quick guide to help you tell the symptoms of the flu from the symptoms of a bad cold.

A doctor will be able to tell that you have the flu if you have at least some or most of these symptoms.

The normal treatment for flu is rest, plenty of liquids, and ASA, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen* to fight fever. Children and teenagers with flu shouldn't take acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or other salicylates (medications related to aspirin, such as salsalate or magnesium salicylate). The combination of influenza and ASA is linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver.

Genetic reassortment in viruses, including influenza viruses, allows new strains to emerge.

Find out what you need to know if you have to care for a sick person in your home.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that normally only infects pigs. Humans who have been in contact with pigs can on rare occasion be infected with it.