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Ontario County Public Health
3019 County Complex Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Phone: 585-396-4343
spacerspacer800-299-2995
Fax: 585-396-4551


FLU

Flu Shot Clinic Schedule 2008

The Flu, Influenza, La Grippe. All names for a disease caused by the Influenza A virus.

There is, however, some confusion because of the recent attention given to what many call the “bird flu” and the pandemic flu. The seasonal flu, the pandemic flu and the bird flu all originate from birds so what is the difference between them?

Click on the pictures to learn about each of the 3 types of flu.

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. 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. 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.

 

 

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