Flu Terms Defined

Seasonal Influenza: (often called "The Flu") A contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus.  The Flu kills about 36,000 people in the United States annually.  Seasonal Flu occurs every year and can cause mild to severe illness in people.  The best protection against seasonal flu is vaccination and hand washing.  Flu shots are available every year for faculty, staff and students through the UNCW flu shot campaign.

Pandemic Flu: A pandemic flu occurs when a virulent human flu 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, we are monitoring H1N1. 

Pandemic Flu Preparedness Home