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Home > Flu Comparison Guide
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Flu Comparison Guide |
H1N1 - Initially referred to as the "swine flu," this virus is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has noted that the H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden on people younger than 25 years of age than older people. See CDC's Weekly Influenza Activity Estimates Reported by State for a progress report on the spread of this flu virus.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—an advisory committee to CDC—recommends that H1N1 flu vaccine be made available first to the following five groups:
- Pregnant women
- Healthcare workers and emergency medical services personnel
- People caring for infants under 6 months of age
- Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years of age
- People aged 25 to 64 years who have health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications from influenza
H5N1 - Commonly referred to as the "bird flu," has a generally low risk to most people, because the viruses do not usually infect humans. However, the H5N1 is one of the few avian flu viruses to infect humans, and it is the most deadly. Most cases of H5N1 influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry (e.g., chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated by infected birds.
So far, the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus from person-to-person has been limited and has not continued beyond one person. However, because all flu viruses have the ability to mutate, scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus could infect humans and spread easily from person to person. Of special concern is that:
- The H5N1 avian flu is especially virulent
- It is being spread by migratory birds
- It can be transmitted from birds to mammals and in some limited circumstances to humans
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