Influenza (Flu)

The most recent FluView report for the 2014-2015 flu season shows that flu season is beginning in the United States. There are reports of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths, and activity is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. There are documented benefits from flu vaccination, including reductions in illnesses, related doctors' visits and missed work or school. Vaccination also prevents flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. While some of the viruses spreading this season are different from what is in the vaccine, vaccination can still provide protection and might reduce severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death.

If you have not been vaccinated yet this season, get your flu vaccine now.

CDC recommends a three-pronged approach to fighting flu: get vaccinated, take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs and take antiviral medications to treat flu illness if your doctor prescribes them.

There are many different influenza A viruses; some are found in humans and others in animals such as avian flu in birds and poultry.

H7N9: Human infections with a new avian influenza A (H7N9) virus were first reported in China in March 2013. CDC has been following this situation closely and is coordinating with domestic and international partners.

Influenza viruses that normally circulate in pigs are called “variant” viruses when they are found in people. Influenza A H3N2 variant viruses (also known as “H3N2v” viruses) with the matrix (M) gene from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus were first detected in people in July 2011.

There are many different influenza A viruses; some are found in humans and others in animals such as swine flu in pigs.

CDC’s pandemic preparedness efforts include ongoing surveillance of human and animal influenza viruses, risk assessments of influenza viruses with pandemic potential, and the development and improvement of preparedness tools that can aid public health practitioners in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Bat influenza refers to influenza A viruses found in bats. Laboratory research at CDC suggests these viruses would need to undergo significant changes to become capable of infecting and spreading easily among humans. Little yellow shouldered bats are not native to the continental United States, but are common in Central and South America.

Dog flu is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type A influenza virus referred to as a “canine influenza virus.” This is a disease of dogs, not of humans.

Influenza A viruses are found in humans and many different animals, including ducks, chickens, pigs, whales, horses and seals. Additional information on 2009 H1N1 influenza, Flu.gov, and Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs).

Flu Activity & Surveillance

Check where flu is active near you.

International Flu

Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013, Annual Report, Influenza Division International Activities The latest report on CDC's international flu activities highlights the progress that has been made over the past two fiscal years in establishing, expanding and maintaining influenza surveillance and laboratory capacity in more than 50 countries around the world where CDC has provided support.