Influenza and Its Impact on Human Health

• Influenza is a virus that causes the flu, a highly contagious respiratory illness.
• The influenza A virus can be passed from one person to another through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus.
• There are three types of influenza A viruses: influenza A (the most common type), influenza B, and influenza C.
• Influenza A is the most common cause of flu in Australia and can cause major outbreaks and severe disease.
• Most people who have flu are infected with the influenza type A virus.
• The virus has caused flu pandemics — the worldwide spread of a new disease.
• Swine flu is a type of influenza A virus found in pigs.
• In 2009, a strain of flu virus known as H1N1 caused a respiratory infection in humans which spread rapidly around the world and became a pandemic.
• The 1918 flu pandemic was also caused by an influenza A H1N1 virus.
• Swine flu is mild in most people but can be severe for some high risk groups such as people with chronic conditions, pregnant people and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Symptoms, treatment and prevention of influenza depend on the strain of the virus.
• The best way to prevent catching the flu is to have a flu vaccination every year, and to practise good hygiene.

Test your knowledge about the influenza virus and its impact on global health. Learn about the different types of influenza viruses, pandemics, preventive measures, and the significance of flu vaccinations.