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You are here: Skip Navigation LinksPHC Home > Topics & Services > Diseases & Conditions > Influenza
Influenza 

Woman sneezing into a tissue

The flu is an illness caused by influenza viruses. Because the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. Antibiotics are, however, useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with the flu. It is possible for people to catch the flu by touching objects (telephones, eating utensils, doorknobs, etc…) contaminated with flu viruses and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Every year in the U.S., 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and about 36,000 people die as a result of flu-related causes. The flu season in the U.S. usually occurs during the winter months; however, cases can occur throughout the year.

 
See USAPHC influenza products in the Health Information Products eCatalog.

Topics

Influenza Epidemiology and Surveillance

The following is a list of available influenza epidemiology and surveillance resources:... (more)

Influenza Policy, Guidance, and Recommendations

The following is a list of influenza-related guidance, recommendations, and policies from various government and non-government sources:... (more)

Pandemic Influenza

Pandemic Flu Facts  One hallmark of influenza viruses is that they are constantly changing. If a non-human (novel) influenza virus gains the ability for efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission and spreads globally, an influenza pandemic occurs. Given the virus is new and there is little natural immunity, the disease can easily spread from person to person. On average, pandemic... (more)

Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal Flu Facts: The flu is an illness caused by influenza viruses. Because the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics are not an effective form of treatment. Antibiotics are, however, useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with the flu. It is possible for people to catch the flu by touching objects (telephones, eating utensils, doorknobs, etc…... (more)

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