University of Missouri Extension
       Webster County

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Avian Influenza              
 

Here is advice and links from the University of Missouri Extension Center in Webster County to help you prepare and respond to natural and man-made threats to the safety, health and well-being of you, your family and your livelihood. Contact us via e-mail at websterco@missouri.edu if you have questions not answered here.

Flu Terms Defined

  • Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
     
  • Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
     
  • Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that 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, there is no pandemic flu.
University of Missouri Extension Web Manager:  Bob Schultheis
Webster County Extension Center
Email comments to: schultheisr@missouri.edu
Last revised: 08/04/2006

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