Influenza, or flu, is a major concern in Kansas City, Mo., and around the world. We regularly see and hear in the news about seasonal flu, H1N1 (formerly called swine flu by the media), avian or bird flu and pandemic or world-wide flu.

This resource page was created to provide a gateway to each of these topics. Information also can be found on our Preparedness Plan and on educational and outreach opportunities.

Keep in mind when you read the flu information:

• In 2009 the World Health Organization declared Novel 2009 H1N1 Influenza to be a pandemic (referring to how far and easily it has spread, not to the severity of illness)
• Before H1N1, there was concern that avian or bird flu, otherwise known as H5N1, might become the next pandemic. That is a possibility, but at this time there is no indication of that.
• No birds with high pathogen avian flu (the type that has been killing people in Asia and Africa for several years) have been reported in the United States, and no human-to-human spread of avian or bird flu has been reported in the U.S.
• Seasonal flu vaccine is available and strongly encouraged
• Simple measures, like washing your hands often, help prevent the spread of any virus
• Being prepared is not a waste of time.