Flu Information

For Providers

For the Public

Questions and Answers About Influenza and Influenza Vaccine

Rhode Island Department of Health

3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
Immunization:
1-800-942-7434

Surveillance:
Phone: (401) 222-2577
Fax: (401) 222-2488

Related HEALTH Information
Pandemic Influenza
Avian Influenza

Rhode Island Department of Health
Influenza (Flu) Information

giving comfort 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. At this time the H5N1 virus cannot easily be transmitted from person to person. There is no human immunity to this virus and no vaccine is available.

Pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of severe flu caused by a virus that is new to humans. Pandemics occur when a new or markedly changed virus develops. Because the virus is new or very different from any virus seen before, there is no natural immunity (defenses) in the human population, and the disease can spread easily from person to person. In a pandemic, many people may get sick at the same time, and many may die.

Influenza is a viral infection that is highly contagious. It is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs, but is different from a cold. Influenza symptoms come quickly in the form of fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. These symptoms can be severe and debilitating for a number of days. Although most people who become infected with influenza will get sick and require bed rest, people who are 65 and older (and those with other health problems) can require hospitalization and die from Influenza.

It should be noted that vaccination with the live nasal-spray flu vaccine (Flumist®) is always an option for healthy persons aged 5-49 years who are not pregnant. This vaccine is not subject to prioritization and can be given to healthy 5-49 year olds at any time. For more information:

2008 Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Commitee on Immunization Practices

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza Information (exit HEALTH)
Healthy Habits Keep You Well
Healthy habits can protect everyone from getting germs or spreading germs at home, school, or work. (exit HEALTH)