Understanding Flu

What are Seasonal Flu, Avian (Bird) Flu and Pandemic Flu?
Cause
Transmission
Symptoms 
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
General Publications

View the illustration: antigenic drift showing how a mutation of genes enables the virus to escape the body’s defenses.

View the illustration: antigenic shift showing the genetic change that enables a flu strain to jump from one animal species to another.

Influenza Research Update PFGRC Announces the Addition of an Influenza Gateway® Entry Clone Set (non-gov't link) Report of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Influenza Research (PDF) NIAID has awarded $23 million per year for seven years to establish six Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance. Read the press release. Influenza Research at NIAID How the Flu Virus Changes Diagnostic Progress Advances in Treatment Prevention: Vaccines and Healthy Habits Pandemic Flu Research NIAID Media Interviews Congressional Testimony Resources for Researchers Funding Meetings Scientific Publications Clinical Studies Influenza Research at NIAID Labs

News and Events

Researchers Find Quick Way to Make Human Monoclonal Antibodies against Flu
April 30, 2008

NIAID Media Availability: Study Provides New Understanding of Forces Behind Seasonal Flu Virus Evolution
April 16, 2008

NIAID Media Availability: NIH Scientists Describe Ways to Accurately Assess Mortality Benefits of Influenza Vaccine in the Elderly
Sept. 24, 2007

All Flu News Releases