Most of us can recall being sick with the flu. Although it may seem like a minor annoyance to many, flu (or “influenza”) is a serious illness that can cause dangerous symptoms.

Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). The flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and the virus is sent into the air. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.

Information on Avian/Bird Flu

With the continued spread of avian influenza “Bird Flu” westward from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, there is a sense of heightened concern throughout the world. Governments including the State of New Jersey and Atlantic County are taking many steps to strengthen their influenza pandemic preparedness plans; as well as providing the public with credible updated information. CLICK HERE for more information

For more information on the flu, follow the links listed below:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Influenza homepage http://www.cdc.gov/flu
• Avian Flu homepage http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
• Flu Activity Reports-U.S. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivity.htm

Influenza Viruses

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Avian influenza homepage http://www.who.int/topics/avian_influenza/en/
• Influenza homepage http://www.who.int/topics/influenza/en/

New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services (NJDHSS)

• Influenza Pandemic Preparedness http://www.state.nj.us/health/flu/pandemic.shtml
• Influenza homepage http://nj.gov/health/flu
• Flu Activity Reports-New Jersey http://nj.gov/health/fluinfo/index.html

The Division also conducts an Active Flu Surveillance Program to monitor school and worksite absences at a number of locations throughout the county. These efforts help to track flu outbreaks and keep county residents healthy all year long.

Communicable Disease Control– Information and services from the Atlantic County Division of Public Health