The different types of flu explained – seasonal influenza, swine flu and avian flu

Abstract

Winter is upon us and with it comes influenza season. The influenza viruses have the ability to undergo changes resulting in circulation of many different influenza viruses with differences in disease features such as incubation period, contagiousness, severity of symptoms and clinical outcome. This article discusses the influenza virus and the differences between seasonal flu, swine flu and bird flu.