Understanding Flu Viruses
Flu A viruses can be broken down into sub-types depending on the genes that make up the surface proteins. Over the course of a flu season, different types (A & B) and subtypes (only for flu A) of flu circulate and cause illness.
More Information about Flu Viruses
- Types of Flu Viruses
Flu A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics more commonly known as the flu season. - How Flu Viruses Can Change
Flu viruses can change in two different ways—antigenic drift and antigenic shift. - Transmission of Flu Viruses from Animals to People
Flu A viruses also are found in many different animals, including ducks, chickens, pigs, horses, whales, and seals.- Avian (Bird) Flu: Information on flu viruses in birds
- Canine (Dog) Flu: Information on flu viruses in dogs
- Swine (Pig)/Variant Flu: Information on flu viruses in pigs and human infections with flu viruses from pigs
- Pandemic Flu
A flu pandemic is a global outbreak of a new flu A virus. Learn more, including about past flu pandemics. - Images of Flu Viruses
Graphics of generic flu viruses - Human Serology and Flu
CDC conducts human serology work to improve seasonal flu vaccines and prepare against future flu pandemics. - Antigenic Characterization of Flu Viruses
CDC antigenically characterizes circulating flu viruses each year to monitor for changes and to help inform flu vaccine composition recommendations. - Flu Virus Genome Sequencing and Genetic Characterization
CDC studies genetic changes in circulating flu viruses to support public health objectives. - Expanding Viral Genomic Sequencing Infrastructure in the U.S.
Through a cooperative agreement with the Association for Public Health Laboratories, CDC provides funding and training to a network of state labs for them to do influenza sequencing. - Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) and Flu
CDC’s Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) initiative uses new technology to study flu viruses faster and in more detail than ever before.
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