Influenza, commonly referred to as flu, is a viral infection caused by RNA viruses. It usually occurs in late fall, and people continue to get the infection right through the winter until early spring.

There are primarily three types of influenza viruses, namely the seasonal influenza virus, the avian influenza virus, and the pandemic influenza virus.Some of the symptoms of influenza are mild, and tend to last just for a few days, while other symptoms are quite severe and can be fatal. The pandemic influenza and avian influenza are quite virulent, and have the ability to cause death. All types of influenza viruses are contagious. If you know how influenza is transmitted, you can take steps to avoid getting the infection.

The seasonal influenza virus tends to mutate every year, and that is why it is so difficult to make a single vaccine for it. This influenza is transmitted by shaking hands or being in close proximity to a person who is suffering from flu. The infected person coughs and sneezes, and this transmits the virus. You can also get influenza if you kiss an infected person or touch surfaces that are contaminated by the virus.

Avian influenza is rare, but it is extremely fatal. This type of influenza is transmitted when you come in contact with an infected bird, or you end up eating it. Avian influenza cannot be transmitted from one infected human to another. However, a mutated form of the virus can be transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person.

Pandemic influenza occurs when the influenza virus mutates and affects all the people living in all corners of the world. This influenza is transmitted through air, body contact or by being in contact with animals who are hosts to the virus.

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