Flu

The three types of flu viruses
There are three types of influenza viruses, namely type A, B and C.

Worldwide flu surveillance
The World Health Organisation (WHO) keeps constant surveillance of the human influenza strains circulating around the world.

A new killer-flu pandemic?
The current outbreaks of bird flu in Asian countries may seem remote, but it may have a direct impact on your life.

Summer flu?
It's summer and everybody is on the beach. But you're stuck in bed – with a temperature and aching muscles. Do you have the flu?

Swine flu hits SA with force
93 cases and counting. Swine flu has hit home. Here's what you need to know about the virus.

The notation of influenza viruses
Distinguish between the different types of influenza viruses.

How flu viruses change
The genetic make-up of influenza viruses A and B can change in two ways: a slight change known as antigenic drift and dramatic changes known as antigenic shift.

Cold or flu?
Both are common in winter and caused by viruses. We often confuse the one with the other. But there is a huge difference between a cold and influenza: influenza may kill you.

Swine influenza
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus, which regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.