Influenza

 

Influenza, or the ‘flu is caused by a highly contagious virus spread by coughing and sneezing.

 

Symptoms of the ‘flu develop one to three days after infection and include chills, sweating, headache, cough and general muscle and joint pains. In rare cases, ‘flu may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or inflammation of the brain or heart.

 

The ‘flu is often considered a mild disease, slightly worse than a cold, but the ‘flu has killed millions of people, including children, around the world.

 

Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the ‘flu and be hospitalised.

 

Our research
Avian influenza, or bird ‘flu as it is more commonly known, is a contagious viral infection that can affect all species of birds and occasionally causes disease in humans. There are several types of bird ‘flu and the strain involved in the current outbreak is called H5N1. The current strain of H5N1 has spread to many parts of the world by migratory birds and possibly through trade in poultry.

 

Our Vaccine Trials Group has been involved in national trials of an Australian-developed bird ‘flu vaccine with Perth adults, older Australians and children aged between six months to eight years taking part. In 2007, we announced results from the adult study which found study participants produced a strong immune response against the H5N1 bird ‘flu virus. The vaccine was found to be safe and well tolerated and the data has now been submitted for registration of the vaccine with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Whilst a H5N1 ‘flu pandemic has not yet occurred, the best preparation against bird ‘flu is to have an effective vaccine available and to continue to monitor the situation.