Hot Topic: Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the “flu,” is a contagious disease caused by a virus. While it is possible to catch the flu at any time of year, it is predominantly a seasonal disease that strikes in the winter.

Because there are so many strains, and because the flu virus is constantly mutating, vaccines against the disease are only effective for short periods of time. Currently disease experts are particularly worried that the “avian flu” could mutate into a communicable form that could kill tens of millions of people worldwide, much like the global flu pandemic of 1918.

Below you will find a short list of books, recent magazine and newspaper articles, as well as links to informative websites that will help you learn more about influenza.

America's forgotten pandemic: the influenza of 1918, by Alfred W. Crosby. Cambridge ; New York: Cambridge University Press, ©2003.

614.518/CROSBY

The devil's flu: the world's deadliest influenza epidemic and the scientific hunt for the virus that caused it, by Pete Davies. ©2000.

614.518/DAVIES

The great influenza: the epic story of the deadliest plague in history, by John M. Barry. ©2004.

614.518/BARRY

The monster at our door: the global threat of avian flu, by Mike Davis. ©2005.

636.50896/DAVIS

The natural pharmacist: natural treatments for colds and flus, by Anna M. Barton, Elizabeth Collins, and Nancy Berkoff. ©2000.

616.20506/BARTON

The Fear Factor. By: Shute, Nancy. U.S. News & World Report, 11/21/2005, Vol. 139 Issue 19, p70-74, 4p, 3c, 1bw; (AN 18823661 ) (MastrFILE Premier).

Preparing for a Pandemic. By: Gibbs, W. Wayt; Soares, Christine. Scientific American, Nov2005, Vol. 293 Issue 5, p44-54, 10p, 2 charts, 2 diagrams, 5c; (AN 18502125 ) (MasterFILE Premier).

WHO's Flu Strike Force Plans for the Worst Case; [FINAL Edition]. David Brown. The Washington Post. Washington, D.C.: Nov 28, 2005. p. A.08 (ProQuest).

Recalling 1918's perilous plague ; Survivors of pandemic experienced panic, loss in widespread infection; [FINAL Edition 1]. Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News. Rocky Mountain News. Denver, Colo.: Nov 26, 2005. p. 28.A (ProQuest).

Experts Unlock Clues to Spread of 1918 Flu Virus. Gina Kolata; Gardiner Harris contributed reporting from Washington for this article. New York Times (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, N.Y.: Oct 6, 2005. p. A.1 (ProQuest).

Be Wise… Immunize! A Message for Families and Caregivers. Ascribe Newswire: Health, 11/10/2005, p1-1, 1p ( Health Source - Consumer Edition).

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Responds to U.S. Health and Human Services Pandemic Influenza Plan. Ascribe Newswire: Health, 11/2/2005, p3-6, 4p ( Health Source - Consumer Edition).

CDC – Influenza
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

Flu Information (FDA)
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/flu.html

Basic Information about Avian Influenza
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

Flu Information
http://www.hhs.gov/flu/

Influenza (WHO)
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/en/index.html

Influenza 1918
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/influenza/

San Diego County Immunization Initiative
http://www.immunization-sd.org/
1-866-692-2966 (recorded flu information line)
619-692-8661 (office main number)