Is H1N1 influenza the same as seasonal flu?
No. Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by different flu viruses than novel H1N1 influenza. Seasonal flu occurs every year, most often during the winter and early spring. Seasonal flu most severely affects people 65 years and older, while novel H1N1 influenza is currently being seen most frequently in children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 24 years old. In addition, a new vaccine is available every year to help prevent seasonal flu.
