Pandemic Flu
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time.
It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world is at risk. Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but cannot stop it.
Health professionals are concerned that the continued spread of a highly pathogenic avian H5N1 virus across eastern Asia and other countries represents a significant threat to human health. The H5N1 virus has raised concerns about a potential human pandemic because:
- It is especially virulent
- It is being spread by migratory birds
- It can be transmitted from birds to mammals and in some limited circumstances to humans, and
- Like other influenza viruses, it continues to evolve.
Since 2003, a growing number of human H5N1 cases have been reported in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao Democratic People's Republic, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. More than half of the people infected with the H5N1 virus have died. Most of these cases are all believed to have been caused by exposure to infected poultry. There has been no sustained human-to-human transmission of the disease, but the concern is that H5N1 will evolve into a virus capable of human-to-human transmission.
For more information on Pandemic Influenza, click here: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
Pandemic Flu differs from Seasonal Flu
Seasonal Flu
- Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity and a vaccine is available.
- Symptoms include suden fever, cough, sore throat, headache, and muscle pain. Healthy adults are usually not at risk for serious complications, as the very young, elderly and people with serious health conditions are at risk.
- The common flu that spreads each winter generally causes a modest impact on society (36,000 die annually).
Pandemic Flu
- Pandemic flu is caused by a new influenza virus that people have not been exposed to before. Flu shots might not be available during the beginning of a pandemic.
- Symptoms will be similar to the regular flu, but may be more severe and complications could be more serious. Healthy adults may face a higher risk for serious complications.
- A severe pandemic could significantly change daily life for some time. People may choose to stay home or be forced to stay home if they are sick or need to care for others, possibly for up to three weeks.
