Pandemic Flu Brief Unit Name Rank / Name Unit logo

What is an Influenza Pandemic?  A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.  An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness, and then spreads easily person-to- person worldwide.

How do Pandemic Viruses Occur?  New influenza viruses emerge as a result of a process called antigenic shift, which causes a sudden and major change in influenza A viruses.  These changes occur when proteins on the surface of the virus combine in new ways as a result of mutation or exchange of genetic material between multiple influenza viruses.  If such changes result in a new influenza A virus subtype that can infect humans and spread easily from person to person, an influenza pandemic can occur.

Why are Pandemics Such Dreaded Events?  During a severe pandemic, such as the one that occurred in 1918, there would be large surges in the numbers of people requiring or seeking medical treatment, temporarily overwhelming health services.  High rates of worker absenteeism could also interrupt other essential services.  Because populations will be fully susceptible to a pandemic virus, rates of illness could peak fairly rapidly within a given community.  This means that local social and economic disruptions may be temporary.  They may, however, be amplified in today’s closely interrelated and interdependent systems of trade and commerce.

What Age’s are most likely to be Affected?  Although scientists cannot predict the specific consequences of an influenza pandemic, it is likely that many age groups would be seriously affected.  The greatest risk of hospitalization and death – as seen during the last two pandemics – will be infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.  However, in the 1918 pandemic, most deaths occurred in young adults.  Few if any people would have immunity to the virus.

Could Terrorists Spread the Flu?  Experts believe it highly unlikely that a pandemic influenza virus could be created by terrorists.  Developing a pandemic influenza virus would require extraordinary scientific skill, as well as sophisticated scientific equipment and other resources.

What are Pandemic Alert Phases? WHO Alert Phases:  1: Low risk of human cases  1: Low risk of human cases  2 Higher risk of human cases  2 Higher risk of human cases  3 No or very limited human-to-human transmission  3 No or very limited human-to-human transmission  4 Evidence of increased human-to-human transmission  4 Evidence of increased human-to-human transmission  5 Evidence of significant human-to-human transmission  5 Evidence of significant human-to-human transmission  6 Efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission

What Phase Are We In? The world is presently in Phase 5 of the Pandemic Alert. This means that there is a new influenza virus subtype causing disease in humans, and that it is spreading easily from human to human in communities.

Will Masks Protect Me?  For workers that are or will be exposed to infected patients, N-95 (or higher) respirators are recommended, in conjunction with personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, gowns, and goggles),  If supplies of N-95 (or higher) respirators are not available, surgical masks are recommended for patients who are infected to help reduce the potential for spread of virus when these people cough or sneeze.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)  # of countries w/ confirmed cases: 30  # of confirmed cases: 5251  # of deaths: 61 (56 in Mexico)  # of states in the USA w/ confirmed cases: 44  # of confirmed cases in the USA: 2600  # of deaths in the USA: 3

Signs & Symptoms H1N1  Fever  Dry Cough  Sore Throat  Body Aches  Headache  Runny or Stuff Nose  Chills  Fatigue.  Diarrhea  Vomiting Season Flu  Fever  Dry Cough  Sore Throat  Body Aches  Headache  Runny or Stuff Nose  Chills  Fatigue.  Diarrhea  Vomiting

To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection  Wash hands frequently with soap and water.  Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.  Stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick.  Stay home from work and school if sick.

Where can I find more info?  PandemicFlu:  Centers for Disease Control (CDC)  World Health Organization (WHO)  American Red Cross (ARC)  U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services (HHS):