Pandemic Flu

Pandemics are unpredictable and it is hard to know when one will occur and how severe it will be. A flu pandemic could cause severe illnesses and even death, and most certainly it would disrupt daily life.  Hospitals may be overwhelmed with patients, and doctors and nurses may be short-staffed themselves.  Gatherings of people might be limited to control the spread of the disease (schools and businesses may close, sporting events could be cancelled, and transportation could be limited).

Pandemic flu occurs when a new influenza virus appears or emerges in the human population and causes a global outbreak of the disease, resulting in serious illness as it spreads from person to person. Pandemic flu has occurred naturally throughout history.

Terms to Know

• Pandemic- A disease outbreak that spreads rapidly around the world.
• Influenza-  An infection of the lungs caused by a virus that can be passed from person to person.
• Seasonal Influenza- A common form of influenza that spreads each winter. Flu shots protect many people from becoming infected from seasonal influenza.
• Avian Influenza- Also called “bird flu.” A type of flu that affects poultry and wild birds. In certain conditions humans may be able get this type of flu through close contact with infected birds.

More Info About Pandemic Flu

Pandemic flu is not the same as the seasonal flu or the bird flu.

A pandemic flu is a widespread outbreak of the flu (influenza).  Pandemic flu is any new form of the flu virus that:

• Is easily spread between people
• Few people are immune to

Compared to the yearly seasonal flu, pandemic flu can make many more people sick and may cause more severe illness.  During a pandemic flu, the disease will:

• Spread quickly from person to person
• Affect many people in a short period of time
• Spread around the world in months – or days
• Cause serious illness and many deaths

The seasonal flu goes around every year, usually in the fall and winter.  It is not a completely new virus and generally.

• Affects few people
• May be prevented by getting a yearly flu shot
• Puts fewer people at risk for serious complications

For more information on pandemic flu, visit the following websites:

• www.ohiopandemicflu.gov
• www.pandemicflu.gov
• www.cdc.gov 
• www.who.int