Pandemic Influenza
An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks or “epidemics” of influenza. Seasonal outbreaks are caused by subtypes of influenza viruses that already circulate among people, whereas pandemic outbreaks are caused by new subtypes, by subtypes that have never circulated among people, or by subtypes that have not circulated among people for a long time. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss.
Due to the recent spread of H5N1 avian influenza among wild birds and poultry in Western Europe and parts of Africa, experts are concerned that the world may be on the verge of the next influenza pandemic. No one knows for sure whether H5N1 avian influenza will become easily transmissible from human-to-human, or if it will cause the next influenza pandemic. But scientists and government officials believe it could pose a serious threat to our health, our economy, and our way of life. It’s something that we all need to take seriously and plan for. You can prepare in several ways:
- Have a good home emergency preparedness plan. Check the websites below for sample preparedness plans.
- Become more diligent about good hygiene. Washing your hands regularly is one of the best ways to protect yourself against any kind of infectious disease. It will become even more important during a pandemic, so it’s a good idea to develop the habit now. The same goes for coughing into a tissue or your sleeve instead of into your hands, and keeping your hands away from your nose and mouth. Get used to doing these now so they’ll be second nature if and when a pandemic occurs.
- Do all you can to improve your health. The healthier you are, the more resistant your body is to disease. So it’s a better time than ever to quit smoking, improve your eating habits, exercise regularly, and get regular medical checkups and recommended immunizations.
- Stay informed. The websites listed below provide regularly updated information about H5N1 avian influenza and pandemic flu.
Preparedness Links
Pandemic Planning Checklist - Individuals and Families 