Influenza is a contagious disease of the lungs, which usually spreads by infected people coughing, sneezing, and lack of handwashing. A pandemic is an epidemic occurring over a wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people. Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak caused by a new influenza virus. The virus may spread easily, possibly causing serious illness and death. Most people will have little of no immunity to pandemic influenza. Because so many people are at risk, serious consequences are possible.
Pandemic influenza has occurred three times in the last century. The most serious outbreak of these was the 1918 pandemic, which killed tens of millions of people worldwide. The most recent influenza pandemic was Hong Kong Influenza in 1968-69.
Pandemic influenza is different from seasonal influenza (or "the flu") because outbreaks of seasonal flu are caused by viruses that are already among people. Pandemic influenza is caused by an influenza virus that is new to people and is likely to affect many more people than seasonal influenza. In addition, seasonal flu occurs every year, usually during winter while the timing of an influenza pandemic is difficult to predict. Pandemic influenza is likely to affect more people than the seasonal flu, including young adults. A severe pandemic could change daily life for a time, including limitations on travel and public gatherings.
Warning time for Pandemic Influenza will depend on where the virus starts and how soon the virus is identified. Experts believe that influenza viruses often originate in Asia. The virus must spread easily among people to become a pandemic influenza.
It is difficult to predict when the next pandemic will occur and how severe it will be because influenza viruses are always changing. The United States and other countries are preparing to respond to pandemic influenza. The Department of Health and Human Services and others are developing supplies of vaccines and medicines. In addition, the U.S. has been working with the World Health Organization and other countries to strengthen detection and response to outbreaks. Preparedness efforts are on going at the national, state, and local level.
Preparing and staying informed are the best responses now. There is currently no pandemic influenza in the U.S. or the world; however, preparing now can limit the effects of pandemic influenza. Individuals, communities, and businesses can prepare by staying informed about pandemic influenza and prepare as they would for any emergency. The same precautions should be used for pandemic influenza that are used for seasonal influenza.
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