What is an Influenza Pandemic and How Can You Protect Yourself?

Image by Quiplash! via Flickr

Source: Pandemic Flu.gov

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.

Historically, the 20th century saw 3 pandemics of influenza:

* 1918 influenza pandemic caused at least 675,000 U.S. deaths and up to 50 million deaths worldwide
* 1957 influenza pandemic caused at least 70,000 U.S. deaths and 1-2 million deaths worldwide
* 1968 influenza pandemic caused about 34,000 U.S. deaths and 700,000 deaths worldwide


Characteristics and challenges of a pandemic

1. Rapid Worldwide Spread
* When a pandemic influenza virus emerges, its global spread is considered inevitable.
* Preparedness activities should assume that the entire world population would be susceptible.
* Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but cannot stop it.

2. Health Care Systems Overloaded
* Most people have little or no immunity to a pandemic virus. Infection and illness rates soar. A substantial percentage of the world’s population will require some form of medical care.
* Nations unlikely to have the staff, facilities, equipment and hospital beds needed to cope with large numbers of people who suddenly fall ill.
* Death rates are high, largely determined by four factors: the number of people who become infected, the virulence of the virus, the underlying characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations and the effectiveness of preventive measures.
* Past pandemics have spread globally in two and sometimes three waves.

3. Medical Supplies Inadequate
* The need for vaccine is likely to outstrip supply.
* The need for antiviral drugs is also likely to be inadequate early in a pandemic.
* A pandemic can create a shortage of hospital beds, ventilators and other supplies. Surge capacity at non-traditional sites such as schools may be created to cope with demand
* Difficult decisions will need to be made regarding who gets antiviral drugs and vaccines.

4. Economic and Social Disruption
* Travel bans, closings of schools and businesses and cancellations of events could have major impact on communities and citizens.
* Care for sick family members and fear of exposure can result in significant worker absenteeism.

Communications and Information are Critical Components of Pandemic Response

Education and outreach are critical to preparing for a pandemic. Understanding what a pandemic is, what needs to be done at all levels to prepare for pandemic influenza, and what could happen during a pandemic helps us make informed decisions both as individuals and as a nation. Should a pandemic occur the public must be able to depend on its government to provide scientifically sound public health information quickly, openly and dependably. For additional information on pandemic influenza visit: www.pandemicflu.gov.

Preparing For Pandemic Influenza — What You Can Do

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. The federal government, states, communities and industry are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.

A pandemic is likely to be a prolonged and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation and other public services. An informed and prepared public can take appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic.

Communities, Businesses and Individuals Should:

• Develop preparedness plans as you would for other public health emergencies.

• 
  
• Participate and promote public health efforts in your state and community.
• 
  
• Talk with your local public health officials and health care providers; they can supply information about the signs and symptoms of a specific disease outbreak.
• 
  
• Implement prevention and control actions recommended by your public health officials and providers.
• 
  
• Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home.
• 
  
• Anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members.
• 
  
• Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest and take these common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs.
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
  • Stay away from others as much as possible if you are sick.
  
  
• Stay informed about pandemic influenza and be prepared to respond.
  • Consult www.pandemicflu.gov frequently for updates on national and international information on pandemic influenza.
  • Use national and local pandemic hotlines that will be established in the eventuality of a global influenza outbreak.
  • Listen to radio and television and read media stories about pandemic flu

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize suffering and death from influenza. Research efforts have led to the development of a vaccine for one of the two strains of the H5N1 influenza virus in humans. In the event of a pandemic, it could take months to develop an effective vaccine. Federal officials have drafted a plan that spells out who gets priority for the first vaccinations. Officials are seeking public input on the plan. More about human vaccines for H5N1>>

Medications

Research continues into effective antivirals, seeking medications that can reduce the severity of an influenza attack. Antivirals are drugs that are used to prevent or cure a disease caused by a virus, by interfering with the ability of the virus to multiply in number or spread from cell to cell. Recent increases in the number and promotion of antiviral drugs for influenza have increased interest in the role of specific antiviral drugs for treatment of the flu. Use of antiviral drugs does not eliminate the risk of complications, and some complications can be life threatening. More about medications and antivirals>>

Masks

The first things many people think about relative to preparing for a pandemic are masks and respirators. Much incorrect, incomplete, and confusing information about surgical mask and respirator use has been disseminated on the Internet and by other popular media. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have issued guidance on the use of masks and respirators in an influenza pandemic. More about using masks/respirators in a pandemic>>

Read More Here