H1N1 Pandemic Flu
H1N1
Pandemic Influenza
What Do You Need to Do to Prepare?
Seasonal flu vs. Pandemic flu, What's the Difference?
Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that spreads easily caused by influenza viruses infecting humans. Generally, the people most likely to get severely ill or become so ill they die are the very young and the elderly. Most people who get the flu start feeling better within one week.
Pandemic flu is an outbreak in many parts of the world, or pandemic, of a very severe strain of influenza virus that has been adapted to humans and spreads easily from person-to-person. Pandemic flu causes severe illness across all age groups not just the very young or the elderly.
Pandemic Influenza Is Not The Usual Seasonal Flu
Seasonal Influenza Pandemic Influenza
Occurs yearly, Occurs in cycles of 10-40
October - March years, any time of the year
Affects 5-20% of the Affects 25-50% of the
Population, particularly population, particularly
the elderly, infants and health young adults
people with existing
medical conditions
In the US, kills 36,000- In the US, 70,000 deaths
40,000 with most deaths (1957-58 to 500,000
In the high risk groups deaths (1918)
Illness usually lasts 5-7 More severe illness, for
days with full recovery longer period
by 2 weeks
Vaccine available based Caused by a new virus
Upon currently circulating strain, no vaccine would
virus strains be immediately available.
New vaccine production
Requires at least six months
Antiviral drugs have Antiviral drugs may be in
proven useful against short supply or may not
current virus strains be as effective against a
pandemic strain
How Will a Pandemic Affect Our City, County or Community?
The arrival of pandemic flu in a community is not likely to hit in one burst, but rather be a slow process developing over time. Once a full-scale pandemic occurs, 30-50% of the population may become ill, which would have a huge impact on our community. Increased awareness will help us to stop the spread of this disease and limit the number of people who get sick. Services will release information to the community through a variety of outlets, including TV, radio, print and the internet. Keep Informed!
The flu is easily spread from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Cover our Cough.
How Can Your Family Prepare for a Pandemic?
Prepare for an influenza pandemic now. Know what can happen during a pandemic and what you should do to lessen the impact on you and your family. The links below will provide you with checklists and help guide you in preparations for a pandemic outbreak.
For more information go to:
