What is Pandemic Flu?
A flu pandemic happens when a new kind of flu virus causes people to get sick all over the world. It can last for many months, affect many different places and be very dangerous. Millions of people around the world might get very sick. Many people could die. In the 1900s there were three flu pandemics, including the Spanish Flu of 1918 which caused over 40 million deaths worldwide (over 500,000 in the U.S.)
The Epidemic of Influenza in Connecticut
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009 more than 60 million people got sick, more than 274,000 were hospitalized, and more than 12,000 died in the U.S. No one knows for sure when, or where, the next flu pandemic might happen, but everyone should be prepared.
How does a flu pandemic start?
Flu viruses are constantly changing, producing new strains. Influenza pandemics occur when a virus emerges that is so different from previous strains that few, if any, people have any immunity to it. This allows it to spread widely and rapidly, potentially affecting millions of people worldwide. The new virus may be the result of an animal virus, usually from a bird, mixing with a human virus to produce a new strain.
What is the difference between pandemic flu and ordinary flu?
- Occurs every year during the winter
- Affects up to about 10% of the population
- For most people it is an unpleasant, but not life-threatening, infection
- The very young, the very old, and people with certain chronic illnesses are most at risk of serious illness
- Annual vaccination is available
- Antiviral drugs are available to treat those at special risk
- Has occurred four times in the last 100 years
- Can occur at any time of the year
- Is a more serious infection for everyone
- People of every age may be at risk of serious illness
- A vaccine probably won’t be available when the pandemic starts – when it does become available the aim will be to immunize people as rapidly as possible as vaccine supplies become available
- Antiviral drugs are likely to be in limited supply and will have to be used to best effect according to how the disease develops
How likely is a flu pandemic?
How likely is it that pandemic flu will spread to the U.S.?
- Many people will get sick with the flu
- There will be a huge demand for health services
- Many aspects of daily life will be disrupted
- There will be many deaths
How likely am I to catch pandemic flu?
- The very young
- People over 65 years of age
- People with existing medical conditions such as lung diseases, diabetes, cancer, kidney, or heart problems
- People who have immune system problems because of certain medical treatments, or illnesses like HIV/AIDS
The groups most likely to become ill will probably be different during a pandemic.
How will I know if pandemic flu has reached the U.S.?
For more information about being prepared for pandemic Flu or other emergency follow CTDPH on social media.
You can also request a free copy of the CT Guide to Emergency Preparedness by calling 860-509-7599