| Pandemic
Flu
A flu pandemic occurs when
a new influenza virus emerges for which people have
little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine.
The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes
serious illness, and can sweep across the country and
around the world in very short time. It is difficult
to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur
or how severe it will be but there have been 3 major
pandemics in the 20th Century; 1918 (Spanish Flu), 1957
and 1968.
Currently, health professionals
are concerned that the continued spread of a highly
pathogenic avian flu virus (H5N1) across eastern Asia
and other countries represents a significant threat
to human health. The H5N1 avian flu virus, or "bird
flu" has raised concerns about a potential human pandemic
because:
- The H5N1 avian flu is especially virulent
- It is being spread by migratory birds
- It can be transmitted from birds to
mammals and in some limited circumstances to humans
- Like other influenza viruses, it continues
to evolve, and
- Few people are prepared with adequate
pandemic flu supplies.
The risk from this bird flu is generally
low to most people, because the viruses do not usually
infect humans. H5N1 is one of the few avian influenza
viruses to have crossed the species barrier to infect
humans, and it is the most deadly of those that have
crossed the barrier. Most cases of H5N1 influenza infection
in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry
(e.g., domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or
surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from
infected birds.
So
far, the spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus from person-to-person
has been limited and has not continued beyond one person.
Nonetheless, because all influenza viruses have the
ability to mutate, scientists are concerned that H5N1
virus one day could be able to infect humans and spread
easily from one person to another.
Familiarize
yourself with these terms to help understand influenza
pandemic issues.
- Avian (Bird) Flu -
Is caused by influenza A viruses that occur
naturally among birds. The avian flu currently
of concern is the H5N1 subtype.
- Influenza (Flu) -
An acute, contagious, infectious disease,
caused by any of a specific group of viruses
and characterized by inflammation of the respiratory
tract, fever, and muscular pain.
- Pandemic - A global
disease outbreak.
- Seasonal Flu - Follows
predictable seasonal patterns; occurs annually
(usually in winter) in temperate climates.
Health systems can usually meet public and
patient needs with vaccine developed based
on known flu strains.
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When
planning for a flu pandemic your survival kits and pandemic
flu supplies should be augmented to include:
- Food
and water for up to 2 weeks and possibly as much as
6 weeks
- Medications
for up to 2 weeks including fever and pain medication
such as Tylenol
- Multivitamins
to maintain healthy immune system
- Rehrydration
solutions, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte for children
- Large
garbage bags to store infectious trash safely
- Antibacterial
soap and disinfectants for surfaces
To
minimize the risk of contracting the flu, take these
common-sense steps to limit the spread of germs and
make good hygiene a habit.
- Wash
hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cover
your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze.
- Put
used tissues in a waste basket.
- Cough
or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have
a tissue.
- Clean
your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and
water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Stay
at home if you are sick.
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