The typical (seasonal) Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus resulting in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths yearly. A pandemic influenza occurs when a new viral strain emerges in which people have virtually no immunity. If the illness is capable of person-to-person transmission, it can infect people worldwide in a very short period of time. Because it is typically a new strain of virus which often mutates, vaccines are not readily available.Past pandemics have spread globally in two and sometimes three waves.
The world has already faced multiple influenza pandemics, each causing extensive mortality, morbidity, and economic hardship. During the 20th century there were three flu pandemics:
● 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
A pandemic may come and go in waves, each of which can last for six to eight weeks. An especially severe influenza pandemic could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts can range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery.
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.