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Hamilton County Pandemic Influenza Plan 2007
What is Pandemic Influenza?
A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity. As a result, pandemic flu can be more severe, affect more people, and cause more deaths than seasonal influenza. Flu pandemics typically last between 18 months and two years.
Why is Pandemic Influenza so Serious?
Once a pandemic virus develops, it can spread rapidly, causing outbreaks around the world. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that as much as 25% to 30% of the U.S. population could be affected.
When Were the Previous Flu Pandemics?
1918 - Spanish Flu (H1N1)
1957 - Asian Flu (H2N2)
1968 - Hong Kong Flu (H3N2)
What is the Current Flu Pandemic?
The current flu pandemic is the novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) that was identified in April 2009. This virus was designated as an official pandemic on June 11, 2009. For more information about this pandemic, click here.
What is Bird Flu?
The current bird flu outbreak in Asia, Europe, and Africa is caused by H5N1, an influenza A virus. H5N1 affects wild and domesticated birds. Humans have become infected with H5N1 as a result of direct and close contact with sick birds. At this time, the virus has not developed the ability to pass easily from person to person and cause outbreaks in humans. However, there is concern worldwide that this virus may evolve into a form that is easily passed between people, starting a flu pandemic.
What Should You Know About Bird Flu? |