Avian Flu---Time's A-Tickin'...Part 5

This is our fifth posting in a series to help share information about Avian flu. Information provided is taken from international and national experts from the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and US Department of Health and Human Services. Some information may be concern provoking.

How Does Seasonal Flu Differ From Pandemic Flu?

Seasonal Flu: Outbreaks follow predictable seasonal patterns; occurs annually, usually in winter, in temperate climates.
Pandemic Flu: Occurs rarely (three times in 20th century - last in 1968).

Seasonal Flu: Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure.
Pandemic Flu: No previous exposure; little or no pre-existing immunity.

Seasonal Flu: Healthy adults usually not at risk for serious complications; the very young, the elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions at increased risk for serious complications.
Pandemic Flu: Healthy people may be at increased risk for serious complications.

Seasonal Flu: Health systems can usually meet public and patient needs.
Pandemic Flu: Health systems may be overwhelmed.

Seasonal Flu: Vaccine developed based on known flu strains and available for annual flu season.
Pandemic Flu: Vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic.

Seasonal Flu: Adequate supplies of antivirals are usually available.
Pandemic Flu: Effective antivirals may be in limited supply.

Seasonal Flu: Average U.S. deaths approximately 36,000 per year.
Pandemic Flu: Number of deaths would be quite high (e.g., U.S. 1918 death toll approximately 500,000).

Seasonal Flu: Symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain. Deaths often caused by complications, such as pneumonia.
Pandemic Flu: Symptoms may be more severe and complications more frequent.

Seasonal Flu: Generally causes modest impact on society (e.g., some school closing, encouragement of people who are sick to stay home).
Pandemic Flu: May cause major impact on society (e.g., widespread restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses, cancellation of large public gatherings).

Seasonal Flu: Manageable impact on domestic and world economy.
Pandemic Flu: Potential for severe impact on domestic and world economy.

Taken from website: pandemicflu.gov

Be informed. Be prepared.

Next week: How a healthcare organization or hospital might prepare for pandemic flu.