Pandemic Influenza

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak that 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 a country and around the world in a very short time. It is difficult to predict when the next pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world is at risk. Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but cannot stop it.

Characteristics and Challenges of a Pandemic
  • When a pandemic influenza virus emerges, its rapid global spread is considered inevitable.
  • Preparedness activities should assume that the entire world population would be susceptible.
  • Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but they cannot stop it.
  • Most people have little or no immunity to a pandemic virus. Infection and illness rates soar.
  • A substantial percentage of the world’s population will require some form of medical care.
  • Nations unlikely to have the staff, facilities, equipment and hospital beds need to cope with large numbers of people who suddenly fall ill.
  • Death rates are high, largely determined by four factors:
 
  1. The number of people who become infected
  2. The virulence of the virus
  3. The underlying characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations
  4. The effectiveness of preventive measures
  • Past pandemics have spread globally in two and sometimes three waves.
  • The need for vaccine is likely to outstrip supply.
  • The supply of antiviral drugs is also likely to be inadequate early in a pandemic.
  • A pandemic can create a shortage of hospital beds, ventilators and other supplies.
  • Surge capacity at non-traditional sites such as schools may be created to cope with demand.
  • Difficult decisions will need to be made regarding who gets antiviral drugs and vaccines.
  • Travel bans, closings of schools and businesses and cancellations of events could have major impact on communities and citizens.
  • Care for sick family members and fear of exposure can result in significant worker absenteeism.
 - Preparing for a Pandemic
 - Avian Flu
 - Government Planning
 - Family & Individual Planning
 - Community, School, Childcare Planning
 - Business Planning