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Pandemic Flu: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Influenza?

Influenza, or flu, is a viral infection of the lungs. There are two main types of flu virus, A and B. Each type includes many different strains and new strains emerge periodically. Flu outbreaks occur most often in late fall and winter.

Pandemic flu is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears in humans, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide.

Whats the difference between a pandemic and a seasonal outbreak of flu?

A pandemic is caused by a new influenza A virus that most people have never been exposed to, so everyone is susceptible. Pandemic strains also often cause more serious disease. Because of this, past flu pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption and economic loss.

Seasonal outbreaks of flu are caused by strains of flu virus similar to those of past years. Some people may have built up immunity, and there is also a vaccine for each years flu season.

When is the next flu pandemic expected?

Three pandemics occurred in the 20th century, all of which spread around the world within one year of being detected. Of these, the pandemic of 1918-1919 was the most severe, with 50 million or more deaths worldwide.

No one can predict when a pandemic might occur, but many scientists believe it is only a matter of time before the next one arises. Experts from around the world are watching the H5N1 Avian (bird) Flu situation in the Africa, Europe and Asia very closely and are preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more easily and widely from person to person.

What risks does Sonoma County face if there is a pandemic of flu?

If a new and severe strain of flu were to begin spreading across the globe, California would not be spared from its impact. The severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, but modeling studies suggest that its effect in the United States could be severe. In the absence of any control measures (vaccination or drugs), it has been estimated that in the United States a "mediumlevel" pandemic could cause:

• 89,000 to 207,000 deaths
• 314,000 and 734,000 hospitalizations
• 18 to 42 million outpatient visits
• 20 to 47 million people becoming sick

In Sonoma County, pandemic flu impact estimates include:

• 330 deaths
• 1,400 hospitalizations
• 65,000 outpatient visits
• 122,000 people becoming sick

Flu pandemics are different from many of the threats for which public health and the healthcare system are currently planning:

• The pandemic will last much longer than most other emergency events and may include waves of flu activity separated by months (in 20th century pandemics, a second wave of flu activity occurred three to 12 months after the first wave).
• The numbers of healthcare workers and first responders available to work can be expected to be reduced as they will be at high risk of illness through exposure in the community and in health care settings, and some may have to miss work to care for ill family members.
• Resources in many locations could be limited because of how widespread a flu pandemic would be.

Does a flu shot protect against pandemic flu?

Current flu vaccines will not protect against a new pandemic strain of flu virus. Because it takes several months to develop and distribute vaccine for a new strain, a vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic. If a pandemic occurs, it is expected that the U.S. government will work with many partner groups to make recommendations to guide the early use of vaccine. Vaccines that may be effective against H5N1 virus are being developed and tested.

Are there any other treatments for pandemic flu?

Antiviral medications can be used to treat and/or prevent influenza A viruses. However, flu strains can become resistant to antiviral medications. For example, only one antiviral medication works against the H5N1 Avian Flu virus identified in human patients in Asia in 2004 and 2005. The supply of this antiviral medication is very limited worldwide, and no pharmaceutical company in the United States manufactures it.

What should I be doing?

Protect yourself against the spread of the flu and other germs and viruses:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into your elbow.
• Wash hands thoroughly and often.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Visit www.cdc.gov/germstopper/ for more information.
• Prepare yourself and your family with these planning tools.