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pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when
a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity
in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads
easily person-to-person worldwide.
Historically, the 20th century saw 3 pandemics
of influenza:
- 1918 influenza pandemic caused at least 500,000 U.S. deaths and up
to 40 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
Characteristics and challenges of a pandemic
1. Rapid Worldwide Spread
- When a pandemic influenza virus emerges, its 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 cannot stop it.
2. Health Care Systems Overloaded
- 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 needed to cope with large numbers of people who suddenly fall ill.
- Inadequate supplies antivirals drugs, the two most important medical
interventions for reducing illness and deaths, are of particular concern.
- Death rates are high, largely determined by four factors: the number
of people who become infected, the virulence of the virus, the underlying
characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations and the effectiveness
of preventive measures.
- Past pandemics have spread globally in two and sometimes three waves.
3. Medical Supplies Inadequate
- The need for vaccine is likely to outstrip supply.
- The need for 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.
4. Economic and Social Disruption
- 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.
Communications and Information are Critical Components
of Pandemic Response
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. Should a pandemic
occur the public must be able to depend on its government to provide scientifically
sound public health information quickly, openly and dependably. For additional
information on pandemic influenza visit: www.pandemicflu.gov.
(Source: PandemicFlu.Gov)
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