Influenza Pandemic

An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. The virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.

Before A Pandemic Outbreak

  • Prepare for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals and other health care facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices and post offices.
  • Consider how to care for people with special needs in case the services they rely on are not available.
  • Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home. Anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members.
  • Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily and getting sufficient rest. In addition, take common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
  • Get a kit of emergency supplies and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.

During A Pandemic

  • Limit the spread of germs by
    • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
    • Staying home from work and school and avoiding errands when you are sick.
    • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
    • Washing your hands often.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
  • Reliable, accurate and timely information is available at flu.gov. Another source for information on pandemic influenza is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. Questions can be e-mailed to [email protected].
  • Talk to your local health care providers and public health officials.

What should people do if they begin experiencing flu-like symptoms?

If people are ill, they should attempt to stay at home and limit contact with others until they are symptom-free for 24 hrs. Ill people who experience any of the following warning signs should seek emergency medical care:

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting

How can citizens protect themselves and their loved ones?

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.