A pandemic is a serious disease outbreak that occurs when an infectious disease spreads rapidly, affecting most countries and regions of the world. Flu pandemics have occurred periodically throughout human history - including a major pandemic in 1918, and smaller pandemics in 1957 and 1968. Since flu viruses are constantly changing or mutating they are constantly producing new strains. Flu pandemics occur when a virus emerges that is so different from previous strains that few, if any people have immunity. This allows it to spread widely and rapidly, potentially affecting millions of people worldwide. The new virus may be the result of an animal virus, usually from a bird, mixing with a human virus to produce a new strain.
Pandemic Flu could occur any time of the year. We do not know if a pandemic will occur this year, next year or ten years from now. What we do know is that during a pandemic many people of every age may be at risk of serious illness. We also know that if a pandemic occurs in the near future a vaccine probably won't be available when the pandemic starts and antiviral drugs are likely to be in limited supply. Scientists are currently working toward making an effective vaccine, we do not know when such a vaccine might be available. |
In the case of pandemic flu being prepared to be self-sufficient may keep you and your family safe. Currently we do not have a vaccine available for your family for pandemic flu. Stay home from work when you are sick and keep the kids home from school when they are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your mouth and your nose when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Get plenty of rest, fluids and exercise to help your body stay healthy and eat nutritious foods. Avoid smoking which may increase the risk of serious consequences if you get the flu. |
Be prepared. Plan how you will care for your family if an interruption in basic services happened. Talk now about what you would do if water, power, sanitation services or disruptions to the food supply occurred in our community. The checklist below is one way to help your family prepare for pandemic flu. This checklist can also be used for other emergencies such as a severe winter storm or tornado. |
