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Pandemic Flu Safety Bulletin
Pandemic Flu Safety Bulletin featuring basic information to avoid illness should a pandemic strike the U.S.
Pandemic Flu Awareness
What are the differences between SEASONAL, AVIAN, and PANDEMIC flu?
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Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that is transmitted from person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
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Avian (bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 type is deadly to domestic birds and can be transmitted from birds to humans. No vaccine is available, and humans are not immune to this type of flu.
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PANDEMIC FLU is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak (pandemic) of serious illness. Can be spread easily from person to person, and immunity is rare.
DID YOU KNOW...?
- Three pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century. Scientists predict another could occur at any time.
- Flu vaccines do not protect you from PANDEMIC FLU, but are a good idea to protect against the seasonal variety.
- An estimated 20-47 million people in America could become sick if a pandemic flu strikes.
How can you protect yourself?
- PLAN: Stock a 2-week supply of food and water, as well as all prescription and non-prescription drugs you may need.
- TALK TO YOUR FAMILY: Teaching kids proper handwashing techniques and stressing the importance of covering sneezes and coughs can greatly reduce the spread of germs.
- PREPARE TO STAY HOME ...for quite some time. The economic upheaval a pandemic creates means local stores and places of business could be closed for extended periods of time. This is why planning ahead is so important.
Still have questions? The Virginia Department of Health has great online resources for citizens.
