Pandemic Flu
If you are looking for information on H1N1 (Human Swine) Influenza, please visit our H1N1 Influenza page.
The World Health Organization (WHO) predicted a pandemic influenza outbreak sometime this century. Pandemic influenza occurs when a new flu virus infection breaks out worldwide, spreading rapidly from one country to another. Infectious diseases can spread around the globe in a matter of hours in today’s world of airline travel.
There were three other influenza pandemics in the 20th century: 1918, 1957 and 1968.
Influenza is an infection of the lungs and airways caused by a virus. Each year, various types of influenza circulate throughout the world. These viruses are constantly changing, producing new strains. Usually an individual’s previous bout of influenza offers some protection against infections caused by similar strains of flu virus. Pandemics occur when the flu virus changes so drastically that most people have no immunity to it and infection spreads rapidly from country to country.
The WHO has declared the H1N1 Influenza A virus to be a global influenza pandemic. At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. This assessment is based on scientific evidence available to WHO, as well as input from its Member States on the pandemic's impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning.
The moderate assessment reflects that:
- Most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care.
- Overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods, although high levels of disease have occurred in some local areas and institutions.
- Overall, hospitals and health care systems in most countries have been able to cope with the numbers of people seeking care, although some facilities and systems have been stressed in some localities.
WHO is concerned about current patterns of serious cases and deaths that are occurring primarily among young persons, including the previously healthy and those with pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy.
Large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of disease is not yet known.
Know your flus
Pandemic – a disease outbreak that spreads rapidly around the world.
Influenza – an infection of the lungs and airways caused by a virus and easily spread from person to person.
Seasonal Flu – a common form of influenza that spreads each winter. Yearly flu shots can help to protect people from becoming infected.
Avian Flu – also called “Bird Flu”, this is a type of flu that affects poultry and wild birds. Humans can get this type of flu through close contact with infected birds. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Prevent the spread of germs
Any flu virus is spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches things that others use. To protect yourself and others:
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Cough into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water if possible. If not possible, use an alcohol-based hand gel or disposable hand wipes.
- Stay home if you’re stick or have flu symptoms. Drink lots of water, get plenty of rest and call Yukon HealthLine at 811 or speak to your health care provider as needed.
- Visit our seasonal influenza page for more information on preventing the spread of germs.
Links to more information
- Public Health Agency of Canda - Pandemic Preparedness
- National Policy Recommendations on the Use of Antivirals for Prevention during an Influenza Pandemic - released August 20, 2008 (PDF, 48.2 KB)
- Pandemic Influenza - Canada
- Pandemic Influenza Preparedness - BC
- Pandemic Preparedness - Manitoba
Some information for this site was taken from: The World Health Organization Pandemic preparedness page.