Pandemic Flu Information

The media has been reporting on a strain of bird flu that is circulating in Southeast Asia that could be the next flu pandemic.  A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic.  The strains of influenza virus that cause pandemics are different than those that cause epidemics because no one in the world is immune to the pandemic viruses.  On average, influenza pandemics occur about three times every century.

The bird flu that is circulating in Southeast Asia is very contagious to birds; however, it has now been transmitted to humans.  Since 1997, at least 200 people have been infected and approximately 50% of those infected having died.  There has not been any confirmed cases of transmission of this virus from person to person.   If the virus obtains this ability, we could have a pandemic situation. The following links provide information that will assist you in preparing for a possible flu pandemic.

Pandemic Checklist

Family Health Info

Emergency Contacts

The best way to be protected against influenza is to get an influenza vaccine each year.  To prevent the next influenza pandemic, the influenza vaccine will have to contain the strain of influenza virus that is causing the pandemic.  This means an effective vaccine can't be made until a pandemic begins.

How do you protect yourself in a pandemic situation.  Washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and staying at home when ill helps to reduce the spread of influenza virus curing a pandemic or epidemic. 

For more specific answers to your questions, contact your primary care physician.