Pandemic flu

What is the difference between the seasonal flu and a pandemic flu?

The seasonal flu refers to several common strains of the flu virus that affect individuals usually in the fall and winter months. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Web site (http://www.hhs.gov/flu/), the common symptoms of the flu are as follows:

Symptoms	Flu
Fever	Characteristic, high (102-104°F); lasts 3-4 days
Headache	Prominent
General Aches, Pains	Usual; often severe
Fatigue, Weakness	Can last up to 2-3 weeks
Extreme Exhaustion	Early and prominent
Stuffy Nose	Sometimes
Sneezing	Sometimes
Sore Throat	Sometimes
Chest Discomfort, Cough	Common; can become severe
Complications	Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening
Prevention	Annual vaccination; antiviral medicines - see your doctor
Treatment	Antiviral medicines - see your doctor
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, April 2001.

A yearly vaccine can help to prevent and/or lessen the severity of the seasonal flu. The difference between the seasonal flu and a pandemic flu is that a pandemic flu begins when a new flu strain spreads easily and quickly around the world.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, “pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears in humans, causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Three major influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century causing millions of deaths, and no one knows for sure when the next pandemic may strike. Efforts are underway to plan for the complex issues and serious impact that a new influenza pandemic could cause in the Commonwealth.” (Source: Virginia Department of Health Web Site: http://www.vdh.state.va.us/PandemicFlu/index.asp)

Impact of Pandemic Flu
“If a new and severe strain of flu were to begin spreading across the globe, Virginia would not be spared from its impact. The severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, but modeling studies suggest that its effect in the United States could be severe. In the absence of any control measures (vaccination or drugs), it has been estimated that in the United States a "medium-level" pandemic could cause:

• 89,000 to 207,000 deaths
• 314,000 to 734,000 hospitalizations
• 18 million to 42 million outpatient visits
• 20 million to 47 million people becoming sick
• An economic impact ranging between $71.3 billion and $166.5 billion

In Virginia, pandemic flu impact estimates include:

• 2,700 to 6,300 deaths
• 12,000 to 28,500 hospitalizations
• 575,000 to 1.35 million outpatient visits
• 1.08 million to 2.52 million people becoming sick”

(Source: Virginia Department of Health Web Site: http://www.vdh.state.va.us/PandemicFlu/index.asp)

In addition to illness and death, a pandemic flu could result in a shortage of food, goods and services.

How to Protect Yourself against a Pandemic Flu
The key things to remember to protect yourself against the spread of the flu and other germs and viruses are:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Wash hands thoroughly and often
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• Stay home when you are sick

In addition, you can prepare for a pandemic flu by gathering the following goods and items, should you experience an extended stay at home.

Example of nonperishable food items:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats and fish
• Canned fruits, vegetables, beans and soups
• Protein, cereal or fruit bars
• Dry cereal
• Peanut butter or nuts
• Dried fruit
• Crackers
• Canned/bottled juices
• Bottled water, for drinking and cooking
• Baby food and formula
• Pet food
• Other desired nonperishable food items

Examples of medical, health and emergency supplies:

• Prescribed medical supplies and medications
• Soap and water, or alcohol based hand cleaner
• Medicines for fever, such as Tylenol and Advil
• Thermometer
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Vitamins
• Fluids with electrolytes, such as Gatorade
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Portable radio
• Manual can opener
• Garbage bags
• Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers

LFCC’s Plan of Action
The College is currently developing a plan of action to follow in the event of a pandemic flu. Please visit this Web page for information updates.

For More Information
Following are Web sites you are encouraged to visit for more information:

• One-stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
• Virginia Department of Health: http://www.vdh.state.va.us/PandemicFlu/index.asp
• Pandemic Influenza Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.vdh.state.va.us/PandemicFlu/FAQs.asp
• World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html