Pandemic Influenza and Avian Influenza
Pandemic influenza is a global disease outbreak. An
influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus appears for which there
is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious
illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.
Pandemics are different from seasonal flu outbreaks or
�epidemics� of influenza. Seasonal outbreaks are caused by subtypes of
influenza viruses that already circulate among people, whereas pandemic outbreaks
are caused by new subtypes or by subtypes that have never circulated among
people. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death,
social disruption, and economic loss.
There is concern that this strain of �bird� flu could cause
a pandemic � a very dangerous, worldwide outbreak of illness. That will only
happens if the flu virus changes, so people can get it easily from each other �
not just from birds. That hasn�t happened yet � and it may never happen. But
health officials believe that we will have a flu pandemic sooner or later �
even if it�s caused by some other strain of the flu virus.
For more information, visit the links below.�
�
Pandemic
Flu Facts link to www.pandemicflu.gov/general/
What is a Pandemic Flu?� How likely is it that a pandemic will
occur?� Will it affect
Michigan?
�
Avian
H5N1 Influenza Facts link to www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
What is Avian Influenza?� What is the connection between avian flu and
a pandemic?
�
Pandemic
influenza: Vaccine and Antivirals link towww.pandemicflu.gov/vaccine/
Will there be a vaccine available
to prevent the pandemic?� Will there be
antivirals available?�
�
Local
Preparedness link to
What is the Dickinson-Iron
District Health Department doing to prepare for the possible pandemic?�
We are developing a pandemic influenza response plan that details local
strategies to combat an influenza outbreak.�
We have been conducting exercises with local and regional emergency
response partners to test our ability to dispense vaccine and medications to
Iron and Dickinson
County residents.� For additional detailed� information, please contact the Dickinson-Iron
District Health Department at 906-779-1868 or 906-265-9913
�
State
Preparedness link to www.michigan.gov/influenza/
What is the State of
Michigan doing to
prepare for the pandemic?�
�
Healthcare
Provider Information link to www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/healthprofessional.htm
Information for Healthcare
Providers is provided in this link.�
�
Pandemic
Influenza:� What can you do? link
to www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab3.html
What can I do to prepare myself
and my family for a public health emergency like a pandemic?
You can protect yourself against the flu by working to improve your
health and by getting the annual flu shot.�
Although the vaccine against the seasonal flu will not protect you
against the avian flu, it will keep you healthy and may help you fight off the
pandemic flu.� Also, good personal
hygiene will help in spreading the flu to family members and co-workers.� Please wash your hands often!�