Dickinson/Iron District Health Department

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 Is caused by some other strain of the flu virus.

For more information, visit the links below.

Pandemic Flu Facts
What is a Pandemic Flu? How likely is it that a pandemic will occur? Will it affect Michigan?
Avian H5N1 Influenza Facts
What is Avian Influenza? What is the connection between avian flu and a pandemic?
Pandemic influenza: Vaccine and Antivirals
Will there be a vaccine available to prevent the pandemic? Will there be antivirals available?
Local Preparedness
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
- News Release - Pandemic Influenza Preparedness in Full Swing
Personal, Community Preparedness
State Preparedness
What is the State of State of Michigan doing to prepare for the pandemic?
Business Preparedness
What can Businesses do to prepare for the pandemic?
Healthcare Provider Information
Information for Healthcare Providers is provided in this link.
Pandemic Influenza: What can you do?
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!
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist
The US Department of Health and Human Services has created checklists to assist the following organizations in preparing for a pandemic influenza outbreaks?