Pandemic flu is different from seasonal flu.
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs
when a new influenza virus, different from the seasonal influenza
virus, emerges somewhere in the world. Because humans have little
or no natural immunity to this virus, the disease could spread easily
from person-to-person worldwide and could cause serious, life-threatening
illness.
Historically, a pandemic flu has occurred every
40-50 years. Experts predict there will be another flu pandemic
in the near future. If it is similar to the flu pandemic of 1918,
up to one-third of the population will be affected. At Montgomery
County’s current population, that would mean some 200,000
– 300,000 people could become ill. Experts do not know what
the death toll might be.
Wordwide Impact
Currently there is no pandemic flu in humans. There is a flu pandemic
among the wild bird population in Asia, Africa, and some parts of
Europe. Avian (or bird) flu is caused by a virus that occurs naturally
among wild birds. This virus, known as the H5N1 flu virus, is deadly
to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There
have been several cases of human infection by the H5N1 virus in
people who had direct contact with infected birds. But these infected
people did not continue to spread the virus to others. Health officials
are carefully monitoring this disease. The next flu pandemic may
or may not be caused by the H5N1 virus.
Pandemic Flu Preparations
Public health officials here in Montgomery County have been preparing
for a pandemic flu for several years. We are working with our regional,
state and federal leaders to do all we can to make sure our community
is prepared for a pandemic.
Everyone needs to make sure he or she is personally
prepared for all types of emergencies, whether it is a weather emergency,
a pandemic flu outbreak, or a terrorist incident. You’ll find
links below on what you—and your family—can do to prepare.
You’ll also find information on how to help prevent the spread
of germs—easy steps that we can all take every day.
Information about pandemic flu changes frequently.
Please visit this site often for the most up-to-date information
about pandemic flu and personal preparedness.
Seniors
