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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.
Links to Preparedness Checklists