What is pandemic influenza? [Top]

A pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, causes serious illness in people, and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks or “epidemics” of influenza. Subtypes of influenza viruses that already circulate among people cause seasonal influenza outbreaks.

What causes pandemic influenza? [Top]

Each year the flu virus undergoes minor changes, which is why we have a new flu vaccine every year. These minor changes are referred to as antigenic drift. Humans may have some immunity to these flu viruses because they are similar to ones for which we have been vaccinated against or made us sick in the past. Having some immunity to the flu virus can prevent humans from becoming sick, or reduce the length and severity of the disease.

Rarely, the influenza virus undergoes a major change that results in a completely new virus. Humans will likely have no immunity to this new virus. If the new virus causes serious human illness and spreads easily from person to person worldwide, it is called pandemic. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss.

What is avian influenza (bird flu)? [Top]

Avian influenza, or “bird flu”, is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans.

In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses causes two main forms of disease, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence (severity). The low pathogenic form commonly causes only mild symptoms in birds (ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production) and may easily go undetected. The highly pathogenic form is far more dramatic. It spreads very rapidly through poultry flocks, causes disease affecting multiple internal organs, and has a mortality that can approach 100%, often within 48 hours.

One strain of bird flu, named H5N1, has been circulating in Asia for several years and has recently spread to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Although the H5N1 bird flu virus is not currently causing pandemic influenza, it is a high pathogenic form of the disease and experts believe that it has the potential for a human pandemic in the future. Federal and state agencies are monitoring wild migratory birds for avian flu throughout the United States.

How does pandemic influenza differ from avian influenza (bird flu) and seasonal influenza? [Top]

For pandemic influenza to occur, three conditions must be met: a new influenza A virus appears or “emerges” in the human population, it causes serious illness in people, and it spreads easily from person to person worldwide.

Avian influenza is an infection caused by avian influenza (bird flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds worldwide.

Seasonal influenza (often called "the flu") is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Seasonal flu occurs every year and can cause mild to severe illness in people. The best protection against seasonal flu is vaccination.

There have been no reported human or bird cases of avian flu in the United States.

What are the chances of a pandemic influenza happening? [Top]

Many scientists believe it is only a matter of time until the next influenza pandemic occurs. The severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, but modeling studies suggest that the impact of a pandemic on the United States could be substantial.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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 – 207,000 deaths, 314,000 – 734,000 hospitalizations, 18 – 42 million outpatient visits, and another 20 – 47 million people to be sick. Between 15% and 35% of the U.S. population could be affected by an influenza pandemic, and the economic impact could range between $71.3 and $166.5 billion.

What is the El Dorado County Public Health Department doing about pandemic influenza? [Top]

El Dorado County Public Health Department is collaborating with other medical and emergency response partners to monitor the spread of avian influenza among migratory birds and domesticated poultry. We are also monitoring the reports of human cases and deaths caused by this virus throughout the world. No human cases or bird cases of avian influenza have yet occurred in the United States.

Locally, El Dorado County and agency partners have established a local flu task force to develop a pandemic flu emergency response plan. In addition, the county and area hospitals are conducting surveillance in hospital Intensive Care Units for severely ill patients who could have influenza or its complications. We are educating our government officials, health care providers, first responders, businesses and the community about pandemic influenza and the possible effects of it, and most importantly, what we can do to protect ourselves, our families and our community. If you are interested in having someone come to speak to your group or organization, you may submit a request online by clicking here.

Can I become infected with avian influenza (bird flu) by consuming eggs or other poultry products from infected birds? [Top]

There is no evidence that anyone has been infected with the Asian bird flu or other bird flu virus by eating properly cooked eggs or other cooked poultry products derived from infected birds. Cooking food to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) will kill bird flu virus if it is present. Nearly all of the more than 100 human cases of the Asian bird flu that have been diagnosed recently in Asia have had direct contact with infected chickens, ducks, turkeys, or their environment. This suggests that close contact with infected birds has been the primary route of transmission for the Asian bird flu infections, rather than eating food derived from infected birds.

Although strains of bird flu virus like the Asian bird flu that cause severe disease in poultry can result in the contamination of egg shells and the inside of the egg (the yolk and albumen or the egg white), hens with severe bird flu usually stop laying eggs, so few contaminated eggs are likely to be marketed. Furthermore, the United States government carefully controls domestic and imported food products, and in 2004 issued a ban on importation of poultry from countries affected with avian influenza viruses, including the H5N1 strain. This ban still is in place. For more information see embargo of birds.

Is there a vaccine available? [Top]

The public should be aware that a vaccine would likely not be available for several months once a pandemic flu begins. There are hundreds of different flu strains, and it is impossible to know which strain of the flu will be responsible for a pandemic, therefore a vaccine cannot be made in advance, and it takes several months to produce the vaccine. Even when the vaccine is available, it may be necessary to provide this vaccine first to health care workers, fire fighters, and other emergency response workers. Supplies will be limited, and tough decisions will need to be made.

How is influenza spread? [Top]

The flu virus is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily. You can get the flu if someone around you who has the flu coughs or sneezes, or by simply touching a surface like a telephone or door knob that has been contaminated by a touch from someone who has the flu. The viruses can pass through the air and enter your body through your nose or mouth. If you have touched a contaminated surface, the viruses can pass from your hand to your nose or mouth.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:13 PMy and the community? [Top]

Preparing for a pandemic flu can reduce your chances of getting sick and help limit the spread of disease:

• Stay home when you are sick. Individuals who report to work, school or other public places when they are sick with the flu will infect others and spread influenza. Employers should encourage their sick employees to stay home, and parents should keep sick children home from school. Those who must work, e.g., emergency service providers, should follow the guidance below in addition to any other precautions your employer recommends.
• WASH YOUR HANDS as often as possible with warm water and soap; Alcohol based sanitizers can also be effective.
• Cover your cough and sneeze. Insist that others do the same. It is preferable that everyone uses a tissue to cover their cough. However, when a tissue is not available point your face toward your shoulder or elbow to cover your cough or sneeze – don’t cough or sneeze into your hands.
• Be prepared. Develop preparedness plans as you would for other public health emergencies.
• Stock up on supplies at home. Should a pandemic arrive, there will be shortages of food and other items, as well as disruptions in services. Make sure your home is well stocked with non-perishable food items and plenty of bottled water for all family members and pets. A two-week supply is recommended at a minimum.
• Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest and take these common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs.

  • Maintain a three-foot personal space between you and others, especially if the other person is coughing or sneezing.
  • Consider not shaking hands during influenza season. If you do, wash your hands before touching your face or mouth.
  • Get a flu vaccination yearly; it will protect you against the commonly occurring flu viruses, but it will not protect you from the avian flu.
• Stay informed about pandemic influenza and be prepared to respond. Listen to radio and television and read media stories about pandemic flu. Consult www.pandemicflu.gov frequently for updates on national and international information on pandemic influenza.
• Implement prevention and control actions recommended by your public health officials and providers. Anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members.

Additional FAQs
To read about more frequently asked questions, visit www.pandemicflu.gov/general/faq.html.