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What Is an Influenza Pandemic?

A pandemic is a global influenza that occurs when a new influenza virus appears in the human population causing serious illness and spreading easily from person to person. Like the seasonal influenza that many people experience each year, pandemic influenza will mostly likely be spread through the coughing or sneezing of infected people or by touching an infected surface. However, unlike seasonal influenza, the population will have little immunity to the virus that causes the pandemic. A pandemic influenza is likely to cause more severe illness, even death, and affect more people than the seasonal flu. It is projected that up to 40% of the workforce may become ill or be forced to stay home to care for others. A pandemic will have serious effects on daily living – healthcare facilities will be overwhelmed, schools and businesses may need to close and travel may need to be monitored.

Historically, the 20th Century Saw Three Pandemics of Influenza

  • 1918 influenza pandemic caused at least 675,000 U.S. deaths and up to 50 million deaths worldwide
  • 1957 influenza pandemic caused at least 70,000 U.S. deaths and 1-2 million deaths worldwide
  • 1968 influenza pandemic caused about 34,000 U.S. deaths and 700,000 deaths worldwide

Characteristics and Challenges of a Pandemic

  1. Rapid Worldwide Spread
    • When a pandemic influenza virus emerges, its global spread is considered inevitable.
    • Preparedness activities should assume that the entire world population would be susceptible.
    • Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but cannot stop it.
  2. Health Care Systems Overloaded
    • Most people have little or no immunity to a pandemic virus. Infection and illness rates soar. A substantial percentage of the world’s population will require some form of medical care.
    • Nations unlikely to have the staff, facilities, equipment and hospital beds needed to cope with large numbers of people who suddenly fall ill.
    • Death rates are high, largely determined by four factors: the number of people who become infected, the virulence of the virus, the underlying characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations and the effectiveness of preventive measures.
    • Past pandemics have spread globally in two and sometimes three waves.
  3. Medical Supplies Inadequate
    • The need for vaccine is likely to outstrip supply.
    • The need for antiviral drugs is also likely to be inadequate early in a pandemic.
    • A pandemic can create a shortage of hospital beds, ventilators and other supplies. Surge capacity at non-traditional sites such as schools may be created to cope with demand
    • Difficult decisions will need to be made regarding who gets antiviral drugs and vaccines.
  4. Economic and Social Disruption
    • Travel bans, closings of schools and businesses and cancellations of events could have major impact on communities and citizens.
    • Care for sick family members and fear of exposure can result in significant worker absenteeism.

Communications and Information are Critical Components of Pandemic Response

Education and outreach are critical to preparing for a pandemic. Understanding what a pandemic is, what needs to be done at all levels to prepare for pandemic influenza, and what could happen during a pandemic helps us make informed decisions both as individuals and as a nation. Should a pandemic occur the public must be able to depend on its government to provide scientifically sound public health information quickly, openly and dependably.

For additional information on pandemic influenza visit: www.pandemicflu.gov