What is pandemic flu?

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A pandemic is likely to be a prolonged and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation and other public services. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. The virus begins to cause serious illness and is spread easily from person-to-person worldwide.

Influenza is a category of viruses associated with acute (short), usually self-limited infections, whose symptoms are most commonly fever, muscle pain or aches, and cough. However, illness can be more severe based upon the properties of the virus, the patient's age, pre-existing immunity status, or pre-existing medical conditions. Taking appropriate actions in advance can decrease risk during a pandemic.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed a checklist for large businesses at¶83,605, for state and local planning at ¶83,606, for faith-based and community organizations at¶83,607, for home health care services at ¶83,608, for school districts (K-12) at ¶83,609, for medical offices and clinics at ¶83,610, for colleges and universities at ¶83,611, for child care and preschools at ¶83,612, and for emergency medical service and non-emergent (medical) transport organizations at ¶83,613.