Pandemic Influenza

New: Take the Lead — Working Together to Prepare Now
Learn more about how the greater Burlington area is one of nine communities around the US participating in a national pandemic flu preparedness campaign.

What is Pandemic Flu?
How are Pandemic, Avian and Seasonal Flu Different?
What You Should Know - Frequently Asked Questions
Pandemic Planning
Interim Pre-Pandemic Planning Guidance for Communities
Pandemic Flu in Vermont: Historical Perspective

What is Pandemic Flu?

Pandemic influenza, or flu, is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when three conditions are met:

A new influenza A virus emerges and infects people.
The virus causes severe illness in people.
The virus spread easily from person to person.

Influenza pandemics usually spread quickly around the world, resulting in unusually high number of illnesses and deaths for two to three years. Such pandemics occurred in 1918, 1957 and 1968.

Vermont public health officials are actively working with other government agencies, communities, hospitals, health care providers and first responders to be prepared to address the complex issues and serious impact on our state should a new influenza pandemic occur.

How Are Pandemic, Avian, and Seasonal Flu Different?

Pandemic Flu
Currently there is no pandemic influenza. A flu pandemic is a global outbreak that occurs when a new influenza A virus causes serious human illness and spreads easily from person to person.

Avian Flu
Bird flu is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds.

Seasonal Flu
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person and is caused by influenza viruses.

Seasonal Flu, Bird Flu and Pandemic Influenza fact sheet (pdf)

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Pandemic Planning

Operation Pandemic Flu Exercise Website (July 2006)
Pandemic Flu Medical Surge Exercise Website (June 2008)

Interim Pre-Pandemic Planning Guidance: Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the United States (pdf) (5.1 MB, 108 pgs)

This 108-page guide by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives detailed strategies for using non-pharmaceutical, or community containment, measures – such as staying home when you're sick, closing schools, social distancing in the workplace, etc. – that are tied to the severity of a pandemic. This guidance will be used as Vermont government agencies and communities continue their planning for the possibility of pandemic.