Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a pandemic?
A pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza virus appears in humans, causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide.
Three major influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century causing millions of deaths, and no one knows for sure when the next pandemic may strike.
What’s the difference between a pandemic and a seasonal outbreak of flu?
A pandemic is cause by a new virus that people have not been exposed to, so everyone is susceptible. Pandemic influenzas can cause more serious disease and many more deaths than the seasonal flu. Because of this, past pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, disruption of society and economic loss.
Seasonal outbreaks of influenza are caused by strains of the flu similar to those of past years. Because of this, people have built up immunity and there is a vaccine available for each flu season.
When is the next pandemic expected?
History tells us that pandemics occur every 30 to 40 years. No one can predict when a pandemic might occur, but experts say it is only a matter of time before the next one arises.
Health and medical experts around the world have been watching the avian influenza outbreak in the Middle East, Europe and Asia very closely. This flu strain (H5N1) has caused disease in poultry and wild bird flocks as well as humans. So far, it is not easily spread from person-to-person.
What is New Jersey doing to prepare for a pandemic?
New Jersey’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has been preparing for the next influenza pandemic since 1999. The Department’s first plan was completed in 2002 and posted on its website. It has since been revised four times as new information becomes available.
In Spring 2008, the Department published its first operational plan, which describes specific activities that will take place during 17 different phases of a pandemic. This plan has been shared with other partner agencies.
The Department, which is responsible for the public health response to a pandemic, is also working with the Governor’s Office, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the New Jersey State Police and other agencies in developing strategies for New Jersey’s overall pandemic preparedness and response plan.
In addition, the Department was been working with health care agencies, hospitals, the business community and local health departments to develop strategies and coordinate planning efforts.
The Department of Health and Senior Services has also developed an ongoing public awareness campaign to educate the general public on the complex issues that will be associated with a pandemic. Those include: the lack of medications and vaccines that would be available; the impact on daily activities such as closing schools, cancelling sporting events and closing businesses; and how physicians offices and health care facilities would be overwhelmed.
The information campaign (Get Flu Ready, New Jersey) also provides ways New Jersey residents can prepare themselves and their families for a pandemic.
Are New Jersey residents at risk from the Avian flu?
The current risk to New Jersey residents from the H5N1 avian flu outbreak in the Middle East, Europe and Asia is low. To date, the strain found overseas has not been found in the United States. There have been no human cases of H5N1 flu in the United States. It is possible that travelers returning from overseas could be infected. However, the risk of transmitting this disease in the United States is relatively small because the rate of illness in these affected countries is still very low.
Since this strain was identified in 2004, public health officials world wide have been watching closely to see if this virus changes. For more information WHO link.
Why is a pandemic different than other health emergencies?
Flu pandemics are different from many other health emergencies for several reasons:
- The pandemic will last much longer than most other emergency events and may include waves of flu activity separated by months (in 20th century pandemics, a second wave of flu activity occurred three to 12 months after the first wave).
- The numbers of health-care workers and first responders available to work can be expected to be reduced as they will be at high risk of illness through exposure in the community and in health care settings, and some may have to miss work to care for ill family members.
- Resources in many locations could be limited because of a flu pandemic would be widespread, affecting many regions of the country at once.
Does a flu shot protect against pandemic flu?
Current flu vaccines will not protect against a new pandemic strain of flu virus. Because it could take up to eight months to develop and distribute vaccine for a new strain, a vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic. If a pandemic occurs, it is expected that the federal government will work with many partner groups to make recommendations to guide the early use of vaccine.
Are there any other treatments for pandemic flu?
Research continues into effective antivirals, seeking medications that can reduce the severity of an influenza attack. Currently, there are antivirals that seem to reduce the length and severity of influenza, if taken when symptoms first appear..
Antivirals are drugs that are used to prevent or cure a disease caused by a virus. Recent increases in the number and promotion of antiviral drugs for influenza have increased interest in the role of specific antiviral drugs for treatment during a possible influenza pandemic.
It is important to know that the use of antiviral drugs does not eliminate the risk of complications, and some complications can be life threatening.
What should you be doing?
Protect yourself against the spread of the flu and other germs and viruses:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Wash hands thoroughly and often
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Make an emergency kit
- Make an emergency plan.
- Stay informed.
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Influenza
