Pandemic Influenza

Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A 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. Efforts are underway to plan for the complex issues and serious impact that a new influenza pandemic could cause in the Commonwealth. To find out more, check out the resources on this page.

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Impact of Pandemic Flu

If a new and severe strain of flu were to begin spreading across the globe, Virginia would not be spared from its impact. The severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, but modeling studies suggest that its effect in the United States could be severe. 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 to 207,000 deaths
• 314,000 to 734,000 hospitalizations
• 18 to 42 million outpatient visits
• 20 to 47 million people becoming sick
• An economic impact ranging between $71.3 and $166.5 billion

In Virginia, pandemic flu impact estimates include:

• 2,700 to 6,300 deaths
• 12,000 to 28,500 hospitalizations
• 575,000 to 1.35 million outpatient visits
• 1.08 million to 2.52 million people becoming sick
• How are Pandemic, Avian and Seasonal Flu different?

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Pandemic Flu: Currently there is no pandemic of influenza, or flu. 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 caused by influenza viruses.

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What’s the Difference between Seasonal Flu and Pandemic Flu?

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