Pandemic Influenza Questions

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak among humans. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness, and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about food safety by following the links below.

Basic Information

• What is an influenza pandemic?
• 
  
• How do pandemic viruses occur?
• 
  
• Will a pandemic influenza occur? If so, when will it happen?
• 
  
• Why are pandemics such dreaded events?
• 
  
• What age groups are most likely to be affected during an influenza pandemic?
• 
  
• Which groups will be especially vulnerable during an influenza pandemic?
• 
  
• Could terrorists spread the avian influenza viruses to create a worldwide pandemic?

H5N1 Virus

• Will the H5N1 bird flu virus cause the next influenza pandemic?
• 
  
• What changes are needed for H5N1 or another avian influenza virus to cause a pandemic?
• 
  
• Is influenza A (H5N1) virus the only avian influenza virus of concern regarding a pandemic?

Pandemic Alert Phases

• What are pandemic alert phases and what phase are we in?

Masks

• Many people in flu-related movies and photographs are seen wearing surgical masks. Will masks protect me?
• 
  
• What information do you have about using masks during a pandemic?