Pandemic Influenza and Diseases

Most people are familiar with the seasonal, or common flu, which is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Occasionally, a particularly virulent human flu causes a global outbreak, or pandemic. A pandemic influenza occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, and the virus begins to cause serious illness, spreading easily person-to-person worldwide.Currently, there is no pandemic flu. However, the emergence of a possible human influenza virus pandemic presents a formidable preparedness and response challenge for the Nation and for the National Aging Services Network In this section, tools and resources are provided to help individuals and professionals learn more about preparing for, and responding to, a pandemic influenza outbreak.

H1N1 Influenza Virus
General Information
Federal Planning and Response
Technical Assistance Resources
Public Health Emergency Resources
Links to Other Resources and Organizations

H1N1 Influenza Virus

General Information

What Is An Influenza Pandemic?

Pandemic Planning Assumptions

Flu Terms Defined

Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
Avian (or bird) flu (AI) is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Low pathogenic AI is common in birds and causes few problems. Highly pathogenic H5N1 is deadly to domestic fowl, can be transmitted from birds to humans, and is deadly to humans. There is virtually no human immunity and human vaccine availability is very limited.
Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.