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Every year in the
United States, on average:
5% to 20% of the population
gets the flu
A
human pandemic is a global
disease outbreak.
A flu pandemic occurs
when a new influenza
(flu) virus emerges
for which people
have little or no
immunity and for
which there is no
vaccine. The disease
spreads easily person-to-person,
causes serious illness,
and can sweep across
the country and
around the world
in very short time.
In a human pandemic,
employee safety
and health and business
continuity are USDA's
primary concerns.
It is difficult
to predict when
the next influenza
pandemic will occur
or how severe it
will be.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has activated a toll-free number for Federal employees and retirees who have questions about health, life, and pay benefits. This is a 24/7, OPM sponsored service. The number is 1-800-307-8298. For those who prefer to submit questions on-line, they may do so via emergencybenefits@opm.gov.
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