The Basics
A flu pandemic is a global outbreak of a new flu virus that spreads easily from person to person.
How is a flu pandemic different from seasonal (regular) flu?
Both types of flu are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. In the United States, flu season is in the fall and winter. Every flu season, a vaccine is made to protect against seasonal flu.
A flu pandemic is caused by a new flu virus that spreads easily and makes many people sick around the world. For example, the 2009 H1N1 virus (also called “swine flu”) caused a flu pandemic.
Find out more about how a flu pandemic is different from seasonal flu.
The Basics
Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect me against a flu pandemic?
The seasonal flu vaccine probably won’t protect against a pandemic flu virus. If a new flu virus starts to spread, a new vaccine may be made to protect people against it.
If there is a flu pandemic, you will need to get the pandemic vaccine when it’s available. It takes time to make vaccines to protect people from the flu.
The Basics
How can I prepare for a flu pandemic?
The same steps you take every year to protect yourself from seasonal flu can help in case of a pandemic.
- Get a seasonal flu shot every year. Make sure everyone in your family age 6 months and older also gets a flu shot every year.
- Wash your hands often.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay away from others if you are sick with a fever or other flu symptoms.
It’s also a good idea to prepare for a flu pandemic like you would prepare for any emergency or time when you might need to stay home for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Gather supplies.
- Make an emergency plan for your family.
- Write down important health information.
The Basics
How serious can a flu pandemic be?
Not all pandemics are the same. Pandemics can range from mild (similar to a regular flu season) to severe (with a lot of sickness and deaths).
A severe flu pandemic can make a lot of people sick at the same time. This can cause schools, businesses, and community events to shut down in order to slow the spread of illness.
Learn more about pandemic flu.
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