What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.  Pandemic Influenza is a flu pandemic that occurs when an influenza virus that is so new that people don't have immunity to it, and there is no vaccine.  This pandemic disease spreads easily between people, causes serious illness and can sweep around the world in a short amount of time. Pandemic outbreaks are difficult to predict, but when they do occur, everyone in the world is at risk.

Health professionals are concerned that the deadly avian H5N1 virus (bird flu) making appearances in eastern Asia and other countries has the potential of becoming a human pandemic because:

• It is especially virulent
  
• It is being spread by migratory birds
  
• It can be transmitted from birds to mammals and in some limited circumstances to humans, and
  
• Like other influenza viruses, it continues to evolve.

While avian influenza flu is not pandemic flu, bird flu is one of several influenza viruses that have the potential turning into a pandemic (a virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak of serious illness.) Currently, there is no pandemic flu, but experts fear that we may be affected by one at any minute.

Have we had a pandemic before?

• During the 20th Century, there were three pandemics, new strains of flu viruses that killed people throughout the world.
  The 1918-1919 pandemic was the most severe; it caused at least 675,000 U.S. deaths and up to 50 million deaths worldwide.
  
• The 1957-1958 pandemic was moderately severe, causing at least 70,000 U.S. deaths and 1-2 million deaths worldwide.
  
• The 1968-1969 pandemic was the least severe; it caused at least 34,000 U.S. deaths and 700,000 deaths worldwide

Could pandemic influenza hit Texas?
 
Should a pandemic influenza outbreak occur, no state will be protected.  Texas was affected by the last pandemic, devastating the H1N1 ("Spanish Flu") of 1918-1919. There were definite accounts of the virus near Austin and Dallas, and 35 counties were reporting cases. More than 106,000 Texans in the state's urban centers got sick, and more than 2,100 died.

How can I protect myself from pandemic influenza?

As you and your family plan for an influenza pandemic, think about the challenges you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe.
Some of the possible challenges you might face during a pandemic include:

• The disruption of essential services provided by banks, hospitals, stores and phone companies
  
• Limited supply of food and water
  
• Limited transportation services and road closings
  
• Cancellation of public gatherings like worship services and school
  

Make a list of phone numbers and keep a small reserve of cash at home. Maintain a stock of medications, baby formula, pet food and any other items you need on a weekly basis. Store up at two weeks of non-perishable food and a gallon of water per person per day. Discuss your company's emergency plan with your employer, and ask schools about their plans.

You can prevent flu strains as well as other illness by following these simple health tips:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze-throw the tissue away immediately after use
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water; if you are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95%) hand cleaner.
  
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and when you're sick, keep your distance from others
  
• If you get the flu, stay home
  
• Stop the spread of germs by avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

To find out more about pandemic influenza, check out pandemicflu.gov, or ask your doctor.