Pandemic Influenza

Study of the H5N1 avian flu virus may be providing the world with its first advance warning of an imminent pandemic. A pandemic, or worldwide epidemic, is a biological fact of life which occurs when a new influenza virus emerges that causes a serious disease in humans and becomes easily transmissible from human to human. The human immune system is not prepared to fight a new virus and may, in fact, over react causing a very serious disease. No one knows if a pandemic will start gradually, present with a sudden explosion of cases, or if the H5N1 virus currently causing the largest bird pandemic in recorded history will be the cause of a human pandemic. Scientists, however, feel that we are closer to a pandemic today than at any time in nearly 40 years.

If a pandemic does occur it will affect all countries with widespread illness. Medical supplies and facilities will be inadequate and most likely there will be a large number of deaths. The current "bird flu" virus causes a severe disease in humans and this virus is especially virulent in the previously healthy 10 – 40 year old population group. Fortunately the "bird flu" virus is not transmitted easily from human to human at this time.

Past pandemics have spread globally in waves within which up to 30% of the population may be infected. Economic and social disruption will be great. Therefore, preparedness planning, before the appearance of influenza in the local area, is critical and community cooperation is essential to the successful prevention and containment of an epidemic. This involves reasonable preparations that should be in place for any emergency along with personal and community hygiene which would lessen the affect of any communicable disease.