How is a pandemic different from regular flu season?
Pandemic influenza is caused by an influenza virus that is new to people. Seasonal flu is caused by viruses that already exist among people. We have vaccines that help protect against the seasonal flu. No one would have defenses (immunity) to a new influenza virus. Currently there is no vaccine to protect us from a pandemic influenza strain.
A pandemic flu is a new influenza virus that could be a much more serious flu virus than seen in a typical flu season. Different from the typical strains of flu, humans would have no or little natural resistance to a new strain of influenza. As a result, pandemic flu is likely to be more severe, affect more people, and cause more deaths than seasonal influenza. Also, there is a vaccine for seasonal flu, which is prepared each season against new variations of the seasonal influenza. There is no vaccine available at this time for a pandemic flu, and it is expected to take at least six months after a pandemic flu appears to develop a vaccine. Why is pandemic influenza so serious? Because most or all people would not have immunity to a new pandemic virus, large numbers of persons around the world can be infected. If the pandemic virus causes severe disease, many people may develop serious illnesses. Some of those who develop severe influenza will die. Once a pandemic virus develops, it can
A pandemic flu is a new influenza virus that could be much more serious than those seen in a typical flu season. Different from the usual strains of flu, humans would have no or little natural resistance to it. There is a vaccine for seasonal flu, but there is no vaccine available at this time for a pandemic flu and it could take at least six months after a pandemic flu appears to develop a vaccine.
A flu pandemic has little or nothing in common with the annual flu season. Pandemic flu would be a new strain and a much more serious and contagious flu virus. Humans would have no natural resistance to a new strain of influenza. Also, there is a vaccine for seasonal flu, but there is no vaccine available at this time for pandemic flu. Why is pandemic influenza so serious? Because most or all people would not have immunity to a new pandemic virus, large numbers of persons around the world can be infected. If the pandemic virus causes severe disease, many people may develop serious illnesses. Once a pandemic virus develops, it can spread rapidly causing outbreaks around the world. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that as much as 25% to 30% of the US population could be affected. Can pandemic flu be prevented? The Arizona Department of Health Services is working with federal and local government agencies to respond to pandemic influenza if an outbreak sh
A pandemic flu is a new influenza virus that could be a much more serious flu virus than seen in a typical flu season. Different from the typical strains of flu, humans would have little or no natural resistance to a new strain of influenza. Also, there is a vaccine for seasonal flu, which is prepared each season to protect against new variations of the seasonal influenza. There is no vaccine available at this time for a pandemic flu, and it is expected to take at least six months after a pandemic flu appears before a vaccine is developed.
