 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
Print | YORK REGION>Departments>Health Services |
|
 |
|||||||||||
PANDEMIC INFLUENZA – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Pandemic Influenza?
Pandemic flu is a term used to describe a worldwide epidemic of influenza. A pandemic
occurs when a new influenza virus appears against which the human population has little or
no immunity.
occurs when a new influenza virus appears against which the human population has little or
no immunity.
Historically, pandemics have occurred every 30-40 years. In the 20th century, there were
pandemics in 1918, 1957 and 1968. Though nobody knows exactly when the next pandemic will occur, experts agree that another pandemic is overdue.
pandemics in 1918, 1957 and 1968. Though nobody knows exactly when the next pandemic will occur, experts agree that another pandemic is overdue.
What is the difference between the flu and pandemic influenza?
The flu is another name for influenza, a serious respiratory infection caused by the influenza
virus. What is commonly referred to as the flu is seasonal or “annual” influenza, which
occurs each year during the winter months. Most people recover from seasonal influenza
within one to two weeks and do not require medical treatment. Most deaths from the flu
occur in high risk groups, including seniors, very young children and people with existing
medical conditions and/or compromised immune systems.
virus. What is commonly referred to as the flu is seasonal or “annual” influenza, which
occurs each year during the winter months. Most people recover from seasonal influenza
within one to two weeks and do not require medical treatment. Most deaths from the flu
occur in high risk groups, including seniors, very young children and people with existing
medical conditions and/or compromised immune systems.
Pandemic influenza is likely to cause similar symptoms but will be more severe because no
one will have been exposed to this particular virus and therefore will not have immunity.
Many more people are affected by pandemic influenza than by seasonal flu, and people of all
age groups may be at risk for serious complications.
one will have been exposed to this particular virus and therefore will not have immunity.
Many more people are affected by pandemic influenza than by seasonal flu, and people of all
age groups may be at risk for serious complications.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
The flu virus infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), usually starts suddenly and
may include fever, muscle pain and weakness, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat,
and runny or stuffy nose. In young children, diarrhea and vomiting may be present.
may include fever, muscle pain and weakness, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat,
and runny or stuffy nose. In young children, diarrhea and vomiting may be present.
How is it spread?
Flu germs spread when infected people cough and sneeze. The germs also spread on
unwashed hands or contaminated objects such as doorknobs, eating utensils, and toys. The
virus lives longer in cool dry places, from 24 to 48 hours on hard non-porous surfaces, 8 to
12 hours on cloth/paper/tissue, and 5 minutes on unwashed hands.
unwashed hands or contaminated objects such as doorknobs, eating utensils, and toys. The
virus lives longer in cool dry places, from 24 to 48 hours on hard non-porous surfaces, 8 to
12 hours on cloth/paper/tissue, and 5 minutes on unwashed hands.
Is there a vaccine or medicine available?
Because a pandemic is caused by a new virus, there is no vaccine currently available. Once a
pandemic virus has been detected, it will take several months to develop, test, manufacture
and distribute a new vaccine.
pandemic virus has been detected, it will take several months to develop, test, manufacture
and distribute a new vaccine.
Antiviral drugs, if taken shortly after getting sick (within 48 hours), can reduce influenza
symptoms, shorten the length of illness and reduce the risk of serious complications. The
federal and provincial governments are purchasing and storing a limited supply of these
drugs and will determine who is to receive them.
symptoms, shorten the length of illness and reduce the risk of serious complications. The
federal and provincial governments are purchasing and storing a limited supply of these
drugs and will determine who is to receive them.
Is there anything I can do to protect my family and myself?
Yes. You can reduce the risk to yourself and those around you by getting the flu shot,
washing your hands frequently and properly, staying home when you are sick, covering your
mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, not sharing personal items, and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle.
washing your hands frequently and properly, staying home when you are sick, covering your
mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, not sharing personal items, and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle.
What is York Region doing to prepare in the event of a pandemic?
York Region is working with various levels of governments, local organizations, and key
decision makers to develop plans and practices that will, to the greatest degree possible,
protect the health of York Region residents.
decision makers to develop plans and practices that will, to the greatest degree possible,
protect the health of York Region residents.
Where can I get more information?
For information on this or other health-related questions, contact York Region Health Services Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or visit www.york.ca.
