Emergency preparedness
Pandemic Flu: Frequently Asked Questions
Courtesy of Pierce County Emergency Management
What is pandemic flu?
Pandemic flu is a global outbreak of disease from a new influenza virus
that is unlike past influenza viruses.
The "swine" flu falls into this category and
could become a pandemic flu. Read more about H1N1.
How is a pandemic different from regular flu season?
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.
Why is pandemic influenza so serious?
Because most or all people would not have immunity to a pandemic virus,
large numbers of persons around the world can be infected. Once a pandemic virus develops, it can spread
rapidly 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.
What can I expect if pandemic flu hits?
Pierce County is working with other agencies to respond to pandemic influenza
and to maintain essential government services if an outbreak occurs. However, it’s not possible
to prevent or stop a pandemic once it begins. A person infected with influenza virus can be contagious for 24
hours before the onset of symptoms, and for seven days thereafter, making it extremely easy for the virus
to spread rapidly to large numbers of people. When a pandemic does occur, antiviral drugs will be prioritized
for people who work in essential occupations, such as health care and public safety. Measures to slow the
spread of a pandemic outbreak could include temporarily closing schools, sports arenas, theaters, restaurants,
and other public gathering places and facilities. Basic services such as health care, law enforcement, fire,
emergency response, communications, transportation, and utilities could be disrupted for many weeks.
How can I prepare and protect myself?
- Stock enough food, water and other supplies for at least a week.
Even if a pandemic does not strike, these are supplies that you need to prepare for all hazards in our region.
Do it now! If you become ill, you won’t be able to make a trip to the local grocery store.
- There is some speculation that flu vaccine may provide some type of
protection, so it is recommended that those at risk get the regular seasonal flu shot.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water. If not available, liquid
sanitizers are good alternative.
- Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette. When coughing or sneezing,
it is recommended to cover your mouth with a tissue or with your inner elbow if a tissue is not available
(not your bare hands).
- Most importantly, you need to recognize flu symptoms and STAY HOME.
Symptoms include fever (usually
high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or
stuffy nose and muscle aches.
If you develop an illness with these symptoms contact your health care provider
or, if severe, call 9-1-1.
- Avoid contact with people known to have the flu or who appear to have
a respiratory illness.
Family
Preparedness checklist
Where I can find more information?
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will keep their Web site updated with regional information.
The travel health notice for Mexico and areas of the United states issued by the CDC are online.
Additional information can be found at:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Washington State Department of Health
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