"It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world is at risk."
- www.pandemicflu.gov
A joint resource of WHO, CDC and
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Pandemic Flu - Overview A pandemic influenza is a global disease outbreak that occurs when an influenza virus new to human immune systems emerges, spreading rapidly and easily from person-to-person and causing a variety of health complications and often death. While there is no pandemic flu currently, there were three major pandemic events over the course of the past century recorded. They are:
- 1918-1919 - "Spanish flu" H1N1
Death toll: 675,000+ (U.S.) Approximately 50,000,000 (worldwide)
- 1957-1958 - "Asian flu" H2N2
Death toll: 70,000+ (U.S.) Approximately 1-2,000,000 (worldwide)
- 1968-1969 - "Hong Kong flu" H3N2
Death toll: 34,000+ (U.S.) Approximately 700,000 (worldwide)According to global health officials, the severity of a pandemic outbreak and the number of deaths caused by a pandemic virus can vary significantly, with the potential for infection rates to reach up to 25-35% of the total population. Currently, global health officials estimate that even a relatively mild new virus could cause an estimated 2 million to 7.4 million deaths worldwide. A more powerful virus could take the death toll much higher.
The social cost of pandemics can be an additional blow to global communities. A pandemic will cause a large surge in the numbers of people seeking medical or hospital treatment. These medical treatment and healthcare needs will overwhelm health services of all kinds, exhausting medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and medical staff availability. Additionally, high rates of worker absenteeism will occur, interrupting essential public services, including law enforcement, transportation and communications.
The Next Pandemic? It's no secret. Health professionals are concerned that the mounting spread of the avian H5N1 virus ("Bird flu") across Asia and its scattered appearance in a growing number of countries presents a potentially grave threat to global human health. According to WHO, the H5N1 virus has raised concerns about a potential human pandemic for several key reasons, including:
- It is particularly virulent
- It can be spread globally unchecked by migratory birds
- It can be transmitted from birds to mammals, and in some reported circumstances to humans Additionally, like the most dangerous influenza viruses, it continues to evolve.
Since 2003, human cases of H5N1 have been reported in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. And perhaps most troubling, more than half of the people infected with the H5N1 virus have died. Currently the death toll stands at 148. (WHO - October 11, 2006) And while there has been no reported sustained human-to-human transmission of the disease, there is significant concern at all levels of the global health community that H5N1 could rapidly evolve into a virus capable of human-to-human transmission.
To read more about the potential for a global spread of avian H5N1 virus and a collection of U.S. government resources, please visit www.pandemicflu.gov.
Additional information from WHO can be found at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/
What Will You Do? Preparation will be the key to both preserving normal household functions and reduce the risk of contracting the flu for you and your family.
As has been stated in a variety of platforms by U.S. government health officials, there is a new acronym that spells out exactly what the circumstances could be if a pandemic such an the avian H5N1 virus finds its way into the U.S. population.
That abbreviation is YOYO.
Put simply, "You're On Your Own". Once healthcare facilities, emergency medical services and general community services either become overwhelmed or disabled, individuals, families, neighborhood and local communities will have to fend for themselves. Everything from food stores to medical supplies to pet care products will need to be planned for and available when normal public lifestyles come to temporary halt.
An overview article on the potential pandemic to come, along with strategies and information for weathering the storm by Water Quality & Health Council member and public health preparedness consultant for the Minnesota Department of Health Ralph D. Morris, M.D., M.P.H. is found at http://waterandhealth.org/newsletter/avian_influenza.html.
Introducing: Dr. Ralph's Flu Preparedness Closet What will you need to stay healthy and secure during a pandemic flu outbreak?
It's a question we all should be asking ourselves as the event of a pandemic flu becomes more and more possible. Fact: A well-stocked space in your home could make all the difference.
If you and your family were suddenly cut off from the people, products and services that make everyday American life healthy, safe and comfortable by a dangerous flu outbreak, would you be prepared?
Dr. Ralph's Flu Preparedness Closet is a helpful tool for individuals and families to use to make sure they are preparing for potential pandemic flu-related isolation from their communities for an extended period of time. Developed by the Water Quality & Health Council, Dr. Ralph's Flu Preparedness Closet is a user-friendly checklist and quick reference sheet to guide decision-making on what needs to be stored and ready for use in the event of a pandemic event.
It starts with an open space and a plan.
Download a copy of Dr. Ralph's Flu Preparedness Closet here to begin your plan.
Chlorine Reduces the Risk Chlorine as a water purifier and surface area disinfectant can be the difference between a flu-ridden household and one that remains health and secure. Additional resources from the Water Quality & Health Council that will help individuals and families plan for their health safety through smart and safe uses of household chlorine and chlorinated products during a pandemic outbreak can be found at the following links:
