Pandemic flu

Pandemic flu is a global outbreak of a new influenza virus. Pandemics happen when new (novel) influenza A viruses emerge which are able to infect people easily and spread from person to person in an efficient and sustained way. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a six-stage classification that describes the process by which a new influenza virus moves from the first few infections in humans through to a pandemic. This starts with the virus mostly infecting animals, with a few cases where animals infect people, then moves through the stage where the virus begins to spread directly between people, and ends with a pandemic when infections from the new virus have spread worldwide.

History

Pandemic flus have occurred throughout history, with notable examples including the Spanish flu in 1918, the Asian flu in 1957, the Hong Kong flu in 1968, and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009.

Causes

Pandemic flus are caused by new subtypes of influenza A viruses, or by subtypes that have never circulated among humans, or that have not circulated for a long time. The source of the virus is usually animals, particularly birds and pigs.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pandemic flu are similar to those of seasonal flu, but they are usually more severe. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and possibly vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention and treatment of pandemic flu involves antiviral medications, vaccines, and supportive care. The WHO and national public health agencies are key players in a coordinated response to pandemic flu.

See Also

• Influenza
• Influenza A virus
• Influenza pandemic
• Influenza vaccine
• Influenza treatment
• World Health Organization

Pandemic flu Resources
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