Pandemic Flu
Preparedness
A message from the Penn State Altoona
Health and Wellness director
The possibility
of a pandemic is real: Setting the
stage
You may
already have heard the word “pandemic,”
and you may be wondering what it really
means. A flu (influenza) pandemic is an
outbreak of a new flu virus that spreads
around the world. The virus will spread
easily from person to person, mostly
through the coughing and sneezing. Because
the virus is new to people, everyone will
be at risk of getting it.
Pandemics have occurred repeatedly
throughout history. Few people alive today
can recall the last major pandemic
(1918-1919), and they typically regard the
potential of such an event as impossible.
This is not the case. In fact, scientists
think the H5N1 virus, better known as
avian (bird) flu, may be changing and
could evolve into a pandemic flu virus.
During
the next pandemic, many people will get
sick and more will die. If a pandemic
similar to the pandemic of 1918 were to
happen today, health experts estimate that
90 million Americans could get sick, and
nearly 2 million Americans could die.
People will not be able to come to work
because they are sick or are caring for
someone who is sick. Services in our
community, such as utilities, grocery
stores, and public transportation, may be
disrupted. Schools may be dismissed.
Eventually there will be a vaccine;
however it will take time to produce a
large supply.
Preparing now will make it easier for you
and your family during a pandemic. We
encourage you to take some simple steps,
such as stocking up on food, medicines,
and other essential supplies; practicing
good health habits; and making advance
plans to minimize confusion and disruption
in an emergency.
While
no one can prevent a pandemic from
happening, government, communities, and
individuals can work together to prepare
the nation for a flu pandemic and minimize
its impact. It is up to every one of us to
be involved in preparing our families.
