| SEASONAL FLU
|
PANDEMIC FLU |
| Outbreaks
follow predictable seasonal patterns; occurs annually, usually in
winter, in temperate climates
Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure
|
Occurs rarely (three times in 20th
century - last in 1968)
No previous exposure; little or no pre-existing immunity |
| Healthy adults
usually not at risk for serious complications (the very young, the
elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions at increased
risk for serious complications) |
Healthy people may be at increased risk for
serious complications |
| Health systems
can usually meet public and patient needs |
Health systems may be overwhelmed |
| Vaccine
developed based on known virus strains and available for annual flu
season |
Vaccine probably would not be available in
the early stages of a pandemic |
| Adequate
supplies of antivirals are usually available
|
Effective antivirals may be in limited
supply |
| Average U.S.
deaths approximately 36,000/yr |
Number of deaths could be quite high (e.g.,
U.S. 1918 death toll approximately 500,000) |
|
Symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain. Deaths often caused by
complications, such as pneumonia. |
Symptoms may be more severe and
complications more frequent |
| Generally
causes modest impact on society (e.g., some school closing,
encouragement of people who are sick to stay home) |
May cause major impact on society (e.g.
widespread restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses,
cancellation of large public gatherings) |
| Manageable
impact on domestic and world economy |
Potential for severe impact on domestic and
world economy |
