Seasonal Flu VS Pandemic Flu
There are some key differences in how
seasonal flu happens and how a pandemic flu happens.
|
| Seasonal Flu | Pandemic Flu |
| Usually follows a predictable pattern, typically
every year in the winter. There is usually some
protection built up in a person from having the
flu before. | Doesn't happen often only three times in
the 20th century. The last time was 1968.
Since this new pandemic flu hasn't been seen
before, there is no or little immunity. |
| Healthy adults are not usually at risk for any
serious complications. | Healthy people may be at risk for serious
complications. |
| The medical community can usually meet
public and patient needs. | The medical community will be overwhelmed. |
| Vaccines are developed before the flu season,
based on known virus strains. | Vaccine developed early may not be effective.
Once an effective vaccine is developed, it may
not be available for several months. |
| Supplies of antiviral drugs are usually
available. | May not have any effective antiviral drugs or
the supply may be limited. |
| Average number of deaths in the US is about
36,000 a year. | The number of deaths would be much higher,
worldwide it could be millions. |
| Regular flu symptoms: fever, cough, runny
nose, and muscle pain. | Symptoms would be more serious and there
would be more medical complications. |
| A small impact on the community with sick
people staying home from work and school. | Big impact on the community. There could
be travel restrictions, school closings, limited
business hours or closings, and cancellation of
public gatherings. |
| Small impact on US and world economy. | Could have a big impact on US and world
economy. |
