A pandemic is a very serious threat to human health. It involves a serious disease that spreads quickly, strikes efficiently and causes serious illness in several places at once. Although rare, influenza or flu pandemics have happened throughout history and are likely to happen again. Health officials are currently very concerned about an unusual avian or bird flu virus called H5N1. Almost all H5N1 cases occur in birds. Since 2005, however, more than 200 people have gotten the disease and nearly sixty percent of them have died. This is a high death rate for a disease. Experts believe close or direct contact with infected birds caused most of the known H5N1 human cases. H5N1 is not causing a pandemic flu now, but it could give rise to one if it changes form - as viruses constantly do. In a pandemic, health care workers would do everything possible to care for the sick, but we would all need to take precautions. One of our best bets in a pandemic would be to avoid all unnecessary physical contact with others. This works because viruses that cause flu travel wherever we go. By distancing ourselves from one another, we "revoke" the superbug's passport.
If Hawaii were affected by a pandemic, the Hawaii State Department of Healthy would activate an emergency response plan. Health officials would keep you informed with accurate, reliable information (through mainstream TV and radio networks and on the Web at www.hawaii.gov/health). But don't wait until danger is at your door to understand what is at stake. Get answers today to some of the many questions about pandemic dangers:
What is the difference between seasonal and pandemic flu?
- Seasonal flu is a common respiratory illness spread through drops of saliva and mucus (often coughs and sneezes). Most people have some immunity to seasonal flu and recover quickly and a vaccine is available to help prevent most serious complications. Pandemic flu is a new and dangerous flu virus. Because most people have little or no immunity to a new virus, it spreads easily among people. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
Why are health officials so concerned about bird flu in humans?
- Avian (bird) flu viruses occur naturally in wild birds. In rare cases, they can be transmitted from birds to humans. The concern is that H5N1 will change into a virus that will pass easily between people. No one would have immunity to this new virus so it would cause serious and even fatal disease. Because it is new, it would take several months to manufacture and distribute a preventive vaccine. The virus would not only pass easily, it would spread quickly. Officials are watching closely to see if H5N1 goes through any major changes.
Are there any other treatments for a pandemic?
- Two flu medications called oseltamavir and zanamavir may work to treat a pandemic flu. Health researchers are also working on improving flu testing to better detect and identify regular season flu strains. This will help health officials better track all flu viruses - including a dangerous pandemic flu, should it appear, and help keep the public informed.
How would my everyday routine be affected by a pandemic?
- It is hard to imagine how things would change during an influenza (flu) pandemic. We're all used to moving around freely. But in a pandemic you may be asked to avoid crowds and stay close to home until it is safe to resume normal activity – different advice than you might expect for other disasters.
