Severe influenza pandemics represent one of the greatest potential threats to the public?s health. Pandemics are distinct from seasonal influenza epidemics that happen nearly every year, causing an average of 36,000 deaths annually in the United States. Seasonal influenza epidemics are caused by influenza viruses which circulate globally in humans. Over time, people develop some degree of immunity to these viruses, and vaccines are developed annually to protect people from serious illness. Pandemic influenza refers to a worldwide epidemic due to a new, dramatically different strain of influenza virus, to which there is no immunity. The new virus strain may spread rapidly from person to person and, if severe, may cause high levels of disease and death around the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the U.S. alone, an influenza pandemic could infect up to 200 million people and cause between 200,000 and 1,900,000 deaths.
How can I find out more about pandemic flus?
Following are several very helpful sites for information about, and preparation for, pandemic flu:
Where can I get a copy of the Tulare County Pandemic Influenza Business Continuity Guide & Template?
You can download a the Tulare County Pandemic Influenza Business Continuity Guide & Template from this site in pdf or Word formats. You can also view or download a PowerPoint Presentation of Pandemic Influenza Planning in Tulare County from this site.
