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Pandemic Planning Toolkit A resource to assist your organization in preparing for pandemic influenza
Influenza Overview
red arrow Flu Pandemic Background
Preparing for a Flu Pandemic
Educational Resources
State & Local Government Resources
About TAMIFLU ® (oseltamivir phosphate)
TAMIFLU Supply and Ordering
Important Safety Information
How would a pandemic impact the US?
A flu pandemic may strike in waves, each of which could last for 6 to 8 weeks. An especially severe pandemic could lead to widespread illness, a large number of deaths, and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places would become seriously ill at the same time.
 
Impact could range from school and business closings to the interruption of such basic services as public transportation and food delivery.

Health services overwhelmed

A substantial portion of the world's population would require some form of medical care. Healthcare facilities would be overwhelmed, creating a strain on hospital staff, and a shortage of beds, ventilators, and other supplies.
 
To cope with the demand, "surge capacity" at nontraditional sites, such as schools, may need to be created. The need for vaccine is likely to outstrip supply and the supply of antiviral drugs is also likely to be inadequate early in a pandemic. Difficult decisions would need to be made regarding who gets these vaccines and antivirals.

High mortality rates

Mortality rates are determined by four factors:
  • Number of people who become infected
  • Virulence of the virus
  • Underlying characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations
  • Availability and effectiveness of preventive measures

Number of Deaths in Most Recent Pandemics
Pandemic
US Deaths
Worldwide
Deaths
1918/19 500,000+ 40,000,000+
1957/58 70,000+ 1,000,000-2,000,000
1968/69 34,000 700,000+
 
Learn how the US government is protecting the country in case of a pandemic.
 
Read more about how a pandemic would impact mortality rates.



 
FOOTNOTE
14. US Dept of Health and Human Services. General information. Available at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/general. Accessed April 13, 2006.
Guidelines
Bi-Weekly Pandemic News Monitor Reports Bi-Weekly Pandemic News Monitor Reports
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