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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 does seasonal flu differ from pandemic flu?
 
Seasonal Flu
Pandemic Flu
Outbreaks follow predictable seasonal patterns; occurs annually, usually in winter, in temperate climates Occurs rarely (three times in 20th century - last in 1968)
Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure No previous exposure; little or no preexisting 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 flu 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 US deaths approximately 36,000/yr Number of deaths could be high
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, encouraging 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

 
Find out who is most at risk for a pandemic flu.



 
FOOTNOTE
7.US Dept of Health and Human Services. Flu Information. Available at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/season_or_pandemic.html. Accessed April 13, 2006.
Guidelines
Bi-Weekly Pandemic News Monitor Reports Bi-Weekly Pandemic News Monitor Reports
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