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
|
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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
|
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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
|
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Adequate supplies of antivirals are usually
available
|
Effective antivirals may be in limited supply
|
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Average US deaths approximately 36,000/yr
|
Number of deaths could be high
|
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Symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain.
Deaths often caused by complications, such as pneumonia
|
Symptoms may be more severe and complications more
frequent
|
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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
|
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