Possible Impact of Pandemic

Pandemic influenza poses a multifaceted threat

The impact of pandemic influenza is far-ranging, with a profound potential impact on hospitals, businesses and the US social fabric.^3,4

Possible Impact on Hospitals

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the burden of seasonal influenza is substantial
  • Affects, on average, 5% to 20% of the US population⁵
  • Hospitalizes more than 200,000 people⁶
  • General influenza causes an estimated annual influenza-related deaths ranging from a low of 3349 to a high of 48,614⁷

Possible Impact on Business³

• Significant decline in retail trade
• Lost employee productivity due to absenteeism
• Disruption of supply chains

Possible Impact on Social Fabric⁴

• An especially severe pandemic could lead to widespread illness, a high number of deaths and economic loss
• Could include school and business closings
• A substantial portion of the world’s population may require some form of medical care
• Healthcare facilities may 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

For more information, go to www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm.