Preparing for a Pandemic

Difference between epidemic and pandemic¹

Epidemic and pandemic influenza may seem similar, but the two terms are not interchangeable. And with such widespread and varied public reaction to the news media’s coverage of the most recent influenza pandemic, it can be difficult to stay focused on what exactly constitutes pandemic influenza. So here is a quick overview.

• A disease epidemic occurs when there are more cases of a disease than is normal
• A pandemic is a worldwide disease epidemic
• Pandemics can be either mild or severe, and severity can change over the course of the pandemic

Flu pandemics²

• Are caused by the emergence of a new influenza strain with the ability to infect humans, cause serious illness and spread easily worldwide
• Can occur at any time of year and can cause high mortality in young/middle-aged population