Current World Health Organization alert level for pandemic flu:

3

(on a scale of 1 to 6)

A virus new to humans is causing infections, but does not spread easily from one person to another.

Pandemic Flu FAQs

Does an influenza pandemic currently exist?

What is pandemic influenza?

How does pandemic influenza differ from common flu or avian flu?

What at the symptoms of pandemic influenza?

Who will be affected by a pandemic?

What can I do to protect myself from infection?

What should I do to prepare myself and my family for a pandemic?

Does an influenza pandemic currently exist?

There is no influenza pandemic right now. Current reports of influenza virus infection transmitted from birds to humans in Asia are not considered pandemic influenza because they do not involve easy human-to-human virus transmission.

What is pandemic influenza?

Pandemic influenza is caused by a new influenza virus that appears or "emerges" in the human population. The new virus can cause serious illness because humans have no existing immunity to it. It spreads easily from person to person, causing a global outbreak of disease within a very short time.

How does pandemic influenza differ from common flu or avian flu?

Seasonal or common flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.

Avian or bird flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. On rare occasions, these bird viruses can infect other species, including pigs and humans. Some strains of avian flu, such as H5N1, are deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. At this time the H5N1 virus cannot easily be transmitted from person to person.

However, world health authorities are carefully monitoring the Avian H5N1 strain for its pandemic potential, since it could ultimately adapt into a strain that is contagious among humans. Once this adaptation occurs, H5N1 will no longer be considered a bird virus, but will be considered a human influenza virus.

What are the symptoms of pandemic influenza?

In a pandemic, infected individuals will show the same symptoms that appear during the regular flu season, such as sudden onset of a fever of 101°F or higher ; muscle aches and pains; coughing; and shortness of breath. Symptoms may last between seven and 14 days. After a person is exposed to influenza it can take two to four days before he or she exhibits symptoms, and may transmit influenza 24 hours before first symptoms appear. However, because humans do not have existing immunity to such a virus, the infection can progress rapidly through the body.

Who will be affected by a pandemic?

Once a fully contagious virus occurs, its global spread is considered inevitable. In the past century when pandemics have occurred, the virus encircled the globe in six to nine months. Given the speed an volume of international air travel today, the virus will most likely spread more rapidly. Some experts estimate that a pandemic could affect all continents in less than three months.

Health officials estimate that up to 30% of the population in Rhode Island could become sick in a matter of weeks. In a very severe pandemic, many infected people could die. The demand for healthcare services will significantly increase, and the number of healthcare workers may be reduced at any given time. Many essential services will be strained, and everyday life may be severely disrupted.

What can I do to protect myself from infection?

The best way to protect yourself from infection from all forms of influenza is to limit the spread of germs. Make sure you wash your hands frequently with soap and water. The use of alcohol-based hand cleaner can also prevent the spread of germs. When you cough or sneeze, cover you mouth and nose with a tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. Most importantly, stay at home if you are sick.

What should I do to prepare myself and my family for a pandemic?

Preparing for a pandemic is similar to preparing for any emergency in which supplies may be limited. It is recommended that you store a two-week supply of water and food, that you do not let any prescriptions for medications run low, and that you have a supply of nonprescription drugs and other health-related products on hand. A more extensive checklist is available at PandemicFlu.gov.