Pandemic Flu: Get Informed, Be Prepared

The U.S. Government has one stop access to avian and pandemic flu information which is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs due to a new influenza virus for which people have limited or no immunity and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads person-to-person, carries serious sickness and can sweep a country and the globe very quickly.

With a pandemic, the entire world is at risk and countermeasures may delay it but cannot stop it. Health experts are concerned that H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian virus will spread. It is particularly dangerous because:

• It is especially virulent
• It can spread by migratory birds
• It can be spread from birds to mammals and, in some cases, to humans
• It continues to evolve

The U.S. Government web site contains details which include:

• Whats Happening Now
• Avian Influenza Viruses
• Avian Influenza in Birds
• Human Infection with Avian Influenza Viruses
• Vaccination and Treatment for H5N1 Virus in Humans
• What would be the Impact of a Pandemic
• How are We Preparing
• Fact sheets
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• History of Pandemics

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