Pandemic Flu is a possible form of influenza that could spread rapidly among people and cause serious illness or death.
The most serious flu pandemic in the United States was in 1918, killing over 600,000 people. Less severe pandemics have occurred in 1957 and 1968. Because flu viruses are constantly changing, H5N1 avian influenza has the potential to change so that it spreads easily among people, becoming a pandemic.
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Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Public Health
Avian Flu (H5N1 avian influenza, or Bird Flu) has affected flocks of wild and domestic birds overseas. Avian influenza is highly contagious among birds, usually killing those it infects. There are no reported cases among birds in the United States.
Avian flu has spread to some humans who work or live closely with birds. About 250 people worldwide have died from H5N1 avian flu as of March 2009, mostly in Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, China and Thailand. No human cases have occurred in the United States, or in any part of North or South America.
General Information
- PandemicFlu.gov
The official U.S. government website on pandemic flu and avian influenza. - Pandemic Flu Fact Sheets
Information from the CDC - Gripe Pandémica
Información en Español
Pandemic Flu Resources
- Essential Government Functions Pandemic Planning Worksheet
- Individuals and families
- Communities
- Schools
- Workplaces
- Health care providers
- State and local governments
Avian Flu Information
- Bird Flu information from the CDC
Fact sheets, travel advisories, questions & answers about avian influenza - Avian Influenza Cases Worldwide
Totals of confirmed H5N1 avian influenza cases by country - World Health Organization Avian Flu Updates
Global tracking of avian influenza - News Headlines about Avian Flu
Links to Other Resources
- Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy
The University of Minnesota's source for pandemic and avian flu preparedness - Trust for America's Health Reports
Recommendations for policymakers, and brochures for families, medical providers, businesses, and community leaders who want to learn more about preparation and the impact of a flu pandemic.
- Medical Countermeasures Q&A
Information for hospitals and health professionals - Personal Preparedness
Disaster kits, family plans, and emergency preparation - MSDH Emergency Preparedness and Response Office
A broad variety of information for emergency and disaster preparation
- Mississippi Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan
Mississippi's plan for the management of statewide operations in response to a sudden, pervasive influenza-associated illness
