| SEASONAL FLU |
PANDEMIC FLU |
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Outbreaks follow predictable seasonal patterns; occurs annually, usually in winter, in temperate climates
Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure
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Occurs rarely (three times in 20th century - last in 1968)
No previous exposure; little or no pre-existing immunity
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Outbreaks usually last only 5-6 months
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Outbreaks may occur in waves over a long period of time, even years
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Healthy adults usually not at risk for serious complications (the very young, the elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions at increased risk for serious complications)
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Healthy people may be at increased risk for serious complications
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Health systems can usually meet public and patient needs
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Health systems may be overwhelmed
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Vaccine developed based on known virus strains and available for annual flu season
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Vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic
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Adequate supplies of antivirals are usually available
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Effective antivirals may be in limited supply
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Average U.S. deaths approximately 36,000/yr
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Number of deaths could be quite high (e.g., U.S. 1918 death toll approximately 500,000)
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Symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain. Deaths often caused by complications, such as pneumonia.
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Symptoms may be more severe and complications more frequent
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Generally causes modest impact on society (e.g., some school closing, encouragement of people who are sick to stay home)
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May cause major impact on society (e.g. widespread restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses, cancellation of large public gatherings)
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Manageable impact on domestic and world economy
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Potential for severe impact on domestic and world economy
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