Influenza >> Pandemic Influenza

Pandemic Influenza

On this page:

• Background
• Resources
• Plans  

Background

Historians estimate that over the last 3 centuries there have been 10 influenza “pandemics”. Influenza pandemics occur when the virus undergoes such dramatic changes that virtually no one has any resistance to infection; when this occurs the number of people infected is much higher than during ordinary winters. In addition, during some pandemics, the severity of illness is higher. For example, in 1918-1919, not only was the number of ill people high, but the death rate was 50 times higher than usual. Furthermore, there was a shift in the age group most severely affected from the elderly to those from 20-40 years of age.  In contrast, the more recent pandemics of 1957 and 1968 caused far less dramatic increases in the death rate (only about two times the norm).

Pandemic Flu Resources

• Resources for families
• Resources for businesses
• Resources for schools and childcare facilities
• Resources for county health departments

Pandemic Flu Planning

• Oregon Pandemic Influenza Plan (pdf) (Dec. 2008)

• Federal Pandemic Influenza Plan
• Federal Pandemic Influenza Plan Supplements
  • HHS Supplement 4 Infection Control (pdf)
  • HHS Supplement 5 Clinical Guidelines (pdf)

   

• Antiviral Purchase Program Information
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Letter to critical infrastructure organizations
  • Letter to tribal health directors
  • Oregon Procurement Information Network (obtain an application)
  • Federal guidance on antiviral stockpiling by employers
    • Response to recommendations

• Pandemic Influenza: State and Local Planning Guides and Activities
• CSTE Pandemic influenza preparedness: State Plans