• Why Am I Hearing About Pandemic Influenza So Much?

• What Is The Difference Between Pandemic Influenza and Seasonal Influenza?

• How Can I Prevent Catching & Spreading Germs?

• How Can I Prepare For Emergencies?

Related Health Department Web Links

• Public Health Emergency Preparedness Response

• Communicable Disease

• Stop Germs, Stay Healthy

Related County Websites

• Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office

• Cowlitz County Department of Emergency Management

Related Websites

• Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH)

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• National Health Alert Network (HAN)

• American Red Cross

• American Red Cross Safe and Well List

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 

Why Am I Hearing About Pandemic Influenza So Much?

Just like an earthquake, forest fire, tsunami, or terrorist attack, a disease that spreads quickly from person-to-person and makes many people sick is a real threat to the public’s health and safety. 

Since 1997, outbreaks of the H5N1 avian influenza, or “bird flu” virus, have been occurring in countries around the world.   The H5N1 flu virus is a bird disease, however humans can contract the H5N1 virus from infected birds or contaminated environments.  This makes many scientists and public health officials concerned about the development of a new human influenza virus.

Scientists and public health officials are concerned that if the H5N1 virus changes, or “mutates” within an infected human it could become a new human flu virus that could easily be spread from person to person.  If this change in the virus occurs, most humans would have no or little natural resistance to the disease and it could begin a new pandemic, or “global” flu outbreak within the human population.

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What Is The Difference Between Pandemic Influenza and Seasonal Influenza?

Remember:  Seasonal, Avian, and Pandemic influenzas (flu) are NOT the same! 

Seasonal Influenza:

Influenza, or “flu” viruses cause infections of the respiratory tract (breathing tubes and lungs).  The flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and the virus is sent into the air. Vaccine is developed each year to help protect people from the seasonal flu.

• CCHD Fact Sheet

• More Information about Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Avian Influenza:

Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a contagious avian flu virus (H5N1) that infects birds.  Humans and some other types of animals can also contract the H5N1 virus if they come in to contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.  The H5N1 virus has not been detect in birds or humans in the U.S. at this point in time.

• CCHD Fact Sheet

• More Information about Avian Influenza (Flu) 

Pandemic Flu

Influenza, or “flu,” viruses cause infections of the respiratory tract (breathing tubes and lungs). A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.  A pandemic flu occurs when a new flu virus emerges in humans.  This new human flu virus then begins to cause serious illness and the new flu virus spreads easily from person-to-person worldwide.  There is NO pandemic influenza at this point in time.

• CCHD Fact Sheet

• More Information about Influenza (Flu) Pandemic

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How Can I Prevent Catching & Spreading Germs?

People can protect their health and prevent the spread of common germs, including the flu virus, by practicing the following steps on a daily basis:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Cover all coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or a tissue

• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading germs to others

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How Can I Prepare For Emergencies?

All types of emergencies and disasters can happen quickly and with little warning, so it is important to be as prepared as possible ahead of time.  Many private and public, local, state, and federal businesses, schools, and agencies are developing plans and coordinating efforts to try and be as prepared as possible for all types of disasters, including a pandemic influenza event. 

Planning and preparing is most important in individual homes and there are different resources available to assist families in their efforts.

• www.pandemicflu.gov

• www.ready.gov 

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