Seasonal Flu versus Pandemic Flu

With winter comes short days, biting winds and frigid temperatures. It also means the start of flu season. Some strains are worse than others, but in general seasonal flu affects between 5 and 20% of Americans each year.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is spread by droplets created when a person coughs or sneezes. There are several preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of
getting the flu:

  • Check with your doctor about whether it’s still advisable to get a flu shot this season
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Wash hand frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Teach your children how to wash their hands properly and remind them often about keeping their hands clean.
    (One creative suggestion for teaching children how long to wash their hands is to have them wash for the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday to You”)
  • Avoid those who are sick; and stay home from work when you are ill. Keep your children home when they’re sick too.
  • Make a concerted effort to be healthy —maintain a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep and exercise.
Avian Flu and Pandemic Flu

In addition to seasonal flu, there is much discussion about avian (bird) flu and pandemic flu. A pandemic flu outbreak is a substantial, world-wide outbreak of a new kind of flu. Avian flu, which has killed 154 people in Southeast Asia, has the potential to become a pandemic. This is why health officials are concerned and why sometimes avian flu and pandemic flu are used interchangeably in the media. Avian flu has met some, but not all of the conditions for becoming a pandemic flu. To date, the only documented human cases of avian flu are in circumstances where people had contact or lived in close proximity to infected birds. It will pose no general health danger until it is capable of being easily transmitted from person to person.

Health experts and government officials at all levels are concerned that bird flu could become a pandemic at some point in the future. For this reason they are taking unprecedented steps to educate the public and plan for a pandemic flu response. The County Health Department is heading up this effort locally and has provided some briefings for City staff. Residents can learn more about avian flu and pandemics by calling the Public Safety Coordinator Allen Creveling at 301-809-3079 (acreveling @cityofbowie.org), the County Health Department at 301–583-3750 or by visiting informational websites such as www.pandemicflu.gov and www.cdc.gov/flu.

Resources

Ten Things You Need To Know About Pandemic Flu

Frequently Asked Questions About Avian Flu

U.S. Government's website for all pandemic flu related information"
www.pandemicflu.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/flu

Prince George's County Health Department
http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/AgencyIndex/Health/flu_info.asp

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/


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