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Influenza, or the "flu," is a common respiratory disease caused by a virus. Every year, the flu virus causes outbreaks in fall and winter. This is because each year, the flu virus changes a little so the protection, or immunity, our bodies have built up against previous viruses is not as effective.
The flu spreads easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing and hands touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Flu symptoms can appear suddenly and include a fever, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, a runny nose and a sore throat. The worst symptoms usually last about five days, but coughing can last up to two to three weeks. Sometimes children with the flu can have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Although colds and other viruses may cause similar symptoms, influenza weakens a person more than other viruses. About 20 per cent of persons infected will not have any symptoms. In others, symptoms can be mild to severe. However, if infected, very young children, people with some chronic medical conditions and the elderly are more likely than healthy older children or adults to get very sick, and may need to be hospitalized. In Canada up to 7000 people die each year from influenza or its complications. People over 65 years are at the greatest risk of dying from the flu.
Flu pandemics happen when a new kind of influenza virus, that is able to spread easily from person to person appears, and spreads quickly around the world. Since people have no protection against the new virus, it will likely cause more illnesses and a larger number of deaths than the seasonal flu.
Influenza pandemics have happened every ten to forty years for at least the last 500 years. There were three flu pandemics last century, the last in 1968. The most severe often called the Spanish Flu pandemic was in 1918. No one can predict exactly when a pandemic will happen, but it may be soon. That is why people and communities must prepare now, to ensure they are ready to respond when needed.
The flu spreads easily from person to person by:
The flu virus can be spread off of hard surfaces like doorknobs for up to twelve hours, and from softer/porous surfaces, like tissues, for several minutes. The virus can also survive on the hands for up to five minutes. This is why it is so important to wash your hands often, avoid touching surfaces in public places and avoid putting your hands in your mouth, eyes or nose.
The flu can be spread by an infected person from about one day before symptoms start to appear to as many as five days after symptoms appear, and maybe longer in children and some adults.
Flu vaccine, when available, will be the primary public health intervention during a flu pandemic. The provincial government is working with the federal government and other provinces and territories to ensure that there will be enough vaccine for all Canadians. Since vaccine may not be available early in a pandemic, it is important to learn and use other ways to protect yourself and your family.
There are several things you can do to reduce your chances of getting sick with the flu, and to avoid passing it to others if you are infected.
These things are even more important during a flu pandemic, both to protect you and your family from getting sick, and because it may be hard to get medical care as so many people may be sick at the same time.
Some people may choose to wear masks. There is no evidence that shows masks help to prevent outbreaks of the flu during a pandemic. If you feel that you want to wear a mask, be sure to learn how to use it properly, including making sure it does not get wet and changing it often.
The Medical Health Officer (MHO) in your region has the authority to take extra actions if required to help control the spread of flu and minimize the impact of a pandemic. These include:
If these actions are needed, MHOs across BC will work together to identify when these steps might need to be taken.
For more information on pandemic influenza, see the following BC HealthFiles:
#94a What is Pandemic Influenza?
#94c Self Care During an Influenza Pandemic
For more information on BC pandemic influenza preparedness, see the following Web sites:
www.health.gov.bc.ca/pandemic/index.html
www.bccdc.org/content.php?item=150
www.bchealthguide.org/bcauthorities.stm
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