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Frequently Asked Questions about an Influenza Pandemic
What is a pandemic?
How does an influenza pandemic happen?
Who is at risk?
Isn't there an influenza vaccine to cover it?
Are we at risk of a pandemic right now?
What is being done to prepare for a pandemic?
What will happen if an influenza pandemic hits Ottawa?
Is an influenza pandemic spread the same way as coughs and colds ?
How can I protect myself and my family from the spread of influenza?
How could I help during a pandemic?
Where can I call or go to get more information?
What is a pandemic?
Pandemic means widespread. It typically describes an infectious disease that spreads throughout an entire country or the whole world. Influenza can cause a pandemic infection. There were three influenza pandemics in the last century; the Hong Kong Flu (1968), the Asian Flu (1958 and the Spanish Flu (1918).
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How does an influenza pandemic happen?
The influenza virus is always changing and can develop into a new virus strain. It can jump the normal barrier between species and infect different types of animals and humans. When two influenza viruses infect the same animal or person, there can be “mixing” of genetic material to create a new virus that can appear suddenly in humans. People would have no immunity and the vaccines that are used to treat influenza would not help. If this new virus is very infectious to humans, it could spread rapidly around the world, causing an influenza pandemic.
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Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk during an influenza pandemic because no one will have immunity to this new virus. People with chronic health problems may be at greater risk for developing complications like pneumonia.
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Isn't there an influenza vaccine to cover it?
Influenza vaccines only cover known strains of viruses. You need a new influenza vaccine every year, because there are always small changes in the virus. In the case of an influenza pandemic a completely new virus strain develops and therefore no vaccine is available immediately.
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Are we at risk of a pandemic right now?
The World Health Organization has noted that we are in a Pandemic Alert phase due to the avian influenza outbreaks around the world. Pandemics are unpredictable in their timing, but experts agree that one is overdue. The most likely source is the “bird flu” or avian influenza virus. Avian influenza has infected more than 135 people who were in direct contact with the birds and there has been only one probable case of spread from human to human. There have been no human cases in North or South America, Europe, Australia or Africa. If the avian influenza virus changes slightly or “mixes” with a human influenza virus, it could cause the next pandemic.
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What is being done to prepare for a pandemic?
Ottawa is preparing. Ottawa’s Interagency Influenza Pandemic Plan has been prepared so that when an influenza pandemic hits, people will know what to do, where to get information, how to get help, and how to volunteer to be part of the solution. The plan, sponsored by Ottawa Public Health was prepared by professionals representing the City of Ottawa, the Ottawa hospitals, the Ontario Public Health Laboratory, and community organizations. Pandemic planning and prevention programs are also in place at the provincial, national and international levels.
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What will happen if an influenza pandemic hits Ottawa?
If an influenza pandemic comes to Ottawa, up to one in three people could become ill. Phone lines will be set up to answer questions and to give health advice. If necessary, special influenza assessment and treatment centres will be set up. There will be regular updates in the papers, radio and television informing residents about what is happening and what to do.
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Is an influenza pandemic spread the same way as coughs and colds ?
Yes. Respiratory infections, such influenza, are spread through droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who is infected with influenza. You can get influenza by breathing in these droplets through your nose or mouth or by the droplets landing directly on your eyes. The influenza virus is also found on the hands of people with influenza and on surfaces they have touched. You can become infected if you shake hands with infected persons or touch contaminated surfaces and transfer the virus to your own eyes, nose or mouth. Viruses live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours.
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How can I protect myself and my family from the spread of influenza?
Here are a few good habits you can start practicing now:
- Get your flu shot
The influenza vaccine will help your body build antibodies to fight influenza infections and can prevent the mixing of influenza viruses. Persons at risk might also be immunized against other diseases such as pneumonia that are responsible for some of the influenza-related deaths.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
Use a tissue or cough into your upper arm to avoid getting droplets on your hands.
- Clean your hands often
To get rid of germs you need to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner (available at grocery stores or the pharmacy) that you rub on your hands until they are dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
If you touch something even two hours after someone has coughed on it and then eat a sandwich or rub your eyes, you can infect yourself.
- Stay at home when you are sick
If you have a cough and a fever, it is best to rest at home. This will speed up your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection. Contact a healthcare provider if you feel very ill or need a note for work.
- Practice good health habits to encourage a strong immune system
A healthy lifestyle includes getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious foods.
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How could I help during a pandemic?
- If one of your family members becomes ill, you will need to look after him or her in such way that you and other family members do not get sick. You can get information from Ottawa Public Health or your family doctor on how to do this.
- If you feel that a family member needs a doctor, you can use the special health phone lines which will be set up for directions on when and where to go.
- If a relative, friend, or neighbour becomes ill with influenza you can help by:
- Checking on them daily by phone and offering encouragement
- Offer to help with childcare, pet care, groceries or dropping off prepared meals.
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Where can I call to get more information?
Call Ottawa Public Health Information at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656)
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