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Talk of an influenza pandemic has occupied the media of late. During the 20th century, the world faced three flu pandemics. The most deadly, the “Spanish Flu” in 1918 and 1919, killed over 20 million people.

Public health experts tell us that another flu pandemic could happen anytime. They also tell us that if we are prepared, we can reduce the number of people who become infected and the number who die.

And since pandemic flu spreads the same way as seasonal flu- through droplets contained in sneezes and coughs and by hand contact – basic precautions can greatly reduced its spread.

Please watch this ASL Video for more information and what is the health system doing to protect us from a pandemic.

An influenza (flu) pandemic spreads easily and rapidly through many countries and regions of the world
 Watch ASL Video

Talk of an influenza pandemic has occupied the media of late. During the 20th century, the world faced three flu pandemics. Public health experts tell us that another flu pandemic could happen anytime and also tell us that if we are prepared, we can reduce the number of people who become infected and the number who die. And since pandemic flu spreads the same way as seasonal flu – through droplets contained in sneezes and coughs and by hand contact, basic precautions can greatly reduce its spread.

What is a pandemic?   Watch ASL Video

It becomes a worldwide epidemic, or pandemic, when a disease spreads easily and rapidly through many countries and regions of the world and affects a large percentage of the population where it spreads.

How does a flu pandemic start?   Watch ASL Video

A pandemic starts when a new strain of flu virus emerges that is different from common strains of flu. Because people have no immunity to the new virus, it can spread quickly and infect hundreds of thousands of people. Pandemic flu strains often develop when an animal or bird virus mixes with a human virus to form a new virus.

What is the contagious period?   Watch ASL Video

Flu can be contagious for 24 to 48 hours before any symptoms arise and for five days after the onset of symptoms. This means you could spread the virus without knowing you are infected.

Ordinary flu happens every year. November Pandemic flu happens only two or three times a century.   Watch ASL Video

Ordinary flu is usually around from Nto April - and then stops. Pandemic flu usually comes in two or three waves several months apart. Each wave lasts about two to three months.   Watch ASL Video

About 10% of Ontarians get ordinary flu each year. About 35% of Ontarians may get pandemic flu over the course of an outbreak.   Watch ASL Video

Most people who get ordinary flu will get sick, but they usually recover within a couple of weeks. About half of the people who get pandemic flu will become ill. Most will recover, but it may take a long time. And some people will die.   Watch ASL Video

Ordinary flu is hardest on people who don't have a strong immune system: the very young, the very old, and people with certain chronic illnesses. People of any age may become seriously ill with pandemic flu, depending on the virus.   Watch ASL Video

In a normal flu season, up to 2,000 Ontarians die of complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. During a flu pandemic, Ontario would see many more people infected and possibly many more deaths.   Watch ASL Video

There are annual flu shots that will protect people from ordinary flu. There is no existing vaccine for pandemic flu. It will take four to five months after the pandemic starts to develop a vaccine.   Watch ASL Video

There are drugs that people can take to treat ordinary flu. These same drugs may also help people with pandemic flu but we may not have a large enough supply for everyone and we will not know their effectiveness until the virus is identified.   Watch ASL Video

Will Ontario be affected?   Watch ASL Video

Yes. With all the air travel between countries, a flu pandemic is likely to spread into all parts of the world, including Ontario. The World Health Organization and public health experts around the world are watching carefully for the first signs of a flu pandemic so they can take steps to slow down its spread.

What will happen if a flu pandemic hits Ontario?   Watch ASL Video

Once a pandemic flu virus arrives in Ontario, it will likely spread quickly. Many people will become ill, and there will be a lot of pressure on our health care services. Our routines may be disrupted, for example, companies may have to close down some of their operations. Cities may decide to provide essential services only. They may close schools

Who is most at risk?   Watch ASL Video

We are all at risk of getting a pandemic flu virus. Some groups of people - such as the very young or very old - may be more at risk than others of getting seriously ill or dying. The 1918 and 1919 flu pandemic infected and killed mainly healthy young adults in their 20s and 30s.

How many people will fall ill? What kind of care will they need?   Watch ASL Video

Of the 35% estimated to get pandemic flu, roughly half will require a visit with their family doctor or nurse practitioner. The other half will need information and advice to help them take care of themselves at home. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, others may need to be admitted to hospital for care.

June 2006

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