Pandemic Influenza
Influenza, commonly called “the flu”, is caused by a virus that primarily affects the nose, throat, airways, and lungs. Influenza viruses are divided into two types, influenza type A and B. Both influenza types typically circulate in the United States during late fall and winter. Each type of influenza virus has many different strains, which tend to change from year to year. Pandemic influenza is a widespread outbreak of disease that would affect a large number of people worldwide caused by a new influenza A virus. Every year, influenza A viruses undergo small seasonal changes called “genetic drifts”. Whenever the influenza A virus undergoes a major change called a “genetic shift”, a new influenza A virus is created. This major change may cause a pandemic of influenza.
A new influenza A virus may cause more severe illness than the influenza A viruses that normally circulate on a seasonal basis. Most people will have little or no natural resistance to the new influenza A virus. No one knows exactly when a pandemic of influenza will occur. What is the Oklahoma State Department of Health doing to prepare for a pandemic of influenza?
Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheets and Information: Pandemic Influenza Fact Sheet (16k.pdf)
Oklahoma Pandemic Influenza Management Plan Fact Sheet (25k.pdf)
External Pandemic Influenza Resources: Pandemic (Flu.Gov) Get Ready for Flu Pandemic Fact Sheet (APHA) Pandemic Influenza (CDC) Pandemic Influenza (WHO)