Pandemic Flu

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is determined by how the disease spreads, not how many deaths it causes. Are there currently any flu outbreaks? What is being done to track them? Read more about pandemics and the current flu situation in the United States and abroad.

When a new influenza A virus emerges, a flu pandemic can occur. Because the virus is new, the human population has little to no immunity against it. With no immunity in the population, the virus spreads quickly from person to person worldwide.

Be aware that during such an outbreak, health care providers and hospitals may be overwhelmed. No vaccine would be available in the early stages, and effective antivirals may be in limited supply.

A pandemic flu could impact the general public with widespread travel restrictions and school or business closings.

Four flu pandemics have occurred since 1918, each with different characteristics.

For information about seasonal flu, visit HendersonCountyFlu.org.