FAQ
Pandemic influenza questions and answers
Q: What is a pandemic influenza?A: A pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of a new influenza virus that spreads rapidly around the world. Influenza pandemic occurs when all three of the following occur:
- A new influenza virus appears against which people have little or no immunity.
- Human to human transmission happens easily.
- The new virus causes serious illness and in some cases, death.
Q: Should we be expecting a pandemic in Canada?
A: Infectious disease experts have warned that a global influenza pandemic is overdue. Historically, influenza pandemics have occurred about every 30-40 years. The world experienced influenza pandemics in 1918 (Spanish flu), 1957 (Asian flu) and 1968 (Hong Kong flu). The most deadly, the Spanish Flu of 1918-19, killed an estimated 20 million people worldwide. Experts and scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO) are monitoring influenza activity around the world so they can identify and determine circulation of virus strains.
Q: What are the symptoms of pandemic influenza?
A: Symptoms from pandemic influenza will look similar to the influenza we deal with every winter, however pandemic influenza is more likely to cause serious illness and even death. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain and weakness, headache, tiredness, dry cough, and sore throat.
Q: How is the influenza virus spread?
A: The virus spreads easily from person to person, mainly through large respiratory droplets and to a lesser extent through direct contact with contaminated surfaces and items. Frequently washing your hands is an effective way to prevent the spread of the virus.
Q: Does a flu shot protect me from an influenza pandemic?
A: The influenza vaccine or "flu shot" is effective against this year's known circulating strains of influenza virus. You need a new flu shot every year because the virus is always changing slightly.
A flu shot is a good way to increase your overall immunity against this year's known flu strains. In fact, the more flu shots you've received over time, the greater the protection against different viruses, some of which may have some similarities to an eventual pandemic strain. Getting a flu shot and practicing infection control should be part of everybody's daily practice.
Q: What's the difference between vaccines and antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu?
A: Vaccines are the primary means of preventing regular seasonal influenza. It can take four to five months for a vaccine to be developed against a new flu virus. As a result, an actual vaccine against a pandemic influenza will not be available at the start of a pandemic.
Antiviral drugs may be used to help lessen the impact of the pandemic. If taken within 48 hours of getting sick, they can reduce influenza symptoms, shorten the length of illness and reduce serious complications.
Both the federal and provincial government are creating antiviral stockpiles that will be directed towards groups at high risk for complications or death due to influenza. Guidelines are being established nationally to determine priority groups and Ontario will be adopting the national guidelines. These priority groups may change based on the age and risk groups most affected as well as the severity of the pandemic and other factors.
Q: What will a pandemic mean for the City of Hamilton?
A: A pandemic strain will appear in Hamilton likely within one to three months after it is detected elsewhere in the world. It has the potential to infect up to 35 per cent of the population, causing a large number of individuals to require some level of health service.
Absenteeism as a result of influenza is expected to be 30-35 per cent or higher. There will be a tremendous strain on the health care system, business community and city services.
Q: What is the city doing to prepare for the possibility of influenza pandemic?
A: Hamilton Public Health is the lead agency for the City of Hamilton's pandemic preparedness and response. Professionals from hospitals, government agencies, emergency services and community organizations have been working together to develop a local pandemic plan. These stakeholders are building relationships, defining responsibilities and coordinating communication between agencies at the national, provincial and local levels.
Q: How can I protect my family and myself from infection?
A: When a pandemic is declared, pay attention to public health messages about who is at risk. In the meantime:
- Get a flu shot every year
- Wash your hands or use alcohol based hand antiseptic frequently
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
- If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, don't go to work or to school
- In the community, try to maintain at least one meter distance from people who are coughing or sneezing
- At work consistently use appropriate personal protective equipment as indicated by infection prevention and control when caring for people with respiratory infections.