What would be the Impact of a Pandemic?
A pandemic may come and go in waves, each of which can last for six to eight weeks.
An especially severe influenza pandemic could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts can range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery.
| Pandemics Death Toll Since 1900 |
|
|---|---|
|
1918-1919 |
|
| U.S…. | 675,000+ |
| Worldwide… | 50,000,000+ |
| This as per the CDC. | |
|
1957-1958 |
|
| U.S…. | 70,000+ |
| Worldwide… | 1-2,000,000 |
|
1968-1969 |
|
| U.S…. | 34,000+ |
| Worldwide… | 700,000+ |
A substantial percentage of the world’s population will require some form of medical care. Health care facilities can be overwhelmed, creating a shortage of hospital staff, beds, ventilators and other supplies. Surge capacity at non-traditional sites such as schools may need to be created to cope with demand.
The need for vaccine is likely to outstrip supply and the supply of antiviral drugs is also likely to be inadequate early in a pandemic. Difficult decisions will need to be made regarding who gets antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Death rates are determined by four factors: the number of people who become infected, the virulence of the virus, the underlying characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations and the availability and effectiveness of preventive measures.
Assessing the Severity of an Influenza Pandemic (World Health Organization) (May 11, 2009)
Learn what factors influence the overall severity of a pandemic. Includes discussion of H1N1 flu (swine flu).
For more information visit flu.gov
