PBCC Pandemic Information

Pandemic Flu Awareness

Pandemic flu or pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus for which there is little or no immunity (protection) in the human population. Scientists and health professionals have long been concerned that the flu virus that has been reported in birds – called avian flu - will one day develop into the next human pandemic.

Today, however, we are grappling with an outbreak of the H1N1 type A virus, formerly known as "swine flu." The pandemic H1N1 is a new flu virus that has been spreading throughout the world since the spring of 2009. The word “pandemic” does not tell us how mild or serious the illness from this new flu virus may be, just that there is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus that spreads easily from person to person. Since it is a new flu virus, people have little or no immunity (protection) against it.

While most people will recover well from this influenza, it is important to be prepared so that you can give the best care to your family and household members who may become ill. The information provided below will enable you to protect yourself and your family from infection and help you to prepare so that you will be better able to care for your loved ones at home.

Prevention and Care

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has prepared two documents with a great deal of helpful information. Your Guide to Preparing for Pandemic Influenza includes basic facts about pandemic flu, how to reduce your chances of getting sick, how to limit the spread of disease, individual and family preparedness, and much more. Another great SCCPHD publication, the 62-page Home Care Guide (color), details the essentials for providing care at home during a pandemic flu outbreak (Home Care Guide in Black and white for printing).

Home Care for Pandemic Flu is a two-page fact sheet prepared by the American Red Cross. It's a great place to start for those who may not want to read the 62-page Home Care Guide.

What You Can do to Prepare for Pandemic Flu is a summary of practical steps to take to reduce the probability of becoming infected and of infecting others should you become infected. While another pandemic flu outbreak is still a future event, it is useful to practice prevention in the present to avoid contracting colds and seasonal flu or spreading germs. If it is typical for your entire household to catch a cold in turn when one member gets sick, then you will do your household a great service by learning and implementing the practices described in these documents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a terrific web site with very helpful information for parents.