Pandemic Flu and Seasonal Flu

Seasonal flu outbreaks follow predictable patterns and usually occur annually; pandemic flu occurs rarely.

There is usually some immunity build-up from seasonal flu; with pandemic flu there is little or no pre-existing immunity.

Healthy adults are usually not at risk for serious complications with seasonal flu; with pandemic flu healthy people may be at risk for serious complications.

Vaccine available for seasonal flu; no vaccine available for pandemic flu especially in early stages.

Symptoms: fever, cough, muscle pain, sore throat, chills possible shortness of breath; with pandemic flu, the symptoms are the same but more severe and complications may be more serious.

With pandemic flu there may be a significant impact on society (school and business closures, travel restrictions, and/or cancellations of public gatherings). There is potential for severe impact on the domestic and world economy. The potential mortality rate may be significantly increased.



For more information:

Valley Mills ISD Policy H1N1 and Valley Mills ISD Policy
Center of Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
Texas Department of State Health Services www.dshs.state.tx.us and www.texasflu.org


Additional Resources Education Service Center Region 12-Waco ESC 12 Resource Pandemic Page



To prevent or reduce the spread of the flu virus:

  • STAY HOME if you are ill!
  • Avoid contact with people who are ill.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough or sneeze;
    throw into trash can immediately.
  • If a tissue is not available: cough or sneeze into the crook or your elbow NOT into your hands!
  • Wash hands often with soap and water or an alcohol based sanitizer if soap and water
    is not readily available.
  • Try to keep your hands away from your face; especially don't touch eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Practice "social distancing"; don't shake hands with others and try to stay 3 feet
    away when in conversation.



Is it a cold or the flu?
Many people may confuse a stomach 'bug' or a cold with the flu. It is actually a respiratory illness that attacks the nose, throat and lungs."

According to the Centers for Disease Control Web site, the flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms: fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body ache. A doctor can perform a test to see whether a person has the flu.

The flu is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes or speaks and sends the flu virus through the air, and others inhale the virus.

Symptoms
According to the CDC, colds usually begin slowly, two to three days after infection by the virus and normally last only two to seven days. A bad cold can last up to two weeks, but this is unusual. You will first notice scratchy, sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose. You may get a mild cough several days later. Adults and older children usually don't have a fever, but if they do, it will be very. Infants and young children, however, sometimes run temperatures up to 102°F (39°C).

If you have the flu, you will have a sudden headache, dry cough, and you might have a runny nose and a sore throat. Your muscles will ache, you will be very tired, and you can have a fever up to 104°F (40°C). Most people feel better in a couple of days, but the tiredness and cough can last for two weeks or longer.

The flu is a respiratory (breathing) illness. You cannot have "stomach flu." Symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are uncommon with the flu, except in very young children. Check with your health care provider if you have questions about the diagnosis and treatment of these illnesses.

Prevention
To prevent catching or spreading the virus, people should wash their hands often, with soap and water, and cover their mouths and noses when they cough and/or sneeze.
For more information about influenza, visit the CDC Web or contact your local health care provider.