H1N1 InfluenzaWhat is a Pandemic?A pandemic occurs when a disease develops which is able to easily infect humans, and which can readily spread from person to person. Because it is new, people have little or no immunity. Pandemics may result in large numbers of deaths. In addition, a pandemic imposes a considerable economic burden in the form of hospital and other health care costs and lost productivity. Pandemic InfluenzaWhile any disease may cause a pandemic, the most common pandemics of the last century were caused by influenza. While the likelihood of another influenza pandemic is unknown, it is probably at its highest level in several decades. The 'Spanish flu' pandemic of 1918-1919 is estimated to have killed at least 40 million people. In 1957 and 1968 two other influenza pandemics caused a significant number of deaths globally (2 million and 1 million respectively). Swine influenzaSwine Influenza refers to the influenza viruses that occur amongst pigs. Pigs are able to be co-infected with avian (bird), swine and human viruses. Occasionally swine influenza can be transmitted to humans. More information about the novel influenza A (H1N1) (new influenza) virus thought to be derived from swine is available at http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/swine_flu.asp. Avian influenzaAvian influenza refers to a number of different influenza viruses that occur among birds, only a few of which can cause disease in humans. Recently a new strain of avian influenza (known as H5N1) has developed that may be transmitted to humans. There is concern that if the virus changes to become easily spread from person to person, a pandemic may occur. More information on avian influenza is available from the NSW Health Communicable Diseases Branch. Seasonal influenzaSeasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It circulates each year and many people become unwell. Useful Links Prepared & Protected DVD - Infection Control and Personal Protective Equipment for Respiratory Diseases NSW Health Swine Flu Update Page Preparing for Pandemic Influenza Resources RACGP Guidelines for Preventative Activities in General Practice 6th Edition RACGP Pandemic Flu Kit 2008 H1N1 Q & A - Indigenous Communities Department of Health and Ageing & NSW Health Updates Health Information for Indigenous Communities and Health Care Workers - Aug 09 |
 |
