What is influenza?

Influenza is often referred to as “the flu”.   It is a respiratory disease caused by a virus and affects the lungs.  Symptoms may include fever, cough, headache, muscle ache, weakness, sore throat, and cold-like symptoms.  It’s the complications, like pneumonia, heart or kidney failure, arising from the flu that may be deadly.

What is a pandemic influenza?

A pandemic influenza occurs when a large number of people become ill with the influenza virus throughout the world.  A pandemic is a global outbreak affecting many people in many countries.

Unlike the usual influenza virus that infects people each winter a pandemic influenza may strike at anytime of the year causing much more sickness and death.

When will it happen?

No one knows when the next pandemic influenza will be.  However, the experts agree that it is inevitable and unpredictable. There is a range of 11 to 39 years between pandemics.  The world is due for another one.

History of Pandemic Influenza:

Looking back in history, there were 3-4 pandemics each century since the 1500s.

During the 20^th century there was the Spanish flu in 1918-19 responsible for more than 20 million deaths.  In 1957 there was the Asian flu, and in 1968-69 there was the Hong Kong flu. 

A second wave of illness often occurs 3-9 months following the initial pandemic.  A third wave may also occur.

What would the impact be in Grey & Bruce Counties?

It is estimated that:

●     114,724 people may become infected

●     58,127 people may become clinically ill

●     26,004 people may need outpatient care

●     459 people may be hospitalized with influenza

●     168 people could die

Hospitals and emergency rooms will be severely overburdened.  Emergency responders such as police, fire, paramedics, will be overwhelmed.

A pandemic is different from other emergencies because other counties, provinces, and countries will also be simultaneously strained.  It will be a challenge to provide medical care with a reduced workforce and few outside resources.  It is estimated that one third of the workforce will be ill and unable to work.  There will be shortages of vaccine, antiviral drugs and hospital beds.   The societal impact will be devastating.

Will there be a vaccine?

Because of the new strain of influenza causing a pandemic, it will be unlikely that a vaccine will be available initially.  It takes 6-7 months to produce a vaccine.  Because of the worldwide demand, the pandemic flu vaccine may be in short supply.  It will be a priority to make vaccine available and distribute it as quickly as possible.

Preparing for a Pandemic Influenza:

Work is occurring at the federal and provincial levels.  The Grey Bruce Health Unit is working with local hospitals, emergency services, municipalities, media representatives, community agencies in developing a Grey Bruce Health Unit Pandemic Influenza Contingency Plan.

The principal roles of public health are surveillance, coordinating vaccines and antivirals, and communicating information to health care providers and the community.  Public health also has a responsibility to support local efforts to respond to and manage the event.

Each municipality, hospital and community agency will be responsible for developing an appendix on pandemic influenza to add to their emergency plan.

The goal of the plan is to reduce influenza illness, death and societal disruption among people of Grey & Bruce Counties.

Before a pandemic strikes:

●     Get an annual influenza shot.  It is one of the best ways to avoid getting and spreading existing flu strains.

●     Wash your hands with soap and water, especially when you are near ill people.

●     Keep healthy by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  Avoid smoking cigarettes and get enough rest.

During an influenza pandemic:

●    Listen to the media for current information, immunization clinic schedules, and instructions.

●    Once the pandemic flu is identified a special vaccine will have to be made.  Take advantage of the influenza vaccine once available.

●     Wash your hands regularly.

●     Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

●     Implement your work place contingency plan.

●     Participate in any established communication protocol. 

For information, check the Health Unit website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca or telephone (519) 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456.