South Dakota Department of Health Office of Disease Prevention Services - 605-773-3737 — (1-800-592-1861 in South Dakota only)
An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears in the human population, causes serious human illness, and spreads easily from person to person worldwide.
Because people have little or no immune protection from such new viruses, there can be high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. The last major flu pandemic occurred in 1918 and killed as many as 40 million people worldwide, including more than 500,000 in the United States.
The H5N1 avian influenza or "bird flu" covered in the news has not qualified as a pandemic strain of influenza and scientists cannot predict if or when this might happen. However, the virus continues to spread in birds and from birds to some people, so health experts are on high alert.
South Dakota Prepares
South Dakota has developed a pandemic influenza plan that mirrors the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plan. It was developed by the state Health Department, other state agencies, and health care partners and submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in April 2005. It continues to be revised and updated. South Dakota Pandemic Influenza Plan
Flu Terms Defined
Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person. Most people have some immunity and a vaccine is available.
Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person.
Related Links
National Resources
International Resources
Preparing Your Family for Pandemic Influenza
If a pandemic influenza outbreak occurs in your community, schools and businesses could be closed. Plan ahead for situations in which you might have to take care of yourself and your family without leaving home. These preparations for pandemic influenza are much the same as preparations you would make for any kind of emergency, for example, a severe winter storm. Consider this basic emergency checklist:
- Food and water: Have a supply of canned and dried food and drinking water on hand, enough for several days. In a pandemic, disruptions in some services could be possible.
- Medication: If you take medications regularly, keep a supply of several days on hand.
- Personal items: Extra supplies of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and activities for kids could make extended time at home more comfortable.
- Family emergency plan: Talk to your family about emergency plans. Make sure you have a plan to check in with elderly parents and friends; that children know who to contact in an emergency; and that you know your family's medical histories, social security numbers, and other basic information.
Another important step you can take right now is to practice good personal hygiene and teach your children to do the same. Basic personal hygiene can help prevent seasonal influenza, colds, and other respiratory diseases and is also important in a pandemic.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand gel if soap and water aren't available.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- If you're sick, stay home and keep your kids home when they're sick.
The more you know about pandemic influenza the more you can help your family and community to prepare. To find out more and keep updated regularly, check the Centers for Disease Control Pandemic Flu Website.
The Department of Health strives to provide information the public can trust and routinely reviews content to ensure links to outside resources support our mission. The inclusion of links to other websites is provided for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement of specific organizations or materials. This information is not a substitute for medical care. The department is not able to answer personal medical questions. Please see your healthcare provider concerning appropriate care, treatment, or other medical advice.