What is Influenza?
Influenza, or the "flu,"
is a common respiratory disease caused by a virus. Every year, the flu
virus causes outbreaks in fall and winter. This is because each year,
the flu virus changes a little so the protection, or immunity, our bodies
have built up against previous viruses is not as effective.
The flu spreads easily
from person to person through coughing and sneezing and hands touching
your eyes, mouth or nose. Flu symptoms can appear suddenly and include
a fever, cough, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, a runny nose and a sore
throat. The worst symptoms usually last about five days, but coughing
can last up to two to three weeks. Sometimes children with the flu can
have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Although colds and
other viruses may cause similar symptoms, influenza weakens a person
more than other viruses. About 20 per cent of persons infected will
not have any symptoms. In others, symptoms can be mild to severe. However,
if infected, very young children, people with some chronic medical conditions
and the elderly are more likely than healthy older children or adults
to get very sick, and may need to be hospitalized. In Canada up to 7000
people die each year from influenza or its complications. People over
65 years are at the greatest risk of dying from the flu.
How
is Pandemic Flu Different?
Flu pandemics happen
when a new kind of influenza virus, that is able to spread easily from
person to person appears, and spreads quickly around the world. Since
people have no protection against the new virus, it will likely cause
more illnesses and a larger number of deaths than the seasonal flu.
According to the BC
Centre for Disease Control, influenza pandemics represent global emergencies
with catastrophic impact. During a pandemic, worldwide epidemics of
influenza due to a new viral subtype occur simultaneously and with high
death rates. Pandemics occur every ten to forty years. During the last
century alone, three occurred. The worst was between 1918 and 1919 when
over 20 million people died. When the next pandemic occurs – and it
will – no time can be lost in responding. This means governments, business
and communities must work together now to develop efficient and effective
interventions and strategies.