Pandemic Flu FAQs
- What is Pandemic Flu?
- Why is there concern about a potential flu pandemic?
- If there is a flu pandemic, how will it affect me?
- How will the University communicate with the campus community?
- How will I know what to do?
- How can I prepare for a potential flu pandemic?
- Will a mask protect me from pandemic flu?
- What else can be done to protect people in a flu pandemic?
- Will the government quarantine people in a flu pandemic?
- Is there a vaccine ("flu shot") for pandemic flu?
- What medications are available for a flu pandemic?
- Will there be enough antiviral medications in the event of a flu pandemic?
- Should I stockpile antiviral medications in preparation for a potential flu pandemic?
What is Pandemic Flu?
Pandemic flu is a world-wide outbreak of flu in humans that occurs when a new form of flu virus infects humans and is easily spread from person-to-person. Because a pandemic flu virus is unique people have no immunity (or resistance) to it. Three prior flu pandemics occurred in the 20th century, in 1918 ("Spanish Flu"), 1957 ("Asian Flu"), and 1968 ("Hong Kong Flu"). Currently, there is no pandemic flu involving humans occurring anywhere in the world but experts predict one will occur at some point in the future and we want to be prepared.
Why is there concern about a potential flu pandemic?
There is a current outbreak of a type of avian flu referred to as H5N1 that has been confirmed among poultry and other birds. There have been a small number of humans with H5N1 (cases) in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Most of these cases resulted from direct or close contact with infected poultry. Spread of avian flu from person-to-person has been very limited. At this time, the concern is that should the avian flu virus (H5N1) change in such a way that it will be able to spread easily from person-to-person, a pandemic could develop. Currently, the avian flu H5N1 virus does not spread easily from person-to-person and there is no pandemic flu any where in the world.
If there is a flu pandemic, how will it affect me?
In the event of a pandemic, it is anticipated that many people will need to stay home from work and school because they are sick or need to care for sick family members. In an extreme situation, authorities may try "social distancing" and require that large events or gatherings of people (classes, sporting events, movie theaters, etc.) be cancelled or closed to prevent the spread of disease.
If a severe flu pandemic occurs, all business would likely be affected. Schools and business may decide to close temporarily. Public transportation might be limited. If many people become sick at the same time, health-care facilities may become overwhelmed. Individuals, families, business and schools must all prepare for the potential of a flu pandemic.
How will the University communicate with the campus community?
In the event of a flu pandemic, the University will use many venues to communicate with the campus community, including this webpage. Other communication strategies are being developed and will be used (signage, hotlines, etc.) as needed.
How will I know what to do?
If you have flu symptoms, stay home. You should not go to school or work. You will be able to find information about a flu pandemic, both general and specific to UCSD, here on this webpage. Additionally, if there is a flu pandemic, this site will be updated with contact information specifically for the emergency.
How can I prepare for a potential flu pandemic?
Educate yourself. Review the additional online resources and check back to this webpage for any changes at UCSD. Plan ahead. Planning and preparation can reduce the impact of any emergency or disaster. See the list of websites at the bottom for more information. Discuss the potential of a flu pandemic with your family and friends so that you can stay in touch with each other (in case phone lines get overwhelmed). Make a plan so that dependents and pets can be looked after for several weeks if their caregiver becomes ill.
Figure out ways to access the Internet and UCSD email remotely. Those without computer access should explore alternative ways to stay informed. UCSD will distribute information through a variety of methods to facilitate communications. If you take essential medications regularly, consider talking to your health-care provider about the possibility of keeping extra supplies or prescription mediations to use in the event of a flu pandemic.
Keep enough essential goods on hand in case supplies are limited.
- Keep two weeks of food that does not need to be refrigerated.
- Keep two weeks of water (14 gallons per person) in sealed containers that cannot break.
- Keep some liquids to help with dehydration.
- Keep two weeks worth of ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) on hand to help with fever and pain.
- Keep a supply of masks and plastic gloves to prevent spreading the flu.
- Keep disinfectants and chlorine bleach on hand.
- Get a cell phone and charger.
Will a mask protect me from pandemic flu?
At this time, it is not known with certainty that wearing a mask will prevent someone from getting the flu. In a flu pandemic, people who are sick should wear masks to help protect others from the flu. People who are sick should also use masks if they absolutely must leave their house, to help protect others. Hospital and health care workers have a lot of exposure to people who are very sick. They should use a special type of mask called an N-95 respirator. N-95 respirators only protect against the flu if they are carefully fitted and properly used.
What else might be done to protect people in a flu pandemic?
Government officials could ask you to try "social distancing" to slow the spread of the flu pandemic. You could be asked to stay home from work or school, and to stay away from crowded places or groups. "Stay at home" days are meant to limit contact between people. If schools or businesses are closed, STAY HOME and keep your children at home.
Will the government quarantine people in a flu pandemic?
Quarantine and isolation are public health actions that are used to stop or slow the spread of a contagious disease (one that spreads easily from person-to-person) like pandemic flu. Quarantine and isolation both keep people away from others, in homes, hospitals, or other health care facilities. Quarantine is for people who have been exposed to a contagious disease, but are not sick. Sometimes people can be contagious (able to give someone else an illness) even before they feel sick. Quarantine separates the exposed person from other people for the amount of time that it would take to get sick after an exposure. Isolation is for people who are already sick and could spread the disease. Quarantine and isolation are usually voluntary. Most people want to protect others from getting sick. But the government does have the authority to make someone stay in isolation and quarantine.
Is there a vaccine ("flu shot") for pandemic flu?
A flu vaccine (also know as a "flu shot") against pandemic flu is not available at this time. Experts do not expect a vaccine to be widely available until several months after the start of a flu pandemic. However, vaccines are produced each year for seasonal flu ("the flu") that may prevent the flu or lessen symptoms. Student Health Service offers flu shots to all registered students.
What medications are available for a flu pandemic?
There is no cure for the flu. Because flus are caused by viruses, antibiotic treatment (which works against bacteria) is ineffective. There are currently four medications (called "antivirals") for flus: symmetrel, flumadine, tamiflu, and relenza. Antivirals may be effective for reducing the severity and duration of the flu. They can also be used to try and prevent the flu if someone has come in contact with flu viruses.
However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends against using symmetrel and flumadine for flus because some flu viruses have become resistant to these medications.
There is concern about the potential for flu viruses to become resistant to additional antiviral medications. The use of antivirals when they are not needed increases the chance that flu viruses will become resistant. Antivirals should not be taken without instructions from a doctor or other healthcare provider. The most current information about antivirals and drug resistance is available on the CDC's website.
In a flu pandemic, it is unlikely that there will be enough antiviral medications for everyone to prevent people from getting the flu or to treat everyone who does get the flu. Federal, state, and local agencies are developing plans for obtaining, distributing, and using antiviral medications in case of pandemic flu. These plans are designed to keep essential services functioning (such as water, health, police, fire, and sanitation) and make sure the fewest number of people die from pandemic flu.
Should I stockpile antiviral medications in preparation for a potential flu pandemic?
No, people should not stockpile (collect) antiviral medications. The use of antivirals when they are not needed increases the chance that flu viruses will become resistant. Antivirals should not be taken without instructions from a doctor or other healthcare provider.
Pandemic Flu Preparedness at UCSD
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease. It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between an individual and his/her clinician.
