Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Pandemic Flu

Is a pandemic imminent?

Why won't the annual flu vaccine protect people against pandemic flu?

What groups of people are most likely to be affected during a flu pandemic?

What other strategies will help protect Americans?

If there was a flu pandemic, what can I do?

What is Oakland County Health Division doing to prepare for a pandemic outbreak?

Is a pandemic imminent?

No, there currently is no pandemic identified among humans.  Many scientists believe it is a matter of time until the next flu pandemic occurs.  However, the timing and severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted.

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Why won't the annual flu vaccine protect people against pandemic flu?

Flu vaccines are designed to protect against a specific virus, so a pandemic vaccine cannot be produced until a new pandemic flu virus emerges and is identified, it could take at least 6 months to develop, test and produce a vaccine.

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What groups of people are most likely to be affected during a flu pandemic?

Susceptibility to the pandemic flu virus will be universal.  Few people, if any, would have immunity to the virus.  High risk groups for severe and fatal infection are likely to include, the elderly, pregnant women, persons with chronic medical conditions as well as young, healthy individuals with active immune systems.

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What other strategies will help protect Americans?

In the event of pandemic, certain public health measures may be implemented to help contain or limit the spread of infection as effectively as possible. The following actions could include:

• Treating sick and exposed people with anti-viral
• Isolating sick people in hospitals, homes and other facilities
• Identify and quarantine exposed people
• Closing schools and workplaces as needed
• Canceling public events
• Restricting travel

• Getting seasonal flu shots may provide some immunity and protect you from a secondary virus if a pandemic is present
• Staying away from people who are sick

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If there was a flu pandemic, what can I do?

You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading flu during a pandemic by:

• covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing (use a tissue when possible)
• disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• avoiding non-essential travel and large crowds when possible
• maintaining good basic hygiene (See Home link)
• cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using cleaning products
• Being a good example to others

• stay at home and rest
• take medications prescribed by your physician, such as aspirin and ibuprofen to relieve symptoms (following the instructions with each medication)
  Please note: children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready made flu remedies containing aspirin
• drink plenty of fluids
• contact your doctor if your condition worsens (Fact Sheets regarding symptoms and signs to watch for will be published when a pandemic starts) 

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What is Oakland County Health Division doing to prepare for a pandemic outbreak?

Oakland County Health Division has been testing it's mass vaccination program in an effort to meet recommended CDC guidelines.  Oakland County Health Division has been able to maintain 1,000 vaccinations per hour using required staff. This involved multiple sites and various clinic formats such as walk-in and drive -thru.

• OCHD has also developed Medical Reserve Teams (MRT) and Emergency Response Teams (ERT) to help augment professional and ancillary staff in case of a public health emergency.
• Personal responsibility is also being stressed by the Oakland County Health Division. Many illnesses can still be prevented by practicing good personal hygiene.
• OCHD is constantly reviewing WHO, CDC and State guidelines for planning purposes.
• Should anti-viral medications become available, OCHD will include the purchase of these important treatment products for defined at-risk populations.
  

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