Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of disease that occurs when a new influenza A virus appears in humans, causes serious illness and then spreads easily from person to person worldwide. Three major influenza pandemics swept the globe in the 20th century causing millions of deaths, and no one knows for sure when the next pandemic may strike. Efforts are underway to plan for the complex issues and serious impact that a new influenza pandemic could cause in the State of Arkansas. To find out more, check out the resources on this page.

Impact of Pandemic Flu
If a new and severe strain of flu were to begin spreading across the globe, Arkansas would not be spared from its impact. The severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, but modeling studies suggest that its effect in the United States could be severe. In the absence of any control measures (vaccinations or drugs), it has been estimated that in the United States a “medium-level” pandemic could cause:

• 89,000 to 207,000 deaths
• 314,000 and 734,000 hospitalizations
• 18 to 42 million outpatient visits
• 20 to 47 million people becoming sick
• An economic impact ranging between $71.3 and $166.5 billion

In Arkansas, pandemic flu impact estimates include:

• 1,516 to 3,538 deaths
• 4,768 to 11,167 hospitalizations
• 214,384 to 500,233 outpatient visits

How are Pandemic, Avian, and Seasonal Flu Different?

Pandemic Flu: A flu pandemic is a global outbreak that occurs when a new influenza A virus causes serious human illness and spreads easily from person to person. Because people have not been infected with a similar virus in the past, most or all people will not have any natural immunity (protection) to a new pandemic virus. Currently, there is no influenza pandemic.

Avian Flu: Bird flu is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds.

Seasonal Flu: The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. In some persons, complications of influenza can be severe, including pneumonia or death.

Swine Flu: Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza.