Frequently Asked Questions About Pandemic Flu
Is an influenza pandemic imminent?
Scientists and doctors can't tell us when or where the next pandemic flu will strike or how severe it will be. But most agree that there will be another pandemic sometime in the future. Pandemic influenza has occurred periodically throughout human history. Since we know that, we have an advantage: We can plan for the next one, whenever it might be.
The scientific community is increasingly concerned about a new virus known as H5N1, a type of avian, or bird, flu. It has been spreading through bird populations across Asia and has recently reached Europe and Africa . So far, human cases of illness caused by this virus have been very rare.
How worried should I be about avian flu?
A limited number of human cases of avian flu have occurred, primarily among people who had direct, sustained contact with infected birds. Little or no evidence exists that this infection can spread from person to person. But scientists and government officials believe that if the H5N1 virus mutates so that it becomes easily transmissible, it could pose a significant threat to our health, our economy, and our way of life. It's something that we all need to take seriously and plan for.
Would an avian flu pandemic be similar to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic?
No one really knows. Much has changed since 1918, both in the fields of medicine and public health and in our modes of transportation. What we do know is that, in the years since past pandemics, public health officials have vastly improved their ability to detect and control infectious diseases, and they have become more vigilant. Public health officials will know when a new and serious strain of flu emerges, and they will be able to take precautions to reduce its impacts.
How many people would die of pandemic flu?
Again, nobody knows. Estimates of casualties are just that--estimates. They often represent a worst-case scenario. However, estimates are useful in that they can help health officials determine the level of planning they need to engage in.
What impacts are a pandemic likely to have on Montana ?
While we can't know for sure what the exact impacts would be, there would be considerable impact, including death, disability, and economic and social disruption. Any projection at this time would be speculative.
How have public health officials prepared for an influenza pandemic?
Over the past several years, all federal, state, and local health departments have been developing plans to address public health emergencies, including an influenza pandemic. In fact, public health workers are continually monitoring the health of each community and responding each day as needed. As a result, they have systems in place that can be intensified to respond to a public health emergency. Health departments also work closely with essential partners (such as disaster officials, hospitals, and other health-care providers) to plan a coordinated response to the challenges a pandemic would present.
Although a flu pandemic would present many challenges for our citizens and health-care system, the goal of our planning is to minimize the impacts of pandemic disease on Montanans.
What is the role of the state health department during a pandemic?
During a flu pandemic or any other infectious disease outbreak that impacts more than one of Montana 's 56 counties, the state health department would be the lead agency working with local and federal jurisdictions to coordinate a statewide response.
DPHHS routinely conducts disease surveillance and detection, does laboratory testing to identify pathogens, and provides guidance to local health officials, school systems, and other community institutions. In the event of a public health crisis, there is a framework in place to ramp up the routine practice of public health to the level needed to respond to the emergency. We do this regularly in response to outbreaks of such diseases as pertussis and common seasonal strains of flu.
What is the role of the local health departments?
Local health departments respond directly to disease outbreaks in their communities, implementing control measures required by the state and often coordinating with state health officials. Local health departments also are capable of expanding or contracting their response depending on the degree of the public health emergency.
Will the state stockpile antiviral medications such as Tamiflu?
We believe it is premature for the state to commit money to stockpiling Tamiflu or any other antiviral medication. Flu viruses vary, and specific antiviral medications may be effective against some but not all flu viruses. Since we don't know which virus will be responsible for the next pandemic, we need to consider which of the currently available antiviral medications would be prudent to have available.
Currently, the state does have ready access to antiviral medications through the Strategic National Stockpile. This is a federally maintained supply of medicine, medical supplies, and equipment that can be deployed anywhere in the nation within hours in the event of a public health emergency. Tamiflu is kept in this national stockpile.
Should individuals stockpile Tamiflu to prepare for the next pandemic?
We strongly discourage people from stockpiling Tamiflu.
No one knows what the next pandemic flu strain will be until it arrives, and Tamiflu may or may not be effective against it.
Also, if people stockpile Tamiflu, they will reduce the supply available to people who become ill from seasonal flu virus.
Finally, like most medications, Tamiflu has a shelf life and may lose its effectiveness after a period of time.
Will quarantine be used to control a pandemic?
Isolation and quarantine are two common public health strategies designed to protect the public by preventing exposure to infected or potentially infected people.
In general, isolation refers to the separation of people who have a specific infectious illness from those who are healthy, and the restriction of their movement to stop the spread of that illness. Isolation is a standard procedure used in hospitals today for patients with tuberculosis and certain other infectious diseases.
Quarantine generally refers to the separation and restriction of movement of people who, while not yet ill, have been exposed to an infectious agent and therefore may become infectious. Quarantine of exposed people is a public health strategy, like isolation, that is intended to stop the spread of infectious disease.
Both isolation and quarantine may be voluntary or mandatory .
Whether quarantine or isolation would be used during a pandemic flu would depend on many factors, including whether state and local health officials believed these measures were necessary to prevent serious illness and death.
Who has the authority to impose and enforce a quarantine?
Under state law (50-1-204 and 50-2-116 MCA), state and local health officials have the authority to impose quarantine and isolation measures. They also have the authority to ask law enforcement officials to enforce such orders.
Would schools or businesses be closed? Who would make those decisions?
Again, these are among many strategies that may or may not be considered to control a flu pandemic, depending on the circumstances. In general, school and business leaders will make decisions based on their own assessments, which are likely to include information and recommendations from public health officials.
State and local health departments can advise school districts and businesses and recommend health measures. Local health officials, with the approval of DPHHS, can forbid people to assemble in a place if the assembly endangers the public's health (50-2-118 MCA).
Do bird migration routes through Montana increase our risk of avian flu?
Scientists don't fully understand the role of migratory birds in the spread of avian influenza. At this time, no evidence of the H5N1 avian flu has been discovered in the Western Hemisphere . However, recent evidence suggests that migratory birds are spreading the H5N1 virus, and further spread is expected.
Keep in mind, though, that at this time the avian flu remains a disease primarily of birds rather than humans.
Is it safe to eat poultry?
There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection. It is important to follow safe cooking methods--such as rinsing the poultry before preparing it, preparing it on a clean surface, and cooking it thoroughly--to avoid transmission of other more common pathogens, such as Salmonella.
Is it safe to own pet birds?
For most people who do not have allergies, it is safe to own pet birds. Pet birds have little opportunity to be exposed to viruses carried by wild birds.
What can Montanans do to protect themselves against pandemic flu?
The general public can do something now to prepare themselves and their families for a possible pandemic flu. You can:
- Become more diligent about good hygiene. Washing your hands regularly is one of the best ways to protect yourself against any kind of infectious disease. It will become even more important during a pandemic, so it's a good idea to develop the habit now. The same goes for covering your cough with a tissue or your sleeve instead of into your hands, and keeping your hands away from your nose and mouth. Get used to doing these now so they'll be second nature if and when a pandemic occurs.
- Do all you can to improve your health. The healthier you are, the more resistant your body is to disease. So it's a better time than ever to quit smoking, improve your eating habits, exercise regularly, and get regular medical checkups and recommended immunizations.
- Make it a habit to stay home when you're sick. People should make it a habit to stay home when they're sick, to avoid spreading disease to others. If you must work, make plans to telecommute from home or go to the office after hours, when fellow employees are not there. Also, stay away from crowds or large events, such as holiday parties, movies, or sporting events.
Page last updated 06/05/2006
