Pandemic Influenza

Human influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. This virus spreads through droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who has the flu. Different strains of this virus regularly circulate in our communities, making people sick. However, you may be able to avoid getting sick if you have antibodies to fight off the virus strain you're exposed to. Influenza immunization, or the “flu shot,” is the best way to avoid getting sick because it stimulates the body to produce antibodies against the influenza virus.

From time to time, an influenza strain changes into a new strain. We may have little or no immunity to the new strain. If this new strain of influenza virus has the ability to spread easily from person to person, many people around the world could become ill and possibly die. This is referred to as an influenza pandemic.

At this time, there is no influenza pandemic anywhere in the world. But knowing how to protect yourself from getting influenza is important both before and during a pandemic. By following good hand and respiratory hygiene practices, you can reduce the risk of catching or spreading influenza both during the regular flu season and in a pandemic.

What is an Influenza Pandemic

• Key Facts on Pandemic Influenza
• Preparing for an Influenza Pandemic - It's Your Health

Seasonal Flu vs. Avian flu vs. Influenza Pandemic

• Understanding Pandemic Influenza

Vaccines and Drugs

• The Role of Vaccines and Antivirals Controlling and Preventing Influenza

What PHAC is Doing to Prepare

• The Public Health Agency of Canada's Pandemic Preparedness Activities

Phases of the Canadian Pandemic Plan

• Pandemic Periods and Phases

Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan

• The Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan was developed through a collaborative process between Federal, Provincial, Territorial, local and regional governments and non-government stakeholders.
• Other Provincial Plans

Canadian Forum on Implementation of the Antiviral Strategy for Pandemic Influenza

• The Canadian Forum on Implementation of the Antiviral Strategy for Pandemic Influenza was held on October 25 and 26, 2007, in Montréal, Québec. The purpose of this Forum was to engage all levels of government and facilitate discussions on critical issues related to the implementation of the National Antivirals Stockpile Strategy, which involves the allocation of 55.7 million doses of antivirals to be used for treatment purposes during a pandemic.

Flu Prevention Checklist

• Flu Prevention Checklist

Posters

• 3 Steps to Staying Healthy
• Understanding Influenza “the flu”

Additional Information