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Pandemics

A pandemic is a worldwide outbreak due to the spread of a new germ (virus or bacteria) that causes more illness. Pandemics can happen when an animal virus mixes or changes to result in a new virus capable of easy person-to-person spread because most people have never seen it before and have little or no immunity to it.

flu pandemic headline
Influenza causes outbreaks each winter.  The very young and the very old usually have the most severe illness.   Influenza pandemics cause more illness and more serious outcomes like hospitalization and death affecting all age groups, including young adults and this is different from usual influenza.  This can put a lot of pressure on the health care system and because of people being sick and away this can affect all sectors of the community. 

Canada has been working for many years on planning for a pandemic and each province, including British Columbia has also developed guidelines.  These include guidance around public health measures, vaccines and antivirals.  More information can be found at the links Web Resources section of this page. 

Pandemic Planning

BC Pandemic Flu Preparedness Plan August 2005 [PDF 1.75MB]

Web Resources

Last Updated: June 25, 2009
 

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