A pandemic may come
and go in waves, each of which can last for six to eight weeks.
An especially severe influenza
pandemic could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic
loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places
become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts can range from school and business
closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and
food delivery.
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Pandemics Death
Toll Since 1900
|
|
1918-1919
|
|
U.S....
|
675,000+
|
|
Worldwide...
|
50,000,000+
|
|
This as per the CDC.
|
|
1957-1958
|
|
U.S....
|
70,000+
|
|
Worldwide...
|
1-2,000,000
|
|
1968-1969
|
|
U.S....
|
34,000+
|
|
Worldwide...
|
700,000+
|
A substantial percentage
of the world's population will require some form of medical care. Health care facilities
can be overwhelmed, creating a shortage of hospital staff, beds, ventilators and
other supplies. Surge capacity at non-traditional sites such as schools may need
to be created to cope with demand.
The need for vaccine is
likely to outstrip supply and the supply of antiviral drugs is also likely to be
inadequate early in a pandemic. Difficult decisions will need to be made regarding
who gets antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Death rates are determined
by four factors: the number of people who become infected, the virulence of the
virus, the underlying characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations
and the availability and effectiveness
of preventive measures.