Pandemic flu is a global outbreak of influenza disease that occurs when a new type of influenza virus appears that people have not been exposed to before or have not been exposed to in a long time. Because there is little natural immunity, the virus can spread quickly from person to person.

Novel H1N1 flu – referred to as “swine flu” early on — was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency that same month. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a global pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) was underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 .

This action was a reflection of the spread of the new H1N1 virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.

Whatever happened to bird flu? — Before H1N1 flu appeared in humans, pandemic flu concern was centered around avian flu (or bird flu). Avian flu occurs naturally among wild birds, and the H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl (like chickens and turkeys). In recent cases it has been transmitted from birds to humans and health care experts have been watching closely for signs of human-to-human transmission. There is no natural human immunity to avian flu and human vaccine availability is limited. The possibility of avian flu becoming a problem in humans is still very real.

People with chronic health conditions like asthma and COPD are at special risk from pandemic flu. AANMA offers the following articles to help you understand influenza risks and how to protect yourself and your family.

• Important facts about H1N1 flu
• A Pandemic Flu Guide for Families with Allergies and Asthma
• Family Matters: Flu Preparedness at Home

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