So what’s the difference between a flu “bug” circulating around your school or office and a flu epidemic? Epidemics exceed what is expected. For example, many people are expected to get the flu each year but if flu cases skyrocket to an unprecedented level, it’s considered an epidemic.

A pandemic is a global outbreak of a disease that occurs when a new virus appears in the human population, causes serious illness, and then spreads easily from person to person throughout the world. For more information on COVID-19 including testing sites in Texas, visit https://knowhat2do.com/epidemics-pandemics/.  The H1N1 virus reached pandemic status in the winter of 2009-2010 and led the CDC to change flu vaccines the following season. The best thing you can do to prepare for the possibility of an epidemic or pandemic is to stay alert and informed. You can also visit the Center for Disease Control website for more information.  

Preparing for Health-related Emergencies

Make sure your Emergency Supply Kit is ready.
Stay up to date on local health trends and how they may affect you.
Follow directions from officials about sheltering-in-place or evacuating.

Practice healthy habits that may protect you and others later:

• Wash your hands
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick
• Exercise personal space allowing yourself and others around 6 feet of distance whenever possible

Flu Facts

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as vaccine is available each fall. Take advantage of the many opportunities to get flu shots each fall, as the vaccines are updated yearly to combat the most active strains. Learn who is included in high risk groups, and the specific medical advice for each group by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Flu website.