PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

Pandemic influenza (world-wide flu) happens when a new influenza virus spreads easily from person to person throughout the world. Since people have no protection against the new virus, it will likely cause more illness and a larger number of deaths than the type of influenza virus seen each winter (seasonal influenza).

It is not known which strain of influenza virus will trigger a pandemic. The spread of avian influenza is currently being monitored because it has the potential to mutate and become pandemic influenza.

There is currently no pandemic influenza in Canada or in the world. However, it is important for all Albertans to be prepared and ready to respond when pandemic influenza does occur.

A pandemic plan

Alberta has a plan to respond to pandemic influenza, called Alberta’s Plan for Pandemic Influenza. This plan aims to slow the spread of disease, minimize serious illness or death and avoid disruptions to essential community services. The provincial plan will reduce the impact of the disease, but not eliminate it. The plan outlines the coordinated and phased-in responses for the Government of Alberta, the health system, municipalities and other partners to work together to assist Albertans.

Click the left navigation links for more information about:

• Pandemic influenza;
• How Alberta is preparing; and
• How individuals can prepare for pandemic influenza.