Although an INFLUENZA PANDEMIC is a continual threat, little discussion about it appears in the popular media. In public health news, however, it ranks near the top of the list. Why? Because influenza viruses persist in the animal world—think: pigs, chickens—and could at any moment be transmitted to humans. With the “right” mutations or recombinations with human “flu” viruses, the new virus—that is, one never experienced by any humans—could run rampant across the globe. For this reason, public health officials from local levels to the CDC to WHO keep a close eye on what is happening in the world of influenza viruses in order to be prepared for this possibility.

So should you.

The following series of slides contains important information about PANDEMIC INFLUENZA, and, while some of it is dated material, most of it is accurate and informative. Please view it and read the information on this site. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact Dr Sandy Rock at HPMC Occupational Medical Services: sandy_rock@rl.gov