Pandemics are a part of human history. There were three pandemics in the last century, in 1918, 1957 and 1968. The most deadly of the three was the
pandemic of 1918, which was caused by H1N1 and killed approximately 50 million people worldwide.

Over the past several years, there has been much concern about H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian viral strain that first appeared in Hong Kong in 1997. The infection has been spreading along the flight paths of migratory birds and it has crossed species to infect humans, tigers, leopards, cats and pigs. However the virus has not been able to be efficiently transmitted human to human at this time.

In April, 2009, however, a new influenza virus emerged. The novel H1N1 influenza virus was first identified on April 15, 2009 in the US and has since spread throughout the United States and world wide. On June 19, 2009, the World Health Organization declared a phase 6 worldwide pandemic. This declaration indicates a new strain is being readily transmitted person to person and cases are occurring in multiple geographic locations around the world. The good news to date is that the severity of this novel influenza has been mild with most individuals recovering primarily with self care.

Planning has been underway on the federal, state and local level to address the many issues that must be considered to deal with the pandemic flu. Frostburg State University has developed a pandemic flu response plan working closely with the local health department and other universities within the University of Maryland System.

It is important that each individual person/family prepares for a pandemic. Multiple resources are available on the web. See below for further info.

H1N1 influenza vaccine availability at Frostburg State

Campus update on H1N1 flu - 9/18/09

Message to the FSU Community regarding H1N1 flu

The Facts on Influenza

Frostburg State University's Pandemic Flu Plan

Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You

RESOURCES:

• Official U.S. Government Site for H1N1, Avian and Pandemic Flu
• CDC web site on Avian Influenza
• General Information on Preventing Influenza
• Prevention Toolkit for Influenza
• Advice for Travelers