Flu in South Carolina
Difference Between Seasonal Flu and Pandemic Flu
(En Español)
SEASONAL FLU |
PANDEMIC FLU |
| Typical outbreaks due to an already circulating influenza strain occur annually in South Carolina, beginning in November and peaking in January or February; most people have some immunity from previous exposure | Emergence of a new strain rarely occurs. There will be little or no immunity to the new strain of the virus causing a worldwide pandemic. |
| Healthy adults are rarely at risk for serious complications; usually, the very young, the elderly and people with underlying health problems are at most risk of complications. | Healthy people might be as much at risk as anyone else |
| Existing health system can usually meet the needs of patients | Existing health system could be overwhelmed |
| Vaccine is developed each year based on known virus strains, targeted at the most recent years’ strains | Vaccine targeted against the new strain must be developed. Therefore, vaccine is not likely to be available in the first six to eight months of outbreak |
| Antivirals are usually in adequate supply | Effective antivirals could be available in limited quantities |
| Seasonal flu kills approximately 36,000 people nationwide and approximately 1,400 South Carolinians each year; death is most often caused by complications, such as pneumonia. | South Carolina could experience approximately 3,600 deaths due to complications affecting a greater number of people. |
| Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and muscle pains | Symptoms could be the same as seasonal flue but possibly more severe, including sore throat and shortness of breath |
| Generally causes only a modest impact on economy and society as some schools and businesses close | Would cause major impact on business, education and government. As much as 25% of the workforce could be ill at any one time. Illness could decline and re-emerge over several months. Large gatherings are cancelled to prevent further spread of disease. Disrupts routine services and health care systems. |
If you have additional questions about the flu or flu vaccine, please call 1-800-27SHOTS (1-800-277-4687) or visit the CDC’s Seasonal Influenza website or Flu.gov.