Course Overview
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus, like the H1N1 virus, emerges and starts spreading as easily as normal influenza. Pandemics can result in millions of deaths and major disruptions of society, but their effects can be mitigated. That is why this nation, as well as the rest of the world, is undertaking preparations to quickly identify an emerging pandemic and then delay its spread while countermeasures can be developed.
By the end of this course, and understanding will be gained of:
- Key features of monitoring and describing pandemics
- Elements of a pandemic and the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic
- The guiding principles of the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza
- Ways that businesses and individuals can reduce or slow the spread of influenza