Differences Between Seasonal Flu and a Flu Pandemic
Below is a comparison of seasonal flu and a flu pandemic (See Number 19 in References).
| Seasonal Flu |
Flu Pandemic |
| Outbreaks occur every year, usually in winter. |
Occurs only rarely (only four times since 1918). |
| Caused by influenza viruses that are similar to those already affecting people. |
Caused by a new influenza virus that people have not been exposed to before. |
| Healthy adults usually not at risk for serious complications. |
Healthy adults may be at increased risk for serious complications. |
| Hospitals and healthcare providers can usually meet public needs. |
Hospitals and healthcare providers may be overwhelmed and difficult to access. |
| Vaccine available at beginning of flu season. |
Vaccine would probably not be available in the early stages of a pandemic. |
| Causes an average of 36,000 deaths each year in the United States. |
Number of deaths could be significantly higher. In the 1918 pandemic, approximately 675,000 people died in the United States. |
| Generally does not have a severe impact on daily life. |
May have a severe impact on daily life, including widespread restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses, and cancellation of public events. |
Learn how to protect yourself during a flu pandemic.
