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A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then easily spreads person-to-person worldwide. During a pandemic, social isolation should be practiced. Always follow the directions of local authorities during and after a pandemic. 

The Flu & You

Flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Flu is unpredictable, and it is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone in the world is at risk.

How does flu spread? 

Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. A person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own eyes, mouth or nose. 

Zika Virus

Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. 

The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.             

Infographic about protecting yourself and others from mosquito bites when sick with chikungunya, dengue, or Zika.
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Sick with chikungunya, dengue, or Zika?

Protect yourself and others from mosquito bites during the first week of illness. If a mosquito bites you, it can become infected, bite other people, and spread illness.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
  • Use door and window screens to keep mosquitoes outside
  • Use insect repellent

Watch for these symptoms

See your doctor if you develop a fever with:

  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Headache or pain behind the eyes
  • Rash
  • Red eyes

More information:
cdc.gov/chikungunya
cdc.gov/dengue
cdc.gov/zika

 Protect Your Family & Yourself
Cover your cough and sneeze with tissues, dispose of them properly, and then wash your hands.
Wash your hands often and well.
Stay at home if you are ill and minimize exposure to sick persons by staying three to six feet away.
Regularly disinfect common surfaces such as phones, remote controls, door knobs, light switches, and toys.
Get vaccinated yearly.
Infographic explaining why handwashing is important and how to properly wash your hands.
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The Get Ready Guide to Handwashing

Why handwashing matters

  • Your hands aren’t as clean as you think they are
  • Harmful viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces like keyboards and smartphones for hours
  • 91% of adults say they wash their hands, but only 83% were observed doing so
  • Even fewer people wash after sneezing or coughing
  • Handwashing helps prevent the spread of infection

How effective is handwashing?

The Food and Drug Administration says that up to half of all foodborne illnesses could be prevented if people washed their hands properly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls handwashing the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection.

How to wash your hands

  1. Wet your hands
  2. Lather with soap
  3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds
  4. Rinse off

How long is 20 seconds?

20 seconds is about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

Hand sanitizer vs handwashing

Hand sanitizer is not as effective as washing your hands. It can be used when a sink is not available, but washing with soap and water is always best.

Source: Get Ready Campaign / American Public Health Association

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