Skip Navigation

Pandemic Flu

An influenza pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in a very short period of time.

It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. If a pandemic does occur, it is likely to be a prolonged and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation and other public services. An informed and prepared public can take appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic.

For authoritative, one-stop access to the U.S. Government's pandemic flu information, visit:

Pandemic Flu Background

GAO Report: Influenza Pandemic - Sustaining Focus on the Nation’s Planning and Preparedness Efforts (PDF)
Influenza Pandemic (Ready.gov)
Fact Sheet: Advancing the Nation's Preparedness for Pandemic Influenza (The White House)
Pandemic preparedness (WHO)
National Vaccine Program Office (HHS)

Plans and Policy

CDC Issues Interim Guidance on Mitigating Pandemic Flu
Advancing the Nation's Preparedness for Pandemic Influenza (The White House)
National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (The White House)
HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan (HHS)

Businesses and Employers

Influenza Pandemic (Ready.gov: Business)
Pandemic Influenza Guide for Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (PDF 2MB)

Avian Flu

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (CDC)
Guidance for Protecting Employees Against Avian Flu (OSHA)
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (USDA)
Avian Flu Fact Sheet (U.S. Department of State)

Program Partner Links

Plug-ins Required

Some of the links on this page require a plug-in to view them. Links to the plug-ins are available below.

Adobe Acrobat Reader