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\nPlanning ahead and taking steps to stop the spread of germs can help keep you and your family safe if there\u2019s a flu pandemic.
\nA flu pandemic happens when a new flu virus spreads easily and makes many people sick around the world. Similar to seasonal (regular) flu, a flu pandemic is caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs.
\nFlu pandemics and seasonal flu are caused by different viruses. Flu pandemics are usually caused by a new flu virus that spreads from animals to people. Since most people have never come in contact with it before, it can spread very easily and cause lots of illness.
\nFlu pandemics don\u2019t happen very often. There have only been 3 flu pandemics in the past 100 years.
\nIn a serious flu pandemic, many people get sick at the same time. This can cause schools, businesses, and community events to shut down in order to slow the spread of illness. Learn more about flu pandemics.
\nProbably not \u2013 although it's still important. Seasonal flu vaccines are made to protect people from the viruses experts think are most likely to make people sick during the upcoming flu season. Since a flu pandemic is caused by a new virus, the seasonal flu vaccine probably won\u2019t protect you from a flu pandemic.
\nThe U.S. government keeps a supply of vaccines that may protect people against a flu pandemic. But if a new flu virus starts to spread, a new vaccine may be needed to protect people against it.
\nIt can take time to make new vaccines to protect people from a pandemic flu virus \u2013 but it\u2019s important to get the new pandemic vaccine once it\u2019s available.
\nThe same steps you take every year to protect yourself and others from seasonal flu can also help during a flu pandemic. Follow these basic steps:
\nIt\u2019s also a good idea to prepare for a flu pandemic like you would prepare for any emergency. Take these steps:
\nTake steps to stop the spread of germs and to prepare for a flu pandemic.
\nTake these steps to help stop the spread of flu viruses:
\nIf there's a flu pandemic, follow the advice of local officials about school and other closings.
\nThe best way to protect yourself and others from flu is to get a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Everyone age 6 months and older needs to get a flu vaccine every year.
\nUse this flu clinic locator to find out where you can get a flu vaccine.
\nThe seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from seasonal flu, but it probably won\u2019t protect you against a new pandemic flu virus. In a pandemic, a new vaccine will need to be made \u2013 and this may take time.
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