| Pandemics Death
Toll Since 1900
|
| 1918-1919 |
U.S.... |
675,000+ |
Worldwide... |
50,000,000+ |
This as per the CDC. |
| 1957-1958 |
U.S.... |
70,000+ |
Worldwide... |
1-2,000,000 |
| 1968-1969 |
U.S.... |
34,000+ |
Worldwide... |
700,000+ |
|
A substantial percentage of the world's population will require some form of medical care. Health care facilities can be overwhelmed, creating a shortage of hospital staff, beds, ventilators and other supplies. Surge capacity at non-traditional sites such as schools may need to be created to cope with demand.
The need for vaccine is likely to outstrip supply and the supply of antiviral drugs is also likely to be inadequate early in a pandemic. Difficult decisions will need to be made regarding who gets antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Death rates are determined by four factors: the number of people who become infected, the virulence of the virus, the underlying characteristics and vulnerability of affected populations and the availability and effectiveness of preventive measures.
(from www.pandemicflu.gov) |