influenza pandemics

Influenza pandemics occur when a new strain of the influenza virus emerges that can spread easily among people worldwide. Unlike seasonal flu, which recurs annually and usually affects vulnerable groups, a pandemic flu can infect healthy individuals and cause widespread illness. These pandemics are driven by changes in the virus, often through genetic mutations or reassortment with animal viruses. Notable examples include the 1918 Spanish flu and the H1N1 outbreak in 2009. Public health measures, such as vaccination and social distancing, are crucial in managing the impact of these outbreaks.