Pandemic Severity Index

The Pandemic Severity Index (PSI) is a classification system used to measure how serious a pandemic is based on the number of deaths it causes. It helps public health officials understand the severity and guide responses. The PSI categories range from 1 to 5: a Category 1 indicates a relatively mild outbreak with few deaths, while a Category 5 signifies a very severe situation with a high death rate. This index considers factors like transmission and impact, providing a standardized way to assess and communicate the potential threat of a pandemic.