Optimizing Barrier Protection During a
Pandemic Event Caused by Influenza A

Who is at Risk? During a normal influenza year, the very young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are at the highest risk to contract influenza. This population is also at the greatest risk of experiencing complications due to the virus.We are all at risk of contracting influenza A because of the surface changes that occur to the virus. There is an even greater risk of becoming ill through a pandemic event due to influenza A. In the past, different viruses have been shown to affect population sets differently. During the Spanish Flu pandemic in 1918, those at highest risk were people between the ages of 18-34.41 During the Asian Flu pandemic in 1957, there was a higher mortality rate in older adults.42 The Hong Kong Flu pandemic in 1968 resulted in higher mortality in children and older adults.41 Looking at the statistics of the Avian Flu occurring today, deaths have occurred in all age groups.42 Everyone is at risk for contracting the Avian Flu since it is a new virus and there is no immunity to it. However, in order for a pandemic event to occur the following must take place: A new virus must be capable of causing disease in humans. The virus must be virulent or highly pathogenic. The virus must have the ability to sustain person-to-person contact.18

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