Pandemics

Pandemics

Definition

• A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.

Causes

• Zoonotic diseases
• Global travel and trade
• Climate change
• Antibiotic resistance

Examples

• COVID-19
• Spanish flu
• HIV/AIDS
• Ebola
• Smallpox

Prevention

• Vaccination
• Hand hygiene
• Social distancing
• Quarantine measures
• Travel restrictions

Response

• Healthcare system preparedness
• Contact tracing
• Isolation and treatment of infected individuals
• Public education and communication

Impact

• Economic disruption
• Social disruption
• Loss of life
• Healthcare system strain
• Political instability