Pandemics
A pandemic is an epidemic of an infectious disease that has spread across a large region, for instance multiple continents or worldwide, affecting a substantial number of individuals. Pandemics often create social disruption, economic loss, and general hardship, as they tend to be caused by a new virus or a strain of virus that is extremely infectious.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
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Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
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Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public.
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Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
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Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
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Follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If a Pandemic is Declared
Keeping Up with COVID-19
Sign up for email updates about coronavirus from the CDC.
Learn the symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance.
Learn more:
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Find out about flu signs and symptoms, how to prevent flu and when to get a flu shot at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
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Get the latest on influenza:
- U.S. Health Department’s pandemic flu site
- OC Health Care Agency H1N1 Influenza – Latest Local News
- HealthDisasterOC – Influenza Preparedness -
Download an Avian Flu presentation from the Orange County Department of Education.