The Difference between seasonal flu and Pandemic Flu

Every year, people around the world get flu. But that's seasonal flu. If a pandemic flu occurs it could kill millions worldwide. But what are the differences between seasonal flu and pandemic flu?
Answer: Seasonal Flu
Outbreaks are predictable and seasonal; usually in the winter
There is usually some immunity from previous exposure.
Healthy adults are usually not at risk; primarily affects the elderly, the very young, and the chronically ill.
The public health system can meet patient needs.
Vaccine is available and usually very effective.
Adequate supplies of antivirals are usually available.
Annual US deaths about 36,000
Symptoms include:
fever
cough
runny nose
muscle pain
deaths usually occur from complications such as pneumonia
Modest impact on society (e.g., school closing and sick people stay home from work)
minimal impact on world economy
Pandemic Flu
Occurs rarely (3 times in the last 100 years)
Because there is no previous exposure, there is no existing immunity
Even healthy people are at risk
Number of cases could overwhelm the health care system
No vaccine until later in the pandemic
Limited supplies if any effective antivirals
Deaths could number in the millions worldwide
Symptoms are more severe with more complications
Major impact on society (e.g. widespread school and business closings, quarantines, travel restrictions)
Severe impact on the world economy.
Source: United States Department of Health and Human Services; November 1, 2005