The word pandemic is very familiar to us now, isn't it? Especially with the COVID-19 experience that began in 2020, these words have become a part of our lives. But have you ever thought about what the real difference is between these three words: pandemic, epidemic, and outbreak? How are these different from each other? Let's talk about this simply and precisely today. Being aware of these things is very important for you, your family, and the entire society.
What is the simplest meaning of these three words?
Although these three words may sound similar, they refer to three different levels of disease spread. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Term | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Outbreak | Simply put, this is the beginning. This is a sudden, unexpected increase in the number of patients in a certain area. Sometimes, even a single patient of an infectious disease that has never been reported in a certain area can be considered an Outbreak. This can last for a few days or even years. |
| Epidemic | When an outbreak becomes uncontrollable and spreads to a large area and infects a large number of people, it is called an epidemic. This is when the disease spreads faster and more widely than experts expected. |
| Pandemic | When an epidemic becomes more severe and spreads across multiple countries, perhaps even continents, it is called a pandemic. COVID-19 is a prime example of this. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic after it was confirmed that the disease was severe and was spreading rapidly around the world. A pandemic is a very serious situation that can claim a large number of human lives. |
The number of deaths caused by a pandemic depends on several factors: how many people are infected, the virulence of the virus, and the effectiveness of measures taken to prevent the disease.
World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic alert levels
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a pandemic in 6 stages. This is a great help in understanding the level of risk of a disease.
| Phase | Description of Situation |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | The lowest risk level is one where a virus found among animals has not infected humans. |
| Stage 2 | Transmission of disease from an animal to a human. This could be the first step in a pandemic. |
| Stage 3 | Cases are being reported here and there among people, but there is no widespread spread among the community. |
| Stage 4 | Human-to-human transmission of the disease has been confirmed and community-level outbreaks have begun. |
| Stage 5 | The spread of the disease in more than one country in the same region. |
| Stage 6 | Full Pandemic: The spread of the disease among communities in at least one other country in another region. |
How to protect yourself from the spread of the disease?
During a pandemic, there may be no way to protect yourself 100% from the disease. It takes scientists a while to develop a vaccine . But we can't just wait until there is one. We can take some simple, but very important, steps to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
- Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds . If this is not available, use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes without washing your hands. These are the main ways the virus can enter our bodies unknowingly.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Throw the used tissue in a trash can immediately and wash your hands again.
- Avoid crowded places: Stay home as much as possible. Minimize public transportation, events, and crowded places.
- Keep surfaces in your home clean: Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, tables, chairs, and telephones with disinfectant daily.
What do you do if you get sick?
If you develop symptoms, it is also your responsibility to protect others.
- Stay home: Stay away from other people, in a separate room.
- Call your doctor: Before you go to see your doctor, call and get advice. Going to the clinic too soon can spread the disease to others.
- In an emergency: If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing , go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Wear a face mask: If you are leaving the house for medical treatment, be sure to wear a face mask.
- Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public buses, trains, or taxis to get to the hospital.
Let's prepare for a pandemic even before it happens.
A pandemic is not just a health issue. It also causes major economic and social problems, such as large numbers of people getting sick and unable to go to work. Therefore, it is very important to be prepared in advance.
- Make a list of phone numbers of people to call in case of emergency.
- If schools have to close, plan a system for children to learn from home.
- Keep some essential food, water, medicine, and other supplies at home.
- Get enough sleep, manage stress , eat nutritious foods, and exercise. These things will boost your immunity.
- Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, and offer them the information and help they need.
Some of the worst pandemics in history
Throughout human history, there have been many devastating epidemics. Some of them are:
- The Black Death : It is estimated that about 25 million people died in this plague that spread across Europe between 1347-1351.
- 1918 Influenza Pandemic (Spanish flu): This killed over 50 million people worldwide.
- Smallpox: This disease, which lasted for hundreds of years, killed 300 million people in the 20th century alone. But thanks to vaccination, the disease was eradicated from the world in 1980.
- HIV and AIDS: This disease has killed about 43 million people worldwide.
- COVID-19: By 2024, it is estimated that over 7 million people worldwide will have died from COVID-19.
Take-Home Message
- Outbreak, Epidemic, and Pandemic are three different levels of disease spread. Pandemic is the most severe case, spreading across countries and continents.
- During a pandemic, it is very important to practice simple health habits such as washing your hands frequently with soap, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding crowded places.
- If you develop symptoms, immediately isolate yourself from others and seek medical advice. If you have severe symptoms, go to a hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- A pandemic affects not only health, but also society and the economy. Therefore, being prepared in advance can minimize its impact.
- If you have any health problems, talk to your doctor about it and get proper advice.
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