The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls one of six stages when the organization determines that a pandemic may occur or is currently occurring.

First Stage:

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The first stage of a pandemic is the lowest stage. Stage 1 happens in the natural world on a daily basis. This stage concerns the animals (both domesticated and wild animals), and there are no confirmed cases of animal to human transmissions.

At this stage, it is best to wash hands often after touching domesticated animals and stay away from wild animals. People are encouraged to keep their domesticated animals away from wild animals that may be infected.

Second Stage:

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In the second stage, the flu like illness has transferred from an animal to a human. The CDC or a doctor has determined that there is an undeniable link from the sick animal to the infected person. The infection is very isolated but has the potential to spread.

Both the human as well as their domesticated animal should be treated and isolated from others until they are both have regained their health. A qualified professional will euthanize wild animals.

Third Stage:

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In the third stage, the flu virus affecting animals and people is occurring on a small level. It is affecting small areas of the community but has the potential to affect the whole community.

Any animals or humans affected must remain isolated to prevent the spread of the illness. In this stage is if best for the whole community to take simple precautions to prevent the spread. Many people who feel fine will not take precautions and this fuels the spread. It is best to wash hands often after doing anything and staying away from those people in the community until the illness is contained.

Fourth Stage:

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The fourth stage in a pandemic is when there are multiple confirmed cases of human-to-human transfer of a virus in multiple locations. People in several locations are affected, yet not everyone in those areas is ill.

In the affected areas, schools will close and community events are canceled in an effort to contain the illness. This is when the public seems to take notice and panic is a very real possibility. It is best to avoid places where the people gather to ensure your own safety.

Fifth Stage:

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The fifth stage of a pandemic simply means that the illness is affecting significant segments of population within two or more countries. It is the same type of illness, which is affecting the different populations.

The World Health Organization is the only organization who can call this stage of a pandemic. There is a very strong chance that the illness could affect the world’s population. Travel between different countries is not forbidden but it is strongly discouraged for public health.

Sixth Stage:

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In the sixth and final stage of pandemic, there are several people ill with the virus in several communities in two or more countries. More than half of the people within these communities are ill with the flu virus. This is a worldwide epidemic.

Travel between countries is severely restricted between most countries and travel may be restricted to or from third world countries. These travel restrictions are put in place to stop the spread of the illness.

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Of course I had to add a Zombie image to this post, it is mandatory... it is not a pandemic with out a few zombies right?

Image Sources:
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