An epidemic is defined as occurring in a small group of people, or in a limited geographic area, compared to an epidemic that sweeps over one or more continents.
According to Pfizer, a prerequisite for an epidemic to be able to become an endemic is to achieve a high level of immunity so that infection rates, hospital occupancy and mortality are brought under control, as is the case with regular seasonal influenza today.
Requires that the vaccine reach even places where the vaccination level is low. The emergence of new variables could also play a role in how the pandemic continues to “flatten”, Swede Michael Dolsten, head of research at Pfizer, said at the meeting.
Development can also vary from place to place.
– Dolstein said it appears that within a year or two it will turn into an endemic epidemic in some areas while a pandemic continues in others.
Facts: Concepts in the spread of infection
Epidemic:
The epidemic broke out when the infection spread to several neighboring geographical areas and many of them became ill. Infectious substances spread through the air, such as influenza, or waterborne infections, such as cholera, are more likely to cause the largest epidemics.
pandemic:
An epidemic that covers an entire continent or several continents is called a pandemic. It is often a new type of influenza virus that spreads and infects people in large parts of the world and has severe consequences for society.
endemic:
A disease that occurs in a limited group of people or in a specific geographic area, the term is used specifically for infectious diseases, in Sweden chickenpox is an example. If the range increases, then there is talk of an epidemic.
Sources: Swedish Public Health Agency and National Encyclopedia
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