What is it? 
A Pandemic occurs when new cases of a certain disease, in agiven human population, are spread through human populationsacross a large region; for instance multiple continents, or even worldwide.
We can say that a pandemic is a global epidemic.
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae (the influenza viruses), that affects birds and mammals. The most common symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness/fatigue and general discomfort.
Typically, influenza is transmitted by:
- Through the air by coughs or sneezes, creating aerosol containing the virus.
- direct contact with bird droppings or nasal secretions.
- through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Airborne aerosols have been thought to cause most infections, although which means of transmission is most important is not absolutely clear.
Influenza pandemics have struck about three times every century since the 1500s, or roughly every 10-50 years. There was one in 1957-1958 and one in 1968-1969. The most infamous pandemic flu of the 20th century, however, was that of 1918-1919. An estimated 40 million people died in less than a year, and what made it so different from seasonal flu epidemics is that it killed primarily young people, those aged 20-45.(original link)
Who Should Plan for a Pandemic? 
The U.S. government has placed a special emphasis on supporting pandemic influenza planning for public and private sector businesses deemed to be critical industries and key resources (CI/KR). Critical infrastructure are the thirteen sectors that provide the production of essential goods and services, interconnectedness and operability, public safety, and security that contribute to a strong national defense and thriving economy. With 85 percent of the nation’s critical infrastructure in the hands of the private sector, the business community plays a vital role in en-suring national pandemic preparedness and response.
hi ! you blog is very organized and straight forward. I like how at the end you explained how the government would be able to deal with a pandemic . good stuff !