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Pandemic Vs Epidemic: what is the difference? A pandemic is actually an epidemic
that spreads and infects huge populations across a continent or a large region.
Whereas, an epidemic is a disease that spreads during a particular period at a faster
rate than expected in a human population of a particular place. The incidence rate is
the new cases of infection in a human population during a particular period. Thus to
understand it more simply, a pandemic is when an epidemic can’t be controlled.
An epidemic that spreads outside an area or city to a larger area geographically is
called a pandemic. If the amount of people infected by the disease is very large as
compared to what is generally expected, then even if it does not spread geographically,
it still can be called a pandemic.
The swine flu pandemic has caused great alarm because this virus has spread from
person to person and the number of swine flu related deaths around the world has
made following precautionary measures a top priority. Personal hygiene and
cleanliness of the environment is important. Some measures to be taken are wearing
of a facemask or respirator, washing one’s hands frequently with a sanitizer, avoiding
crowded places etc.
One of the most important measures to be strictly followed is that of personal hygiene.
Surfaces all around may be contaminated with the virus. Touching these surfaces and
then touching one’s mouth, nose and eyes can be risky. This is why surfaces should
be sprayed by the Smittstopp spray which is not only an anti-viral spray but a cleaner
and a disinfectant as well. Once the spray dries, a thin layer of cationic polymer is left
on the surface. This layer is positively charged. Working on the principle of
“electrostatic attraction” the cationic polymer attracts microorganisms that are anionic or
negatively charged viruses and bacteria. These get stuck to the surface like flies to
flypaper. The spray then destroys them in a second, before they have a chance to
breed and spread infection.
The Smittstopp spray can be used on all surfaces. The effect is long lasting. Clothes
that have been sprayed with this have retained the effect even after being washed 20
times! All public areas that are most likely to get infected like public toilets, bus
terminals, train stations, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels, schools etc should be
sprayed with this spray to protect the public from being infected. Taps, railings,
handles, door knobs, switches, lift buttons etc should also be sprayed as they are
being constantly touched. One should never keep the sprayed surfaces dirty to have
maximum efficiency. Common cleaners should not be sprayed on top of the Smittstopp
spray as this will neutralize the electrostatic attraction as these cleaners are negatively
charged.
The topic “Pandemic Vs Epidemic: what’s the difference?” seems to confuse many. But
a quick look at this article will put all your doubts at rest. It is easy to see that pandemics
are the result of epidemics that go haywire! If the new disease cannot be localized or
contained in one particular area or city, then it is likely (especially if the disease is
airborne and can be transmitted easily from person to person) that a pandemic will
result, affecting the whole world.