A pandemic is an infectious disease, such as influenza, that spreads from person to person over a wide area of the world.

Pandemic influenza is best managed by following the lead of community and state health departments. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has published a useful guide on this topic for church groups and leaders. The sections entitled Community and Faith-Based Involvement, Vulnerable and Hard-to-Reach Populations, Meetings and Religions Gatherings, and Childcare Organizations are of particular relevance.

Additional information for individuals and families on pandemics is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) also provides guidelines and information and has defined the stages of a pandemic.