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Prepare

Be Prepared for an Influenza Pandemic or Other Threats

Editors Note: Soon, we may hear news that a bird with the Avian Flu has been found in Alaska, one of the areas in the U.S. where intense monitoring of migrating birds is taking place. That news will likely set off internal alarm bells with many people living in the U.S. You’ll be ahead of the preparedness scramble that likely will occur then if you and your family will take the time now to understand the possible problems, plan to deal with them, and be sure to gather supplies that might be needed for home and office.

Of course, it’s also hurricane season, and then there’s the ever-present threat of terrorism. So, while you’re preparing for a possible flu pandemic, you might think in terms of all-hazards preparation, in addition.

This package of articles offers simple things you can do to help control your exposure to avian flu and what the UT Health Science Center is doing to prepare both for the flu and for other threats.

Influenza Pandemic Overview

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. The virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. The international health community, U.S. government, states, communities and industry are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.

According to the World Health Organization, we are at WHO Alert Level 3 (no or very limited human-to-human transmission) out of a possible six levels.

If a pandemic occurs, it is likely to be a prolonged and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation and other public services. An informed and prepared public can take appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic. To be prepared for such an emergency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services encourages individuals, businesses and communities to:

Talk with local public health officials and health care providers, who can supply information about the signs and symptoms of a specific disease outbreak and recommend prevention and control actions. • Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home and anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/ school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members.
Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily and getting sufficient rest. In addition, take common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs, including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying away from others as much as possible when you or they are sick.
Stay informed about pandemic influenza and be prepared to respond. Consult http://www.pandemicflu.gov frequently.

For more about preparedness, see the August 2006 issue of The Leader.

Reposted from the August issue of The Leader.