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To download a printable version
of Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for
Individuals and Families, click here.
To download a printable version
of the following news articles, click on the title:
To download a printable version of the
Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families
from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services, click
here. |
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Pandemic Influenza Planning:
A Guide for Individuals and Families
Get Informed. Be Prepared.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 2006 |
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"While the
Federal Government will use all resources at its disposal to prepare for and
respond to an influenza pandemic, it cannot do the job alone. This effort
requires the full participation of and coordination by all levels of
government and all segments of society... perhaps most important, addressing
the challenge will require active participation by individual citizens in
each community across our Nation."
George W. Bush, President
United States of America
"Pandemics are global in nature, but their impact is local. When the next
pandemic strikes, as it surely will, it is likely to touch the lives of
every individual, family, and community. Our task is to make sure that when
this happens, we will be a Nation prepared."
Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Pandemic Influenza - Get
Informed. Be Prepared.
This
guide is designed to help you understand the threat of a pandemic influenza
outbreak in our country and your community. It describes commonsense actions
you can take now in preparing for a pandemic. We cannot predict how severe
the next pandemic will be or when it will occur, but being prepared may help
lower the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. Additional
information including a planning checklist for individuals and families can
be found at www.pandemicflu.gov.
What You Need to Know
An
influenza (flu) pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of flu disease that occurs
when a new type of influenza virus appears that people have not been exposed
to before (or have not been exposed to in a long time). The pandemic virus
can cause serious illness because people do not have immunity to the new
virus. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks of influenza that we
see every year. Seasonal influenza is caused by influenza virus types to
which people have already been exposed. Its impact on society is less severe
than a pandemic, and influenza vaccines (flu shots and nasal-spray vaccine)
are available to help prevent widespread illness from seasonal flu.
Influenza pandemics are different from many of the other major public health
and health care threats facing our country and the world. A pandemic will
last much longer than most flu outbreaks and may include "waves" of
influenza activity that last 6-8 weeks separated by months. The number of
health care workers and first responders able to work may be reduced. Public
health officials will not know how severe a pandemic will be until it
begins.
An Historical Perspective
In
the last century there were three influenza pandemics. All of them were
called pandemics because of their worldwide spread and because they were
caused by a new influenza virus. The 1918 pandemic was especially severe.
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1918-1919 Most severe, caused at least 675,000 U.S. deaths and up to 50
million deaths worldwide. |
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1957-1958 Moderately severe, caused at least 70,000 U.S. deaths and 1-2
million deaths worldwide. |
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1968-1969 Least severe, caused at least 34,000 U.S. deaths and 700,000
deaths worldwide. |
Some Differences Between Seasonal Flu and Pandemic
Flu |
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Seasonal Flu |
Pandemic Flu |
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Caused by
influenza viruses that are similar to those already circulating among
people. |
Caused by a new
influenza virus that people have not been exposed to before. Likely to be
more severe, affect more people, and cause more deaths than seasonal
influenza because people will not have immunity to the new virus. |
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Symptoms include
fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle
pain. Deaths can be caused by complications such as pneumonia. |
Symptoms similar
to the common flu but may be more severe and complications more serious. |
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Healthy adults
usually not at risk for serious complications (the very young, the elderly,
and those with certain underlying health conditions at increased risk for
serious complications). |
Healthy adults may
be at increased risk for serious complications. |
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Every year in the
United State, on average:
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5% to 20% of the
population gets the flu; |
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More than
200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and |
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About 36,000
people die from flu. |
The effects of a
severe pandemic could be much more damaging than those of a regular flu
season. It could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption,
and economic loss. Everyday life could be disrupted because so many people
in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts could range
from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such
a public transportation and food delivery.
Importance and Benefits of Being Prepared
The effects of a
pandemic can be lessened if you prepare ahead of time. Preparing for a
disaster will help bring peace of mind and confidence to deal with a
pandemic.
When a pandemic
starts, everyone around the world could be at risk. The United States has
been working closely with other countries and the World Health Organization
(WHO) to strengthen systems to detect outbreaks of influenza that might
cause a pandemic.
A pandemic would
touch every aspect of society, so every part of society must begin to
prepare. All have roles in the event of a pandemic. Federal, state, tribal,
and local governments are developing, improving, and testing their plans for
an influenza pandemic. Businesses, schools, universities, and other
faith-based and community organizations are also preparing plans.
As you begin your
individual or family planning, you may want to review your state's planning
efforts and those of your local public health and emergency preparedness
officials. State plans and other planning information can be found at
www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/checklists.html.
The Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies are providing
funding, advice, and other support to your state. The federal government
will provide up-to-date information and guidance to the public if an
influenza pandemic unfolds.
For reliable,
accurate, and timely information, visit the federal government's official
Web site at www.pandemicflu.gov.
Pandemic
Influenza - Challenges and Preparation
As you and your
family plan for an influenza pandemic, think about the challenges you might
face, particularly if a pandemic is severe.
You can start to
prepare now to be able to respond to these challenges. The following are
some challenges you or your family may face and recommendations to help you
cope. In addition, checklists and other tools have been prepared to guide
your planning efforts. A series of planning checklists can be found at
www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/checklists.html.
Essential Services You Depend on May Be Disrupted
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Plan for the
possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include
services provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, banks,
restaurants, government offices, telephone and cellular phone companies,
and post offices. |
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Stores may close
or have limited supplies. The planning checklists can help you determine
what items you should stockpile to help you manage without these services |
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Transportation
services may be disrupted and you may not be able to rely on public
transportation. Plan to take fewer trips and store essential supplies. |
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Public
gatherings, such as volunteer meetings and worship services, may be
canceled. Prepare contact lists including conference calls, telephone
chains, and email distribution lists, to access or distribute necessary
information. |
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Consider that
the ability to travel, even by car if there are fuel shortages, may be
limited. |
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You should also
talk to your family about where family members and loved ones will go in
an emergency and how they will receive care, in case you cannot
communicate with them. |
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In a pandemic,
there may be widespread illness that could result in the shut down of
local ATMs and banks. Keep a small amount of cash or traveler's checks in
small denominations for easy use. |
Food and
Water Supplies May Be Interrupted and Limited
Food and water
supplies may be interrupted so temporary shortages could occur. You may also
be unable to get to a store. To prepare for this possibility you should
store at least one to two weeks supply of non-perishable food and fresh
water for emergencies.
Food
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Store two weeks
of nonperishable food. |
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Select foods
that do not require refrigeration, preparation (including the use of
water), or cooking. |
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Insure that
formulas for infants and any child's or older person's special nutritional
needs are a part of your planning. |
Water
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Store two weeks
of water, 1 gallon of water per person per day. (2 quarts for drinking, 2
quarts for food preparation/sanitation), in clean plastic containers.
Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons
or glass bottles. |
Being
Able to Work May Be Difficult or Impossible
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Ask your
employer how business will continue during a pandemic. |
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Discuss
staggered shifts or working at home with your employer. Discuss
telecommuting possibilities and needs, accessing remote networks, and
using portable computers. |
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Discuss possible
flexibility in leave policies. Discuss with your employer how much leave
you can take to care for yourself or a family member |
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Plan for
possible loss of income if you are unable to work or the company you work
for temporarily closes. |
For the Business
Checklist visit:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/businesschecklist.html
Schools
and Daycare Centers May Be Closed for an Extended Period of Time
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Schools, and
potentially public and private preschool, childcare, trade schools, and
colleges and universities may be closed to limit the spread of flu in the
community and to help prevent children from becoming sick. Other
school-related activities and services could also be disrupted or
cancelled including: clubs, sports/sporting events, music activities, and
school meals. School closings would likely happen very early in a pandemic
and could occur on short notice. |
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Talk to your
teachers, administrators, and parent-teacher organizations about your
school's pandemic plan, and offer your help. |
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Plan now for
children staying at home for extended periods of time, as school closings
may occur along with restrictions on public gatherings, such as at malls,
movie theaters. |
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Plan home
learning activities and exercises that your children can do at home. Have
learning materials, such as books, school supplies, and educational
computer activities and movies on hand. |
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Talk to
teachers, administrators, and parent-teacher organizations about possible
activities, lesson plans, and exercises that children can do at home if
schools are closed. This could include continuing courses by TV or the
internet. |
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Plan
entertainment and recreational activities that your children can do at
home. Have materials, such as reading books, coloring books, and games, on
hand for your children to use. |
For the
"Childcare, School, and University Checklist," visit:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab5.html
Medical
Care for People with Chronic Illness Could be Disrupted
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In a severe
pandemic, hospitals and doctors' offices may be overwhelmed. |
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If you have a
chronic disease, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes,
asthma, or depression, you should continue taking medication as prescribed
by your doctor. |
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Make sure you
have necessary medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure
monitoring equipment. |
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Talk to your
healthcare provider to ensure adequate access to your medications. |
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If you receive
ongoing medical care such as dialysis, chemotherapy, or other therapies,
talk with your health care provider about plans to continue care during a
pandemic. |
A "Family
Emergency Health Information Sheet" is provided in this guide and at:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/familyhealthinfo.html
Pandemic
Influenza - Prevention and Treatment
Stay Healthy
These steps may
help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as the flu:
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Cover your nose
and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze-throw the tissue away
immediately after you use it. |
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Wash your hands
often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you
are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95%) hand cleaner. |
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Avoid close
contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance
from others to protect them from getting sick too. |
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If you get the
flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings. In this way you
will help prevent others from catching your illness. |
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Try not to touch
your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way. |
Vaccination
Vaccines are used
to protect people from contracting a virus once a particular threat is
identified. After an individual has been infected by a virus, a vaccine
generally cannot help to combat it. Because viruses change over time, a
specific pandemic influenza vaccine cannot be produced until a pandemic
influenza virus emerges and is identified. Once a pandemic influenza virus
has been identified, it will likely take 4-6 months to develop, test, and
begin producing a vaccine.
While there is
currently no human pandemic influenza in the world, the federal government
is facilitating production of vaccines for several existing avian influenza
viruses. These vaccines may provide some protection should one of these
viruses change and cause an influenza pandemic. The supply of pandemic
vaccine will be limited, particularly in the early stages of a pandemic.
Efforts are being made to increase vaccine-manufacturing capacity in the
United States so that supplies of vaccines would be more readily available.
In addition, research is underway to develop new ways to produce vaccines
more quickly.
Antivirals
A number of
antiviral drugs are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to
treat and prevent seasonal influenza. Some of these antiviral medications
may be effective in treating pandemic influenza. These drugs may help
prevent infection in people at risk and shorten the duration of symptoms in
those infected with pandemic influenza. However, it is unlikely that
antiviral medications alone would effectively contain the spread of pandemic
influenza. The federal government is stockpiling antiviral medications that
would most likely be used in the early stages of an influenza pandemic and
working to develop new antiviral medications. These drugs are available by
prescription only.
Stay Informed
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Knowing the
facts is the best preparation. Identify sources you can count on for
reliable information. If a pandemic occurs, having accurate and reliable
information will be critical. |
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Reliable,
accurate, and timely information is available at
www.pandemicflu.gov. |
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Another source
for information on pandemic influenza is the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This
line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
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Look for
information on your local and state government Web sites. Links are
available to each state department of public health at
www.pandemicflu.gov. |
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Listen to local
and national radio, watch news reports on television, and read your
newspaper and other sources of printed and web-based information. |
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Talk to your
local health care providers and public health officials. |
Questions and Answers
Will bird flu cause the next influenza
pandemic?
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease of wild and farm
birds caused by avian influenza viruses. Bird flu viruses do not usually
infect humans, but since 1997 there have been a number of confirmed cases of
human infection from bird flu viruses. Most of these resulted from direct or
close contact with infected birds (for example: domesticated chickens,
ducks, and turkeys). It is important not to handle, play with, or pick up
dead birds. Information on who to contact in your state is at:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/state/statecontacts.html
The spread of bird flu viruses from an infected person to
another person has been reported very rarely and has not been reported to
continue beyond one person. A worldwide pandemic could occur if a bird flu
virus were to change so that it could easily be passed from person to
person. Experts around the world are watching for changes in bird flu
viruses that could lead to an influenza pandemic.
Is it safe to
eat poultry?
Yes, it is safe to eat properly cooked poultry. Cooking
destroys germs, including bird flu viruses. The United States maintains
trade restrictions on the importation of poultry and poultry products from
countries where the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain has been
detected in commercial or traditionally raised poultry, not in wild or
migratory birds.
Guidelines for the safe preparation of poultry include the
following:
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Wash hands
before and after handling food. |
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Keep raw
poultry and its juices away from other foods. |
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Keep hands,
utensils, and surfaces, such as cutting boards, clean. |
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Use a food
thermometer to ensure food has reached the safe internal temperature -
in all parts of the bird. Cook poultry to at least 165°F to kill
food-borne germs that might be present, including the avian influenza
virus. |
For more information, see poultry preparation fact sheets at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Poultry_Preparation_Fact_Sheets/index.asp
What types of
birds can carry bird flu viruses?
Avian influenza viruses can infect chickens, turkeys,
pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl, as well as a wide variety
of other birds, including migratory waterfowl.
Each year, there is a flu season for birds just as there is for humans and,
as with people, some forms of the flu are worse than others, depending on
how strong the virus. A weak virus may cause only mild illness in infected
poultry and birds but a strong virus could cause severe and extremely
contagious illness, and even death, among infected poultry and birds.
Will the
seasonal flu shot protect me against pandemic influenza?
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No, it won't
protect you against pandemic influenza. But flu shots can help you to
avoid seasonal flu. |
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Get a flu shot
to help protect you from seasonal flu. |
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Get a pneumonia
shot to prevent secondary infection if you are over the age of 65 or have
a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma. For specific guidelines,
talk to your health care provider or call the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at 1-800-232-4636. |
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Make sure that
your family's immunizations are up-to-date. |
What is the
U.S. government doing to prepare for pandemic influenza?
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The U.S.
government has been preparing for pandemic influenza for several years. In
November 2005, the President announced the National Strategy for Pandemic
Influenza. |
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Ongoing
preparations include the following: |
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Monitoring
migratory and wild birds for avian flu. |
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Working with the
World Health Organization (WHO) and other nations to help detect human
cases of bird flu and respond to an influenza pandemic, if one begins. |
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Supporting the
manufacturing and testing of influenza vaccines, including finding more
reliable and quicker ways to make large quantities of vaccines through
cell-based technologies. |
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Developing a
national stockpile of antiviral drugs to help treat and control the spread
of disease. |
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Supporting the
efforts of federal, state, tribal, and local health agencies to prepare
for and respond to pandemic influenza, including hosting planning summits
with state and local leaders in each state. |
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Working with
federal agencies to prepare and to encourage communities, businesses, and
organizations to plan for pandemic influenza. These efforts have included
joint exercises in pandemic preparation. |
For More
Information
Visit: www.pandemicflu.gov
The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO
(1-800-232-4636), is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. Questions can be emailed to
inquiry@cdc.gov.
Links to state
departments of public health can be found at
www.pandemicflu.gov/state/statecontacts.html. |
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http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/
The World Health Organization -
WHO is coordinating the global
response to human cases of H5N1 avian influenza and monitoring the
corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic. Information on this page
tracks the evolving situation and provides access to both technical
guidelines and information useful for the general public. |
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