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September is National Preparedness Month: Being Prepared for a Pandemic Flu
What is an influenza pandemic?
An influenza pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus that spreads rapidly from one country to another. The virus is a new strain of the flu, therefore people have no immunity to the virus. An effective vaccine may not be available for many months. Without vaccine or immunity the virus will be to spread from one person to another causing many people to become ill.
What should I expect if there is an influenza pandemic?
A flu pandemic could be devastating, so you should prepare for the worst. Approximately 1/3 of the workforce may be ill or staying home with ill relatives during the pandemic. Supplies and services may be limited due to the decreased workforce. Because a vaccine many not be available for a number of months, people may be asked to help in preventing the spread of the flu. You may be asked to stay away from other people, large public events may be canceled and schools could be closed. A pandemic flu may last longer than the normal flu seasons we are accustomed to; the 1918 pandemic flu lasted 18 months.
What should I know before a pandemic?
- Know your neighbors and be ready to help family and others who have special needs
- Know school policies about illness and absence. Begin to make a plan for taking care of your children if schools are closed for a long period of time.
- Be ready to stay home from work if you are sick. Know work policies about sick leave, absences, time off and alternate work schedules (i.e. telecommuting).
- Encourage workplace planning. Every workplace should have a plan for maintaining operation if large numbers of employees are absent
- Be prepared to get by for a week with what you have at home, stores may not be open for supplies or may have limited supplies.
- Learn home-care basics
- Learn how to take care of someone with a fever
- Learn about dehydration
- Follow health officials’ instructions
How can I help prevent the flu?
The flu virus is spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches things that other use. To help protect yourself:
- Practice proper cough etiquette (cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze)
- Wash your hands (soap and warm water are best)
- Stay home when you are sick or have flu symptoms.