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Preparing for Pandemic Influenza - What you can do
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, begins to cause serious
illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.The federal
government, states, communities and industry are taking steps to prepare for and
respond to an influenza pandemic.
A pandemic 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.
Communities, Businesses and Individuals Should:
Develop preparedness plans as you would for other public health
emergencies.
Participate and promote public health efforts in your state and
community.
Talk with your local public health officials and health care providers;
they can supply information about the signs and symptoms of a specific
disease outbreak.
Implement prevention and control actions recommended by your public
health officials and providers.
Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students
to stay home.
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 and take these common-sense
steps to stop the spread of germs.
Wash hands frequently with soap and
water.
Cover coughs and sneezes with
tissues.
Stay away from others as much as
possible if you are sick.
Stay informed about pandemic influenza and be prepared to respond.
Consult
www.pandemicflu.gov frequently for updates on national and
international information on pandemic influenza.
Use national and local pandemic
hotlines that will be established in the eventuality of a global
influenza outbreak.
Listen to radio and television and
read media stories about pandemic flu.
From
the United States Department of Health and Human Services
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