Download Influenza A - Welcome to Island County Public Health

Pandemic Influenza
Island County Public Health
2007
What is Influenza?
Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease
caused by a virus
Symptoms include:

chills

fever

headache

muscle aches

sore throat

dry cough
Influenza
Influenza may be life-threatening in:

infants

elderly

persons with compromised immune systems

those with underlying chronic medical conditions
What is Pandemic Flu?
Pandemic flu is human flu that causes a
global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious
illness.
Because there is little natural immunity, the
disease can spread easily from person to
person.
Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
1918 Influenza Pandemic
Spread around the globe in 4 - 6 months
At least 20-40 million persons died worldwide
Death rate 25 times higher than previous
epidemics
500-650,000 deaths in the U.S.
1918 Influenza Pandemic
Ten times as many Americans died of flu than
died in WW I
Epidemic affected and killed younger, healthy
persons
Effect of the epidemic depressed the average
life span in the U.S. by 10 years
Avian Flu Cases - Worldwide
As of January 29, 2007:
270 confirmed human cases with 164
Cases in 10 countries
How is the Virus Spread?
Flu is spread by…
Ill person coughing and sneezing
Droplets usually don’t travel far (3 feet or
less)
Can spread germs directly or indirectly
Direct Spread by Droplets
Close contact with infected person (3 ft or less)
Person with the flu coughs, sneezes, talks, sings
Droplets land directly on eyes, nose, or mouth of
another person
Indirect Spread
Droplets land on area
around us – desks,
computer keyboards,
telephones
Hands come in contact
with contaminated areas
Hands touch the mouth,
nose, or eyes and virus
has an entry way
Pandemic Flu Vaccine
During pandemics flu vaccine will be in
short supply or not available at all
–
6-8 month lag-time needed for vaccine
availability
Tamiflu
Tamiflu is an antiviral medication
–
–
reduces severity and length of symptoms
can have side effects
During pandemics supply will be
severely limited
–
must be reserved for highest priority groups
Pandemic Flu Planning
What plans should we make?
Social Disruption May Be Widespread
Usual services may be disrupted—including
services by hospitals and other health care
facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government
offices, and post offices.
Prepare backup plans in case public gatherings
are canceled.
Consider how to care for people with special
needs in case the services they rely on are not
available.
Preparing for a Pandemic
Being able to work may be difficult or impossible
Find out if you can work from home.
Ask your employer about how business will
continue during a pandemic.
Plan for the possible reduction or loss of income if
you are unable to work or your place of
employment is closed.
Check with your employer or union about leave
policies.
Preparing for a Pandemic
Schools may be closed for an extended period of
time
Help schools plan for pandemic influenza. Talk to
your teachers, administrators, and parent-teacher
organizations.
Plan home learning activities and exercises. Have
materials, such as books, on hand. Also plan
recreational activities that your children can do at
home.
Consider childcare needs.
Preparing for a Pandemic
Transportation services may be disrupted
Think about how you can rely less on public
transportation during a pandemic. For example,
store food and other essential supplies so you can
make fewer trips to the store.
Prepare backup plans for taking care of loved ones
who are far away.
Consider other ways to get to work, or, if you can,
work at home.
Preparing for a Pandemic
Be Prepared
Stock a supply of water and food-- you may not be
able to get to a store. Even if you can get to a store,
it may be out of supplies. Public waterworks
services may also be interrupted.
Store foods that:



are nonperishable (will keep for a long time) and don't
require refrigeration
are easy to prepare in case you are unable to cook
require little or no water, so you can conserve water for
drinking
Prevention
Preparing for a Pandemic
Stay Healthy
Get a flu shot to help protect yourself from
seasonal flu.
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.
Preparing for a Pandemic
Take common-sense steps to limit the spread of
germs. Make good hygiene a habit.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze.
Put used tissues in a waste basket.
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't
have a tissue.
Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use
soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Stay at home if you are sick.
Questions