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| PANDEMIC
INFLUENZA |
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Pandemics are unpredictable and
it is hard to know when one will occur, what type of flu it will be,
and how severe it will be. A flu pandemic could cause many deaths
and severe illnesses, disrupt some parts of daily life, and limit
the amount of health and other services available. Gatherings of people
might be limited to control the spread of the disease (schools and
businesses may close, sporting events could be cancelled, and transportation
could be limited). Additionally, hospitals could be overloaded if
doctors and nurses are sick. There also may be more people with the
flu than the hospitals can take. In this case, some people would need
to be cared for in their homes or other places. Pandemic
flu occurs when a new influenza virus appears or emerges in the
human population and causes a global outbreak of the disease, resulting
in serious illness as it spreads from person to person. Pandemic
flu has occurred naturally throughout history. There have
been three pandemics in the last 100 years:
• 1918 - 1919: "Spanish flu":
Ohio reported 1,113,797 cases and 8,602 deaths
• 1956 - 1958: "Asian flu”:
One or more outbreaks were reported in 71 counties with deaths in
63 counties.
• 1968 - 1969: "Hong Kong flu”:
Very mild flu pandemic, similar to seasonal flu. |
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Terms to Know
PANDEMIC
A disease outbreak that spreads rapidly around the world.
INFLUENZA
An infection of the lungs caused by a virus that can be passed from
person to person.
SEASONAL INFLUENZA
A common form of influenza that spreads each winter. Flu shots protect
many people from becoming infected from seasonal influenza.
AVIAN INFLUENZA
Also called “bird flu.” A type of flu that affects poultry
and wild birds. In certain conditions humans may be able get this
type of flu through close contact with infected birds.
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| WHAT
TO EXPECT |
If an Outbreak
Occurs
No one knows how bad the next flu pandemic will be, but everyone
should be prepared for the worst.
- Large numbers of sick people may overwhelm hospitals
and clinics. Supplies and services will be limited.
- Many people will be unable to work, affecting
how long businesses, banks, government offices and other
services are open.
- You may be asked to stay away from others. Staying
home will help stop the spread of the virus.
- It will take months to develop a vaccine against
the new virus, so flu shots will not be immediately available.
- Travel may be difficult. Routes and schedules
for buses, trains or planes may change or be restricted.
- A flu pandemic could last a long time. The 1918
flu pandemic lasted 18 months. In some cases, pandemics
weaken for a while and then recur.
- Health officials will keep you informed. They
will work with the media to provide timely information and
advice.
In Your Community
- Know your neighbors. Talk with family, friends
and neighbors to make sure everyone is prepared.
- Know school policies about illnesses and being
absent
At Work
- You may not be able to go to work. Staying home
from work when you are sick is an important thing you can
do to protect others.
- Know policies. Ask your employer or union about
sick leave and policies about absences, time off and telecommuting.
- Encourage planning. Every business, organization
and agency should have a plan for making sure essential
work can get done if large numbers of employees are absent.
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WHAT
TO DO TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH |
| The flu virus is spread from person to
person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches items
that others use. Do these simple things to help protect yourself
and others: 1. Cover your mouth and nose
when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough
or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Put
your used tissue in the waste basket.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap
and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
3. Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
4. Stay home when you’re sick or have flu symptoms.
5. Learn basic care-giving.
6. Learn how to recognize and treat dehydration. |
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| RESOURCES |
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For more information or to request a presentation for
your organization,
please contact our Emergency Preparedness Administrator,
Kerry Kernen at
(330) 926-5740.
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The Great Pandemic:
The United States in 1918-1919
Photo courtesy US Dept Health/Human Services
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