Pandemic Flu Preparedness

What You Should Know About Pandemic Flu

 

 
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Seasonal flu, avian flu, and pandemic flu are not the same!

 

Flu Terms Defined

Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.

Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.

Pandemic flu is virulent 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.

 

  
Will the seasonal flu shot protect me against pandemic influenza?

  • No, it won't protect you against pandemic influenza. But flu shots can help you to 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. 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.

  • Make sure that your family's immunizations are up-to-date.
 		    

What do I do to prepare my family for an outbreak?

To plan for a pandemic:

Text Box: ü      Store a two week supply of water and food. ü      Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand. ü      Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home. ü      Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.  

 

 

 

 

 

To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:

Text Box: ü      Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water. ü      Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues. ü      Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. ü      Stay home from work and school if sick.  

 

 

 

 

 

Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:

Text Box:  - Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, & soups          - Protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola  - Peanut butter or nuts, dried fruit, crackers           - Canned juices, bottled water  - Canned or jarred baby food & formula                 - Pet food  - Other non-perishable items                                 - Prescribed medicines & medical supplies  - Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand wash      - Acetaminophen or ibuprofen  - Thermometer, vitamins                                      - Anti-diarrheal medication  - Fluids with electrolytes                                        - Flashlight, batteries, portable radio  - Manual can opener, garbage bags                       - Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
Dictionary/Glossary

 

 

 

 

For a glossary of terms and acronyms click here:

   Contact Information:

LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS:

Cuyahoga County Board of Health                                             Cleveland Department. of Public Health

(216) 201-2000                                                                                   (216) 664-2324

 

 

Lakewood Health Department                                                      Shaker Heights Health Department

(216) 529-7690                                                                                   (216) 491-1480

 

 

  
   

Resources:    

 

www.pandemicflu.gov 

www.ccbh.net

www.ohiopandemicflu.gov

www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en

www.cdc.gov/travel

www.citizencorps.gov/cert

 

 

  
   

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