Pandemic Influenza

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What is pandemic flu?	Pandemic flu occurs when a new or mutated 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 four pandemics in the last 100 years: 1918 - 1919: "Spanish flu" 1956 - 1958: "Asian flu" 1968 - 1969: "Hong Kong flu" 2009 - 2010: "Swine flu" 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 medical care 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.
What is the difference between a pandemic and an epidemic?	Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks of influenza because seasonal outbreaks are caused by subtypes of influenza viruses that are already in existence among populations. Pandemic outbreaks are caused by new subtypes being developed, those that have never circulated or have not been around for a long time.
What is the Northern Kentucky Health Department doing about the threat of pandemic flu?	The Health Department’s response to pandemic flu would be similar to its response to any other disease outbreak that could require isolation, vaccination or medication of a large group of people. The Health Department’s disaster response plans are designed to be utilized in any number of disease outbreaks. Included in these plans are the opening of sites in our communities, if necessary, where medication or vaccines could be widely dispensed to the public/ In addition, the Health Department already has programs in place to monitor for any possible disease outbreaks. If another pandemic flu occurs in the United States, the Health Department, along with the hospitals and health labs, would enhance their disease surveillance efforts. If any other type of flu pandemic were to occur in our community, the Health Department would utilize all the tools at its disposal to respond to this threat. In 2009, these plans were put to the test with the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, commonly referred to as swine flu. Throughout the course of the pandemic, the Health Department responded with public information campaigns, public meetings, epidemiological tracking, volunteer mobilization, mass vaccination clinics, and countless other tactics to mitigate the spread.
How can I protect myself from pandemic flu?	Health officials recommend people continue to take the same precautions to protect themselves against any pandemic flu as they would from colds and other flu. Precautions include: Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Frequently washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Staying home if you have a cough or fever. Seeing your health care provider as soon as possible if you have a cough or fever and following their instructions as prescribed.
How can I get ready for a possible pandemic influenza outbreak?	When preparing for a possible emergency situation such as pandemic influenza, it's best to think first about the basics of survival, including fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. Because it may be necessary to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus, you may have to remain in your home for several days. The checklist below contains certain items that may be especially important if you cannot leave your home and people cannot enter. Food and water - Be sure to have several days to a week's supply of canned/dried food and water on hand and a can opener. Grocery stores may not have adequate supplies or staff available to remain open. Don't forget baby formula and diapers. Basic utilities such as electricity or water may experience disruptions. Medications, First Aid Kit and equipment - If you must take medications on a regular basis, be sure to have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay. Blankets - Ensure that you have plenty of warm blankets on hand in case of electricity disruptions. Phone - If there are disruptions to power, you will require a telephone (standard wired phone) that does not run on power from an electrical outlet. Cell phones may operate when the power is out, but wireless phones will not. Battery powered radio with extra batteries Flashlight with extra batteries Items for personal comfort - Items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, facial and bathroom tissue should be on hand to make your time at home more comfortable. Be sure to include items for children such as coloring books, games and activities. Large trash bags and ties - Large trash bags should be kept on hand to store garbage safely because garbage service may be disrupted or postponed for many days. Pets - Ensure you have plenty of food, water or litter available for your pets. Emergency Plan - Take the time to prepare a family emergency plan. Record medical histories, social security numbers and contact information on the Kentucky Community Information Pocket Guide. Ensure your children and family members know who to contact in an emergency. Don't forget to check in on your neighbors and the elderly in your community.
Where can I get more information on pandemic flu?	For more information online, you can visit the following Web sites: Kentucky: Kentucky Department for Public Health bird flu information Kentucky Department for Public Health draft Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan Kentucky Community Pocket Information Guide (or call 859.363.2036 to receive a hard copy) Kentucky Department of Agriculture Avian Influenza page National: U.S. Government’s Pandemic flu Web site CDC’s Key Facts about Avian Influenza Or, for more information on the Health Department’s programs, please call 859.341.4264.