Pandemic Refence Guides - Flu Information

The flu is easily transmitted by inhaling exhaled or sneezed out particles from a sick person. When a host coughs, sneezes or exhales, large amounts of the virus are released into the environment. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.

The fatality rate for the H5N1 virus strain of influenza is more than 50%. People could be infected with a influenza virus, spreading the disease (contagious) and not show symptoms. Symptoms may appear after 2 days possible as long as 17 days after exposure to the virus. Many patients have developed acute respiratory distress, which can occur in as little as 3 days (6-7 days average). The median time from start of symptoms to death has been 10 days. Influenza viruses can be shed by adults up to 7 days after resolution of fever and up to 21 days in children after onset of illness. Currently there is no vaccine and no cure available to the public. It could take 6 months after a pandemic virus strain is identified to produce a vaccine. The time required to produce enough vaccine for a large percentage of the public could be another 6-24 months.

If you are sick do not go out in public. Avoid close contact with other people. Call your doctor.

In the event of a pandemic, life as we know it could change drastically. Cities and borders could be quarantined. Hospitals could be overwhelmed. Shortages of food and other items may occur if transportation is restricted. Financial markets may lose value. Social stability may be at risk if people are too ill or afraid to go out in public.

The most important way to prevent the spread of communicable disease is to wash your hands thoroughly for 15 seconds and dry thoroughly with a disposable paper towel. Use a papertowel to protect yourself from germs, do not touch a bathroom door handle with your bare hands upon exiting. Always wash your hands before and after touching your face. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are more effective at disinfecting and less drying than soap and water. It has been suggested that people should remove (or disinfect) their shoes before entering their house. This could be done by stepping through a tray of soapy water, disinfectant, or by using a trigger pump spray bottle.

Flu Wiki internet connection required
The purpose of the Flu Wiki is to help local communities prepare for and perhaps cope with a possible influenza pandemic. Our goal is to be a reliable source of information, as neutral as possible, about important facts useful for a public health approach to pandemic influenza. See the FluWiki index to quickly find information on specific subjects such as flu symptoms and treatment. The FluWiki forum is a great place to discuss concerns and ideas.

Preparing For The Coming Influenza Pandemic 24 pages *
Grattan Woodson, MD, FCAP and edited by David Jodrey, PhD
Essential reading. New revision available June 2006 at http://www.birdflumanual.com
http://www.fluwikie.com/uploads/Consequences/NewGuideOct7b.pdf

Pandemic Flu internet access required
US Department of Health and Human Services
This site has planning information on many levels; Federal, State, Local, Individual, Business, School, Health Care, and Community. There are planning checklists, information on outbreaks, medical research, animal issues, economic impacts and resources in Spanish.
Pandemic Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families
Family Emergency Health Information Sheet
State and Local Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
School District (K-12) Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Colleges and Universities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Home Health Care Services Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Medical Offices and Clinics Checklist
Emergency Medical Service and Medical Transport Checklist
Long-Term Care and Other Residential Facilities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Faith-Based and Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist

Pandemic Influenza
Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP)
Excellent website with sections covering Overview, News, Selected Reading, Guidelines, Links
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/index.html

FluInformation internet connection required
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
What you should know about the flu, prevention, and what to do if you get sick (seasonal flu). Information for health professionals. Resources in many languages.

Pandemic Flu and You internet connection required
A comprehensive resource guide on pandemic influenza. The site is a one-stop, easy-to-use web portal which contains the most current information and web based resources detailing how a flu pandemic might affect individuals, families, and businesses and what you can do to get informed, plan and prepare.
Trust for America's Health

Influenza
Mayo Clinic
Our mission is to empower people to manage their health. We accomplish this by providing useful and up-to-date information and tools that reflect the expertise and standard of excellence of the more than 2,000 physicians and scientists of Mayo Clinic.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/influenza/DS00081/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print

Influenza A (H5N1) Infection in Humans 12 pages
This summary describes the features of human infection with influenza A (H5N1) and reviews recommendations for prevention and clinical management presented in part at the recent World Health Organization (WHO) Meeting on Case Management and Research on Human Influenza A/H5, which was held in Hanoi, May 10 through 12, 2005.
New England Journal of Medicine
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/353/13/1374 available in 9 languages.

Nature internet access required
Nature is a weekly scientific journal with excellent coverage of the threat of a pandemic.

Influenza Information from the Center for Health Protection internet access required
Center for Health Protection, Government of Hong Kong
Health Education Materials include training information, TV announcements, posters, handouts.

Flushot Locator internet connection required
The American Lung Association (ALA), in Partnership with Maxim Health Systems, has developed an electronic influenza vaccine clinic locator. To use the locator, go to www.flucliniclocator.org, enter a zip code and a date (or dates) and receive information about clinics scheduled in your area. More complete information about flu shots in your area is available from you local Department of Health.

Pandemic Influenza What It Is and What You Can Do 2 pages
a brief overview

Prevention of Avian Influenza internet access required
Hong Kong Government Information Center
Excellent website with information for healthcare professionals, the poultry industry, teachers, students, parents, tourists and travelers.

National Strategy For Pandemic Influenza 233 pages
US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.pandemicflu.gov

Australian Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza 150 pages
Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/Publishing.nsf/Content/21831E7BD2AE95E6CA256F180081FD06/$File/pandemic_plan.pdf