Pandemic Influenza - Naperville Community Unit School District 203

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Naperville Community Unit School District 203

Naperville, Illinois

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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Pandemic Influenza

RESOURCES:

A Parent's Guide to the Flu (PDF)
Preventing Swine Flu (PDF)

DuPage County Health Department
Will County Health Department
Illinois Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Gripe Pandémica (PDF)
Como Prevenir Influenza Porcina (gripe de puerco) (PDF)

What is the Pandemic Influenza (Flu)?
What are characteristics of Seasonal, Avian, Swine
and Pandemic Flus?
How does Pandemic Influenza spread?
Is there a vaccine to prevent Pandemic Flu?
How can I limit the spread of “germs” like the flu virus?
How else can I prepare?
Home planning for a Flu Pandemic or other emergencies
Medical supplies/emergency supplies
Important websites regarding Pandemic Flu
Pandemic Flu brochure

What is the Pandemic Influenza (Flu)?

An influenza pandemic is an outbreak of disease caused by a new strain of flu virus that spreads globally and to which people have not been previously exposed.

What are characteristics of Seasonal, Avian, Swine and Pandemic Flus?

Seasonal Flu (or common flu)

Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity and a vaccine is available. Approximately 36,000 people in the US die of the seasonal flu annually and 200,000 are hospitalized.

Avian Flu (or bird flu)

Avian Influenzas are viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to other animals or humans. Currently there is not person-to-person transfer. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available. It is possible that an avian flu, like H5N1, could mutate so that person to person transmission is possible.

Swine Flu

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. The strain of swine flu that is currently circulating is called Novel H1N1.

Pandemic Flu

This is a virulent 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.

Should a pandemic occur, schools may close for several days or weeks; business and transportation could be affected. Public gatherings could be limited. Outbreaks usually occur in 2 waves several months apart.

Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents (PDF)
La Gripe Estacional y la Nueva Influenza H1N1: Una Guía para los Padres (PDF)

Information regarding the flu is available from your medical provider, the DuPage County Health Department (630-682-7400) or the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

How does Pandemic Influenza spread?

Human influenza is mainly transmitted through person to person contact from coughing or sneezing, or when someone touches something that has the flu virus on it and then touches their nose, mouth or eyes.

Is there a vaccine to prevent Pandemic Flu?

Flu vaccines have to be made specifically for a particular virus causing an epidemic. Since it is unknown which influenza virus will cause a pandemic, there is currently no vaccine to prevent an occurrence. It could take several months to develop an effective vaccine. Antiviral medications may be effective in decreasing the impact of a pandemic flu if the supply is sufficient.

How can I limit the spread of “germs” like the flu virus?

Adults and children should wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice)
Use alcohol based hand cleansers when soap and water is not available (do not use with infants and toddlers)
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues; dispose of tissues after use
If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze in elbow
Stay away from others who are sick
If you are ill with a respiratory illness, especially if accompanied by fever and/or chills, achy joints and cough or runny nose, stay home from work or school

For more resources on stopping the spread of germs, go to http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/resources.htm

To view an informative, yet light-hearted, educational video on cough etiquette, which is appropriate for students of all ages, please visit http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html
The video is available in several languages. Scroll down the page to select either the Windows or Apple video player.

How else can I prepare?

Get the flu shot annually to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu
Maintain health by eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of rest and exercising on a regular basis

Home planning for a Flu Pandemic or other emergencies

Store a supply of water: 1 gallon per person per day and 3 oz. paper cups
Store foods that are nonperishable and do not require cooking:
- Ready to eat or canned fruits, vegetables, meats, soups
- Protein and fruit bars
- Dry cereal or granola
- Nuts and peanut butter (if nonallergic)
- Dried fruit
- Crackers
- Canned/bottled juices
- Canned or jarred baby food and formula
- Pet food
Plan board games, videos or other activities to do at home