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A
pandemic is a global disease outbreak.
An influenza pandemic occurs when a
new influenza A virus emerges for
which there is little or no immunity
in the human population and the virus
begins to cause serious illness and
then spreads easily person-to-person
worldwide. The federal government,
states, communities and industry are
taking steps to prepare for and
respond to an influenza pandemic.
If a
pandemic occurs, it is likely to be a
prolonged and widespread outbreak that
could require temporary changes in
many areas of society, such as
schools, work, transportation and
other public services. An informed and
prepared public can take appropriate
actions to decrease their risk during
a pandemic. To be prepared for such an
emergency, the U.S Department of
Health and Human Services encourages
individuals, businesses and
communities to:
-
Talk
with your local public health
officials and health care
providers, who can supply
information about the signs and
symptoms of a specific disease
outbreak and recommend
prevention and control actions.
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Adopt
business/school practices that
encourage sick
employees/students to stay home
and anticipate how to function
with a significant portion of
the workforce/school population
absent due to illness or caring
for ill family members.
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Practice
good health habits, including
eating a balanced diet,
exercising daily, and getting
sufficient rest. In addition,
take common-sense steps to stop
the spread of germs including
frequent hand washing, covering
coughs and sneezes and staying
away from others as much as
possible when you are sick.
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Stay
informed about pandemic
influenza and be prepared to
respond. Consult www.pandemicflu.gov
frequently for updates on
national and international
information on pandemic
influenza.
-Info
from http://www.Ready.gov
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