Flu Resources
All of us want to do the right things to protect our family in the event of a health emergency, including a pandemic flu outbreak. So it is important to take steps now to have a plan in place to protect your loved ones during a pandemic.
- The first step is to know the facts about pandemic influenza.
- The second is to anticipate challenges your family may face if a severe pandemic disrupts your normal work, school and social routines.
- The third is to take common sense precautions to prevent the spread of germs and practice good health habits.
No one can accurately predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. What is known is that a flu pandemic occurs three to four times every century when a new influenza virus emerges against which people have little or no immunity and for which there is no vaccine. Pandemic flu spreads easily person-to-person, may cause serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time. A pandemic may come and go in waves, each of which might last for six to eight weeks.
A very severe influenza pandemic could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Everyday life could be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Schools and businesses may be forced to close and basic services like public transportation may be interrupted.
Here are some resources to help your family anticipate disruptions caused by a flu pandemic and how to make plans to respond to them.
Flu Facts and Resource Links
Promising Practices Database
September 24, 2007
UNICEF’s Site Addresses Children and Bird Flu
January 11, 2007
Family and Individual Guidance Package - compiled by InterAction
Key Differences Between Annual Flu and Pandemic Flu (PDF)
It's Not Flu As Usual: What Individuals and Families Need to Know About Pandemic Flu (PDF)
This brochure includes steps your family can take to be better prepared in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak.
Prep a Friend
Invite your friends to learn more about pandemic flu and how to get prepared.