Priorities of Public Information During a Pandemic NWCPHP Summer Institute 2006 Team 1

Priorities Respiratory Etiquette Definition of Illness Access to Health Care Caring for the Sick Caring for the Deceased

Other Issues Public Expectations Media Resources Used Access to Other Medications Distribution Priority of Medications Other Environmental Issues (Food & Water Safety) Recommendation of Personal Supplies

Respiratory Etiquette Stop germs from spreading. Wash your hands frequently. Wash thoroughly with warm water and soap for 20 seconds. Make sure to wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose and mouth. If caring for ill persons, wash hands after providing assistance. Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. If hand washing is not possible, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Respiratory Etiquette (cont.) Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Put used tissues in the trash. Don’t share items such as cigarettes, towels, lipstick, toys or anything else that might be contaminated with germs. Don’t share food, utensils or beverage containers with others.

Respiratory Etiquette (cont.) Stay home when you are sick. See your health care provider as soon as you can if you have a cough and a fever, and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed and getting rest. If asked, use a mask when visiting your health care provider.

Definition of Illness Fever Pneumonia Cough w/mucus Pandemic Flu Cough Sore Throat Muscle Aches Eye Infections Pneumonia Acute Respiratory Distress Pneumonia Cough w/mucus Chills Shallow Breathing Rapid Heart Beat Weak Fatigue

Access to Health Care Where to Go for Medical Care Check w/local hospitals via phone or internet for screening information Identify curb-side triage area Hospital staff will conduct triage of potentially ill & recommend treatment and/or admittance to hospital If sent home, carefully follow instructions provided by the hospitals

Access to Health Care (cont.) When to Go for Medical Care Adults and Pediatrics Change in Mental Status Shortness of Breath Temp ≥ 102o for Several Days No Urine Output Dry Mouth/Cracked Lips Green/yellow Sputum Duration of Illness Adults – 7 days ≤ 12 y/o – 10 days Infants Lethargic Irritability

Care for the Sick PPE for Caregiver (Change After Every Interaction) Hydration – as much as Tolerable (8 oz. every 1-2 Hours) Tylenol or Motrin per the Received Dosage Rectal Medications for Children Vomiting Keep in a Separate Room and Limit Access Wash Bathroom Facilities w/Hypochlorite Solution (.08% Bleach) Call your Doctor or (Hotline) if: Fever > 101o for > 48 Hours Nothing by Mouth

Care for the Deceased Concerns about Infection Bodies are NOT Infectious from Infuenza after Death You can safely handle and transport the body with your bare hands if death has occurred: however it is always advisable to avoid or limit contact with any bodily fluids After handling the body it is important to Wash your Hands with warm soap and water

Care for the Deceased (cont.) Steps to Prepare the Body for Temporary Storage Provide identification of the deceased Do not remove jewelry or any personnel effects from the body Dentures should be left in. Keep the body in as cool and dry a place as possible, preferably in an area that insects can’t easily get into. Windows with screens may be opened or closed as needed to keep the room as cool as possible while preventing insects from coming in. Place the body on a plastic sheet or other plastic covering, if possible, to prevent direct contact with the floor surface. Wrap or cover the body with a single layer of cloth, such as a cotton sheet. Prior to wrapping, you can dampen the cloth with a small amount of non-caustic (containing no bleach or lye) cleaner such as Lysol or Mr. Clean to help deodorize the body and discourage insects.