SEASONAL & PANDEMIC FLU

What is the Flu? Influenza (Flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus.

Cold Vs. Flu Most common COLD symptoms: Stuffy nose Sneezing Cough Sore throat Colds are milder than flu and do not come on suddenly. Can lives on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

Cold vs Flu Most common FLU symptoms: Sudden onset of fever Tiredness or weakness Body aches Dry cough Can live on surfaces for up to 2-8 hours Virus may be transmitted 1 day before symptomatic and 3-5 days after symptomatic.

What is the Bird Flu? H5NI-Refers to strains that mainly infect poultry and some wild birds. This virus is a naturally occurring viral infection in birds (Asia, Africa, Europe). If a bird flu were to evolve in a way that let it spread to people, and then spread easily between people, a flu pandemic could begin.

What is Pandemic Flu? Pandemic Flu can occur when a new influenza virus develops. Most people will not have any immunity, which means they will not be able to fight off this new virus. This may allow the virus to spread easily from person to person, and cause many people around the world to get the flu. This is called a Flu Pandemic. There have been three pandemics in the last hundred years. No one knows when another pandemic may occur.

Seasonal Flu Vs. Pandemic Flu Seasonal Flu Predictable Seasonal Pattern Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure Healthy adults usually not at risk for serious complications; the very young, the elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk for serious complications Health system can usually meet public and patient needs Adequate antiviral medication will be available Average death approximately 36,000

Seasonal Flu Vs. Pandemic Flu Pandemic Flu Occurs rarely, (three times in 20th century)-last in 1968 No previous exposure, little or no pre-existing immunity Healthy people may be at increased risk for serious complications Health system may be overwhelmed Vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic Effective antiviral medication may be in limited supply Number of deaths could be quite high (1918 appx. 675,000) Symptoms would be more severe and complications more frequent May cause major impact on society (cancellation of schools, businesses, large public gatherings) Potential for severe impact on domestic and world economy

PREVENTION Flu Vaccine Hand Washing Cough Etiquette Universal Precautions Social Distancing Education

What are Flu Vaccines? A Vaccine helps your body to protect itself against a disease. There are two types of vaccines for seasonal flu: the flu shot (given with a needle injection, usually in the arm) and the nasal-spray flu vaccine (given as a spray that is inhaled through the nose). Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself against seasonal flu.

Flu Vaccine Recommendations: Most adults and children, except infants younger than six month old, should get vaccinated. People who are high risk of serious flu complications (such as the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, or pregnant women), and people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.

You should not be vaccinated if: You have allergy to chicken eggs You have had a severe reaction to vaccine in the past You have Guillian-Barre Syndrome Children less than 6 months old Moderate to severe temperature and illness

Handwashing Wet hands with warm water and put soap on them Scrub all parts of hands Continue rubbing for 15-20 seconds Rinse hands well under running water Dry your hands with paper towel USE PAPER TOWEL TO TURN OFF THE WATER SO CLEAN HANDS DON’T TOUCH THE FAUCET ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITIZER

Cough Etiquette Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze Throw the tissue away right after you use it Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hand, if you don’t have a tissue Clean your hands after you cough or sneeze Use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Universal Precautions Use whenever exposed to: Blood All body fluids Broken skin (open sores, cuts, etc.) Mucus membranes

Social Distancing Limit contact with others Do not allow visitors while people in your home are sick The person with flu should stay in a separate room if possible and limit contact with other for about 5-7 days Do not share food, eating utensils, or drinks Three-foot personal space rule

How can we slow down the progression of a Pandemic? Preventing the spread of a pandemic flu is very similar to preventing the spread of seasonal flu. Handwashing, cough etiquette, universal precautions, “Social Distancing” and “Community Containment” are ways of not having as much contact with people with the flu. They might include closing schools and canceling public gatherings. You may be told to avoid crowds and to work from home when possible.

Some points to consider! When pandemic flu comes, no vaccine will be available. Planning involves containment, education, prevention. Role for everyone, including students, custodians, food handlers, school nurses, bus monitors, administrators, teachers, etc. Teachers are in a position to be with the population most likely to spread the virus. If schools close, planning for continuity of services is key. Plans should be well communicated throughout the district and to the public. School personnel would be of great value as volunteers. There are nine (9) emergency dispensing sites in the Worcester area.

Key Concerns For Schools High Absentee rate 20% Adults and 40% Children will be sick Major infrastructure disruption Healthcare will be overwhelmed Not Enough Vaccine Schools May Be Closed

Some Point to Consider Approximately 1/5 of the U.S. population attends or works in schools (USDOE, 1999) Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone (CDC, 1996) Addressing the spread of germs in schools is essential to the health of our youth, our schools and our nation. Students need to get plenty of sleep and physical activity, drink water, and eat good food to help them stay healthy in the winter and all year.

ALL HAZARDS PLANNING Plan for and discuss emergency preparation with your family Obtain and store water, food and other supplies Be actively involved in your community and school emergency preparedness program

ALL HAZARDS PLANNING Did you know? Only 31% of American families have a basic emergency plan 47% of American families believe we will experience a major disaster in the next 5 years 43% of American families are not planning to do anything to prepare

Flu Projections (2007) ANNUALLY, in the U.S., on average: 36,000 people die from flu Over 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications (bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, dehydration, etc.) 5-20% of the population gets the flu

Pandemic projections: ESTIMATES of Massachusetts causalities of the next PANDEMIC: 1 MILLION persons affected 800,000 victims hospitalized 20,000 deaths

Staying Healthy Talk with doctor about getting yearly flu vaccine Handwashing Safe Cough/Sneeze Etiquette Universal precautions, as needed Social Distancing Stay home when sick Make an emergency plan Volunteer in your community