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

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.