1. What To Do About The AVIAN FLU?

2. The Avian Flu? Is That Like a Cold? NO! The Avian Flu, according to the World Health Organization, is a large group of different influenza viruses that primarily affect birds. While the Flu primarily stays within the bird population, strain H5N1 has the pandemic potential to adapt into a strain that is contagious to humans. Most humans have no immunity towards this pandemic virus, therefore infection and illness rates among humans are highly elevated.

3. We Get Out of School?!? Don’t get too excited, the pandemic’s not here yet! However, if the pandemic does begin transmitting human-to-human it has the potential to spread very quickly, so we need to BE PREPARED! –If necessary, university functions could be reduced for a period ranging from 2-4 weeks up to SEVERAL MONTHS! The University’s goal is to minimize risk of exposure to faculty, staff and students…but we need YOU!

4. Things To Do To Avoid Exposure IF the pandemic emerges, DON’T: -hug or kiss anyone -shake hands with anyone -come in close contact with large groups DO: -WASH YOUR HANDS -Consult a physician if body temperature elevates

5. What Happens If The Pandemic Emerges?!?! University of Maryland has issued a response plan that will be activated in several escalating levels: LEVEL 1: Human-to-human transmission has been reported internationally. –University remains OPEN LEVEL 2: First case verified in US. –Steps will be taken to eliminate large gatherings –Classes will be CANCELLED –Academic programs will begin shutting down

6. LEVEL 3: Within 1-5 days of declaring Level 2, all university residences will CLOSE. –Students must temporarily move out of residence halls until further notice LEVEL 4: Campus is officially CLOSED. –Campus has been evacuated, residence halls are closed –Access onto campus is sealed off for vehicles and pedestrians

7. Start Packing! While the pandemic is not an issue yet, it is important to have an EMERGENCY PLAN: Have your airline or travel reservation information handy Collect contact information for friends and family Create a back-up plan (travel, classes, etc.) In the event of campus closure, any earnings you should receive will only be issued electronically, so arrange for direct deposit! Build a Personal Emergency Kit (food, water, filled prescriptions, health and hygiene items, contact info) Computer and Books in the event of online courses

8. The Take Home Message While the Avian Flu has not yet spread through human-to-human exposure nor to the United States, it is important to have an emergency back-up plan that will ease your transition out of the residence halls if the university were close. ALWAYS BE PREPARED!

9. Questions? Ask your RA! Go online: www.resnet.umd.eduwww.resnet.umd.edu Other helpful websites for planning: –www.transportation.umd.eduwww.transportation.umd.edu –www.helpdesk.umd.edu/pandemicwww.helpdesk.umd.edu/pandemic –http://compnet.comp.state.md.us/cpbhttp://compnet.comp.state.md.us/cpb –http://www.testudo.umd.edu/apps/saddr/http://www.testudo.umd.edu/apps/saddr/ Use this website to give the university your contact info!