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UNIVERSITY of ARKANSAS |
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Personal Pandemic Preparedness |
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Frequently asked Questions
Today, is the threat of a flu pandemic real? The Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services, and other public health experts agree: "It is not a question of IF a pandemic will occur, but WHEN it will occur." If a pandemic similar to 1918 occurs, it is estimated that 90 million Americans could become ill and bout 2 million could die. We have time to prepare! If prepared, lives will be saved!
When will a pandemic influenza outbreak occur? Influenza pandemics are sporadic and their timing is difficult to predict. But, the difference today is that we have time to prepare for a pandemic or any type of emergency.
When was the last influenza pandemic? The last pandemic occurred in 1968 and was known as the Hong Kong Flu. The H3N2 virus was responsible for this pandemic. Prior to this, in 1957, the Asian Flu resulted as the H2N2 virus infected people around the world. In 1918, the world witnessed its worst pandemic of all times with the outbreak of the Spanish Flu from infection with H1N1 virus.
Do we know which flu virus will become pandemic? It is suspected that a form of avian influenza may be of concern. Avian influenza naturally occurs and infects wild birds (ducks, gulls, shorebirds, etc.) and domestic poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese). Low pathogenic avian influenza usually has no signs or very mild symptoms in birds and poses little threat to humans. Highly pathogenic avian influenza spreads more rapidly with a higher bird death rate, often fatal among chickens and turkeys. In particular, H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, has been rapidly spreading in some parts of the world. More than 300 people have become infected with H5N1 since 2003. Based on historically unprecedented disease outbreak in poultry and the confirmed human cases of H5N1, concern exists that mutation could occur within the virus and result in a pandemic.
Will a vaccine be available? A vaccine cannot be made before knowing for certain which virus will cause the pandemic. Once the virus is identified, it could take 4-6 months before a vaccine is available. Even then, only limited supplies will be available at first. However, it is believed that individuals who get an annual flu shot may be at less risk for catching a pandemic flu or may experience lesser symptoms if they do get the pandemic flu.
Why prepare now? This is the first generation with the opportunity to prepare in advance for a pandemic. It is likely that when a pandemic hits, necessary items will be in short-supply. Personal pandemic preparation will save lives! Preparing now will reduce the negative impact a pandemic (or any type of emergency) will have on individuals, society, and our economy. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that up to 70% of pandemic deaths are preventable!
How do I prepare? Remember three key concepts: 1) Stock Up, 2) Health Habits, 3) Plan Ahead. Stock Up: Having extra supplies on hand will make it easier to stay at home for extended periods of time. Also supplies will be readily available to you in your home as local stores may run out of supplies and shipments are delayed. Click here for tips about stocking supplies. Health Habits: Improve your health habits now. Frequent hand washing, and coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue are still the best ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs. Although people think they already do this, healthy habits are practiced less often that realized. Staying healthy with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest now will be beneficial when a pandemic occurs. Plan Ahead: Start planning now and consider what you will do if: children are dismissed from school; daycares close; eldercare services are suspended; public transportation is interrupted; a family member becomes sick and needs care; or other issues that may arise.
Will I need to wear a facemask or respirator during a flu pandemic? If used correctly, facemasks and respirators may help prevent exposure to flu viruses and reduce the risk of becoming infected. These should be used along with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes. In May 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved the 3M Particulate respirator (models 8612F and 8670F) "for use by the general public in public health medical emergencies." Additional masks have been added to this list. It is important that respirators meet OSHA regulations and are NIOSH certified as N95 respirators (meaning that they prevent at least 95% of particulates from passing). Current guidelines state that each household should have 20 respirators and 100 face masks.
Where can I get facemasks and respirators? The University of Arkansas Bookstore has Personal Pandemic Preparedness supplies available for purchase. Supplies include respirators, surgical face masks, and nitrile/latex gloves. Look for the Personal Pandemic Preparedness section at the U of A Bookstore.
a collaborative effort of Pat Walker Health Center Environmental Health and Safety U of A Bookstore
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