Dead chickens. Global pandemics. Avian flu
outbreaks. Vaccine shortages. In recent
months, these topics have been a source of fear in
the American public, as well as hotly debated
discussion within the medical community. So, what do
you need to know about pandemic and avian flu? Let's
start with the facts.
According to the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, a pandemic is a disease
outbreak that occurs globally. In the case of a flu
pandemic, a new influenza evolves, for which people
have little or no immunity and no developed vaccine. The
disease spreads easily among humans, causes
serious illness, and can sweep across the country
and around the world in a very short period of
time. In 1918, for example, a global pandemic
killed 50 million people around the world-more than three
times the number of people killed in World War I.
While the public often inaccurately identifies pandemic flu as synonymous with
avian flu, avian flu is simply one type of potential pandemic influenza. Avian
flu is caused by naturally occurring flu viruses in birds, which are normally
harmless to humans. What most people think of when they hear "avian flu" today is actually a new strain of virus,
known as H5N1, which has killed wild birds from
over 80 species and which spreads easily among
poultry. Although there are no documented cases of
avian flu in birds within the United States, in
other parts of the world, particularly Asia, numerous birds
have died and H5N1 has passed to humans causing
severe illness and death.
While the disease is known to have spread
to humans who have come in direct contact with the diseased birds, it has not currently been
transmitted between humans. The concern is that H5N1 will evolve into a virus capable of human-to-human
transmission, which could quickly lead to a pandemic.
These important issues have encouraged many
Americans to begin planning for the worst.
Due to the global impact of a pandemic epidemic, the entire
community must be involved in planning, training, and practicing for a response. The Department
of Homeland Security's Citizen Corps brings community and government leaders together
to involve all community members in all-hazards emergency preparedness, planning,
mitigation, response, and recovery. As an example, Citizen Corps' program partner, the Medical
Reserve Corps, has developed Pandemic Influenza Planning Guidance for Medical Reserve Corps units.
These units include local volunteer medical and public health professionals who contribute their
skills and expertise throughout the year as well as during times of community need.
5 Steps You Can Take to Protect Against
Pandemic Flu from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services:
1) Individuals, businesses and communities
should talk to their local public health officials and health care providers, who can supply information
about the signs and symptoms of a specific disease outbreak and recommend prevention and
control actions.
2) Adopt business and school practices
that encourage sick employees or students to stay home and anticipate how to function with a
significant portion of the workforce or school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family
members.
3) As always, practice good health habits,
including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest.
4) Take common-sense steps to stop the
spread of germs, including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying
away from others as much as possible when you are sick.
5) Stay informed about pandemic
influenza and be prepared to respond appropriately and calmly.
