Pandemic Flu

Pandemic influenza (flu) is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus for which there is little or no immunity (protection) in the human population. Scientists and health professionals are concerned that the current virus in birds (avian flu) may develop into the next human pandemic. Pandemic flu can spread easily from person-to-person, cause serious illness and death. When new pandemic flu spreads it creates a public health emergency. This emergency will not be like anything we've faced before. A pandemic will last longer, make more people seriously ill and may cause more deaths than any other health crisis in our time.

A long-lasting and widespread outbreak of the disease could mean changes in many areas of our lives. Schools might need to temporarily close. Public transportation could be interrupted and air flights may be canceled. Because so many people will be ill, many employees will not be able to go to work and many businesses and public services may have to close or limit hours.

It is very important to plan ahead. Federal, state and local governments are taking steps to better prepare for and respond to a pandemic. Individuals also need to take action to be better prepared.

Because everyday life may be different during a pandemic flu and services could be disrupted, make sure you have these items in your emergency preparedness kit:

• Two weeks worth of food for you and your family. This should be food that does not need refrigeration. Foods like canned meats and fish, beans, soups, fruits, and dry goods like flour, salt, and sugar are good choices.

• Water stored in sealed, unbreakable containers. If water service is disrupted, plan on one gallon for each person per day, for up to two weeks.

• Two weeks worth of prescription medicines.

• Two weeks worth of ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for each person in the house for fever and pain. A two-week supply of cough medicine.

• Rehydration solutions. For example, Pedialyte for young children and Gatorade for adults and teens.

• Cell phone and charger.

• Supply of face masks and plastic gloves. These will help protect you, especially if you are taking care of family members who are sick with the disease.

• Disinfectants and chlorine bleach.

To learn more about pandemic flu and the steps that you can take to protect yourself and prepare your family, please visit the following resources:

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
Information about planning for emergencies and creating an emergency supplies kit.

Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov
General information about pandemic flu and other health related information.

Pandemic Flu (by Department of Health and Human Services): http://www.pandemicflu.gov
Updated national and international pandemic flu information.

Santa Clara County Public Health Department: www.sccphd.org
Provides information and fact sheets on Pandemic Flu, Avian Flu, Isolation and Quarantine.

Pandemic H1N1 Flu Virus Fact Sheet [.pdf, 80k]

Seasonal Flu Checklist [.pdf, 220k]