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PREPARING FOR PANDEMIC FLU

PREPARING FOR PANDEMIC FLU. Why & How Schools Are Getting Ready. Outline of Topics. Influenza and how it usually works When “flu” becomes “pandemic” Lessons of 1918/ Baselines for preparing What should we do now (and always)?

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PREPARING FOR PANDEMIC FLU

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  1. PREPARING FOR PANDEMIC FLU Why & How Schools Are Getting Ready

  2. Outline of Topics • Influenza and how it usually works • When “flu” becomes “pandemic” • Lessons of 1918/ Baselines for preparing • What should we do now (and always)? • What should we be ready to do if “pandemic flu” comes to our area? • How our school system and community are preparing

  3. Influenza and how it usually works • Annual “Flu Season” – usually in Fall • Normally threatens the youngest and oldest • Approximately 35,000 deaths in U.S. each year from the flu or complications • Flu vaccines – anticipation of “this year’s” variety of flu

  4. Influenza and how it usually works(Avian) Influenza A Virus & H5N1

  5. When “flu” becomes “pandemic” • Sudden, large change in form of virus • Low human immunity to new form • High human-to-human contagiousness • Rapid spread across human populations

  6. Current Pandemic Alert:Level 3 (W.H.O.)

  7. Lessons of 1918 Flu & 2003 SARSIf Pandemic Occurs: Baselines • Typical incubation period of two days • Persons who become infected may transmit for a full day prior to the onset of symptoms. • On average, two secondary infections occur as a results of transmission from someone who is ill. • In a community, a pandemic “wave” will last approximately 6-8 weeks. • At least two pandemic waves are likely to occur.

  8. Lessons of 1918 Flu & 2003 SARSIf Pandemic Occurs: Baselines • Absenteeism of workers could be in the 30-40% range. • We may experience the loss of suppliers (utilities, garbage removal, food distributors, etc.) • Government proclamations and fuel shortages may create travel restrictions. • Businesses may close. • Litigation may emerge from any number of the above circumstances.

  9. What should we do now(and always)? "When it comes to preparing our school community... there are three key steps to take: • One, talk to your local health officials and work together to develop a plan. • Then secondly, train your teachers and administrators to implement the plan. • And finally, teach students and parents so they understand what to do in the event of a pandemic." - US Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, March 2006

  10. What are we doing now? • Implement “healthy habits” – infection prevention practices • Collaborate with our entire community • Plan and prepare for the possibility of pandemic flu (and hope that it never comes)

  11. Now and Always:Healthy Habits for Infection Control

  12. Now and Always:Collaborate with Community • [x] County Emergency Management • [x] County Public Health Officials • PA Dept. of Education: Secretary of Education

  13. Now and Always:Pandemic Influenza Planning [INSERT YOUR SCHOOL NAME] ADDENDUM TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN PANDEMIC INFLUENZA RESPONSE PLAN [add date adopted]

  14. What should we be ready to do if “pandemic flu” comes to our area? • Provide Information to Staff, Students, Families • Monitor Incidence in Students or Staff (and report, when required) • Implement Infection Control Practices • Provide Health Services • Continue Critical School System Functions • Collaborate with Community Health and Emergency Management Officials

  15. Your Questions? • For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact: • Name, Title • Address • Phone • Email

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