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Quotes
“It is only a matter of time before an avian flu virus — most likely H5N1 — acquires the ability to be transmitted from human to human, sparking the outbreak of human pandemic influenza. We don’t know when this will happen. But we do know that it will happen.”
—Lee Jong-wook, director-general of the
World Health Organization
CDC Pandemic News
Resource Links
South Central Public Health District
South Central Public Health District has been preparing for a possible influenza pandemic, a worldwide flu that could affect the lives of millions of people like you and your family.
Although we don't know when the next pandemic will occur or how severe it will be, there are steps you should take now to protect yourself and those around you. This website contains several items to help you prepare for an influenza pandemic.
Each tab above will take you to information and checklists to help ensure that your family, business, and community are prepared to weather an influenza pandemic. You will also find posters, fact sheets, and presentations to help you educate your employees, your family, and your community about such topics as preventing the spread of influenza, home care of ill persons, food and water supplies for an emergency, etc.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. People cannot contract the infection from eating properly cooked pork.
Prevention
The best thing people can do to prevent infections and remain healthy is to follow good respiratory etiquette. This includes:
- Wash your hands after being out in the public, or after coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
- Cover your cough or sneeze, or cough into your elbow;
- If you are sick, stay home from work or school. Protect your co-workers and friends. Please don’t travel when you are sick;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
For more information
For people who may be traveling to affected areas, travel information and recommendations are available from the CDC at: www.cdc.gov/travel.
Important links for information:
www.cdc.gov
www.readyidaho.org
www.panfluidaho.org
www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
Guidance documents for professionals are available on the CDC Swine Flu web page.
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance
Flu Terms Defined
Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
Pandemic Facts
In 1918-1919, the Spanish influenza pandemic (Spanish Flu) was responsible for at least 50 million deaths worldwide.
It is unknown how many people in South Central Idaho died as a result of the Spanish Flu.
Source: Twin Falls Weekly News
October - December 1918
Fact Sheets
What is an Influenza Pandemic?
English | Español
Avian Influenza
English | Español
Differences Between Seasonal and Pandemic Flu
English | Español
Pandemic Influenza and Avian Flu
English | Español
Preventing the Spread of Influenza in the Community
English | Español
Care of Pandemic Influenza Patients in the Home
English | Español
Isolation and Quarantine
English | Español
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster | Español volante
English card | Español tarjeta
Presentations
Pandemic Flu: What You Need to Know
PowerPoint |
pdf
Pandemic Influenza Briefing
PowerPoint |
pdf
Idaho History
While local servicemen were helping to bring World War I to a close, their families were coping with the Spanish Flu Pandemic.
Source: Twin Falls Weekly News
October - December 1918
Resource Links
Did you know...
Practicing good hygiene can reduce the spread of viruses.
Begin by washing your hands often…
Always wash your hands BEFORE you eat, and before you touch your nose, mouth, or face.
Always wash your hands AFTER you use the restroom, after you’ve been out in public places, after you play with the dog, and after you sneeze or blow your nose.
Checklists
Checklist for Families and Individuals
English |
Español
Family Emergency Health Information Sheet
English |
Español
Planning Guides for Families
Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families
English
Fact Sheets
Food and Water in an Emergency
English |
Español
Care of Pandemic Influenza Patients in the Home
English |
Español
Preventing the Spread of Influenza in the Community
English |
Español
Posters and Cards for Your Refrigerator
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster |
Español volante
English card |
Español tarjeta
Healthy Habits
English poster
Cover Your Cough
English poster |
Español volante
An Ounce of Prevention
English poster
Pets
Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies
English
Avian Influenza
Currently, there is a pandemic among birds that has killed hundreds of millions of birds and more than 100 humans who had close contact with infected birds.
The virus is spreading across Asia, Russia, Europe, and Africa, but has not come to the United States yet.
When the H5N1 virus is detected in the United States, it will NOT signal the start of a human pandemic.
We do not know if the H5N1 virus will ever mutate into a form that is easily spread from person-to-person. However, if it does, it could cause widespread illness and death. So, we must prepare.
Is your business prepared?
If not, begin developing a continuity of operations plan (COOP) now.
Preparing a COOP will help your business survive the economic affects of a pandemic. The survival of your business will also help stabilize the national economy.
There will most likely be major disruptions to every industry, particularly those with strong ties to travel, tourism, sports and entertainment, lodging, and health care. Experts at The World Bank predict that there could be $800 billion in worldwide economic damage.
Checklist
Checklist for Businesses
English |
Español
Business Continuity of Operations Planning
Every Business Should Have a Plan
English
Avian Flu: Preparing for a Pandemic
English
Business Continuity Planning Guide
English
San Francisco Pandemic Flu Continuity Plan
PDF |
Word
Florida Continuity of Operations Implementation Guidance
PDF
Fact Sheets
Pandemic Flu Guidance for Non-Health Care Employers
English
Posters and Cards
Every Business Should Have a Plan
English
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster |
Español volante
English card |
Español tarjeta
Cover Your Cough
English poster |
Español volante
An Ounce of Prevention
English poster
Resources
Agriculture plays a vital role in Idaho's business community. The following link to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has specific information about monitoring poultry for deadly diseases.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/birdbiosecurity/
Pandemic Phases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a global influenza preparedness plan, which defines the phases of a pandemic, outlines the role of WHO, and makes recommendations for national measures before and during a pandemic. The phases are:
Interpandemic period
Phase1: No new influenza virus subtypes have been detected in humans.
Phase 2: No new influenza virus subtypes have been detected in humans, but an animal variant threatens human disease.
Pandemic alert period
Phase 3: Human infection(s) with a new subtype but no human-to-human spread.
Phase 4: Small cluster(s) with limited localized human-to-human transmission.
Phase 5: Larger cluster(s) but human-to-human spread still localized.
Pandemic period
Phase 6: Pandemic: increased and sustained transmission in general population.
Help children
(and adults) develop good habits...
Teach them to cover their mouth and nose with tissue when coughing and sneezing.
This fellow is a good example of what NOT to do.
Remember to use a tissue!
The best way to keep children from spreading a virus is to encourage them to wash their hands.
-
Use warm water and lots of soap!
-
Sing the Happy Birthday song two times while washing (about 20 seconds).
-
Rinse well and dry on a clean towel.
Checklists
Checklist for Childcare Centers and Pre-schools
English (PDF)
Checklist for K-12 Schools
English (PDF)
Checklist for Colleges and Universities
English (PDF)
Business Continuity of Operations Planning
Business Continuity Planning Guide
English
Planning Guide for Educators
English
Student Activities
Get your students involved with
"The Scrub Club"
Introduce your students to
"Henry the Hand"
"Be a Germ Stopper" Posters
Boy (Color) |
Girl (Color) ~
Boy (B&W) |
Girl (B&W)
Posters and Cards
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster |
Español volante
English card |
Español tarjeta
Healthy Habits
English poster
Cover Your Cough
English poster |
Español volante
An Ounce of Prevention
English poster
A pandemic’s worldwide consequences could include:
-
More than 7 million deaths from even a mild pandemic, according to the WHO (death estimates vary wildly - some top 350 million - and will ultimately depend on the virulence of a pandemic strain), and
-
Between 89,000 and 207,000 deaths in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
-
People will turn to religious organizations for comfort and guidance. Determine now what your organization will be able to do to help people deal with the emotional consequences of pandemic flu.
Checklist
Checklist for Faith-based Organizations
English |
Español
Business Continuity of Operations Planning
Business Continuity Planning Guide
English
Posters and Cards
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster |
Español volante
English card |
Español tarjeta
Healthy Habits
English poster
Cover Your Cough
English poster |
Español volante
An Ounce of Prevention
English poster
What should healthcare facilities do?
Your organization should start by developing a continuity of operations plan (COOP), ensure policies are in place for infection control measures, and identify a spokesperson to represent your organization.
While companies in many other industries will be able to tell their workers to work from home or take time off, care providers in most instances will not only be expected to show up, but also to work longer hours.
What is the potential local impact of a pandemic?
If a pandemic occurred today, it is estimated that 1,400 citizens of south central Idaho would die and 5,000 would be hospitalized.
Additionally, a pandemic would likely result in 25,000 outpatient visits.
Checklist
Checklist for Hospitals
English
Checklist for Medical Offices and Clinics
English
Checklist for Long-term Care and Other Residential Facilities
English
Checklist for Home Health Care Services
English
Checklist for Emergency Medical Services Workers
English
Business Continuity of Operations Planning
Business Continuity Planning Guide
English
Fact Sheets
Guidance for Healthcare Providers in an Office Setting
English
Guidelines and Recommendations for the Use of Masks
to Control Influenza Transmission
English
Pandemic Flu Guidance for Non-Health Care Employers
English
Isolation and Quarantine
English |
Español
Posters and Cards
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster |
Español volante
English card |
Español tarjeta
Universal Respiratory Precautions for Health Care Settings
English poster |
Español volante
Cover Your Cough
English poster |
Español volante
An Ounce of Prevention
English poster
Resources
Healthcare providers will play a key role in controlling the spread of pandemic influenza as well as caring for ill persons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have several resources to help your organization plan for a pandemic.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/healthprofessional.htm
Pandemic planning considerations for local governments
An influenza pandemic will spread quickly.
Vaccines may be non-existant or have a limited efficacy.
The healthcare system may be overwhelmed.
Alternate facilities may be needed to:
• conduct triage of ill people
• provide supportive care
environments for patients
• temporarily store bodies
Health care workers and EMS responders may face staff shortages exceeding 30%.
Significant disruptions of critical infrastructure may occur. This includes disruptions to first response systems and social services.
Mutual aid from outside south Idaho may be limited or unavailable.
Pandemic Images
Checklist
Checklist for State and Local Government Agencies
English
Business Continuity of Operations Planning
Business Continuity Planning Guide
English
Posters and Cards
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster |
Español volante
English card |
Español tarjeta
Cover Your Cough
English poster |
Español volante
An Ounce of Prevention
English poster
Resources
For more information about national planning efforts:
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab2.html
Pandemic Planning
25-35% of officers may be absent due to illness, death, and caring for family members.
911 dispatch centers will be operating with reduced staff, higher call volumes.
Large numbers of people may be unable to purchase food and pay bills.
Unemployment may increase.
Schools may be closed.
Hospitals may become high security areas.
Potential for civil unrest over weeks / months.
Mutual aid may be unavailable.
Pandemic Images
Checklist
Checklist for Law Enforcement
English
Business Continuity of Operations Planning
Business Continuity Planning Guide
English
Fact Sheets
Isolation and Quarantine
English |
Español
Posters and Cards
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster |
Español volante
English card |
Español tarjeta
Cover Your Cough
English poster |
Español volante
An Ounce of Prevention
English poster
The Spanish Flu
of 1918-1919
The first pandemic of the 20th century is widely regarded as the deadliest disease in human history. Death estimates worldwide range from 20 million to more than 100 million. The following are some of the characteristics of the 1918 flu outbreak:
• Outbreaks occurred simultaneously in Europe and several states in the United States.
• The pandemic broke in two waves. The first, in the spring and summer of 1918, was highly contagious, but did not cause many deaths. The second wave crashed across the world with remarkable speed and lethality. The death rate was 10 times greater in the second wave than the first.
• The flu infected about 25-30% of the world’s population, striking every continent. One of the Spanish Flu’s most troubling aspects was that most deaths occurred in people in “the prime of life,” between 15 and 35 years old.
• Concern about the H5N1 avian virus currently circulating in Asia and Europe were heightened after scientists reported in 2005 that genetic detective work had traced the 1918 influenza to an avian flu virus.
SCPHD Press Releases
Media's Role
Media will provide a vital link between information sources and the public.
It is imperative that media outlets plan now for how they will continue to provide news service to their community in the event of an outbreak.
Source: Twin Falls Weekly News
October - December 1918
Checklist
Checklist for Media
English
World Health Organization
Handbook for Journalists
English
Business Continuity of Operations Planning
Business Continuity Planning Guide
English
Posters and Cards
Reduce Your Risk for Flu... Seasonal or Pandemic
English poster |
Español volante
English card |
Español tarjeta
Cover Your Cough
English poster |
Español volante
An Ounce of Prevention
English poster
Public Service Announcements
Requires Windows Media Player to View
Wash Hands |
Cover Cough |
Stay Home
