|
search:
|
| contact us español |
|
Pandemic Flu |
What You Can Do to Prepare for Pandemic Flu |
School Action Kit | Child Care Providers' Kit |
FAQ |
Video |
For Providers |
Also of Interest... |
Topics > Pandemic Flu
Pandemic Flu
Pandemic Flu Update from CDC (298k PDF, 4pp.)
New DevelopmentsFAQs for Schools about Pandemic Flu (California Department of Education)Preparedness Minute: How Pandemic Influenza Could Affect Your Work Place (125k PDF, 2pp.)(Monterey County Health Department) HHS Issues Interim Guidance for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators in Public Settings during an Influenza Pandemic: Facemasks and respirators could provide added value when used in combination with other preventive measures (Department of Health and Human Services) On the Approval of the First U.S. Vaccine for Humans Against the Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services) Video: Be Prepared for a Potential Influenza Pandemic (California Department of Health Services) English (Length - 0:30) | Spanish (Length - 0:31)
- Press Release (California Department of Health Services)
Pandemic flu is a particular kind of flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that spreads easily from person to person. While most people have some immunity to various strains of seasonal flu, flu viruses are constantly changing and producing new strains. When a virus emerges that is so different from previous strains that few, if any, people have any immunity to it, the impact is more severe and widespread than with seasonal flu. There is no flu pandemic at this time. While medical authorities are concerned that one could develop from the avian flu which has infected bird populations in most parts of the world, there is no avian flu in the United States. Although the avian flu virus is very dangerous to humans, it is very difficult for humans to become infected. But if the virus changes in certain ways, human to human infection could happen more easily, resulting in a worldwide health problem. The symptoms of pandemic influenza would be similar to those of ordinary flu but are usually more severe. Links
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Latest Pandemic Flu Information (California Health Services) Federal government's pandemicflu.gov website. Pandemic Flu Preparation Checklists
Physicians who need to report a suspected public health emergency should contact the Public Health division immediately at 925-313-6740; or after hours, call the sheriff's dispatch at 925-646-2441 and ask for the Health Officer On Call. Health Emergency Information Line: 1-888-959-9911.
Content provided by the Public Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services.
|
