Pandemic Flu

George Pettit, M.D.Medical DirectorPortsmouth City Health Department

Social Disruption

• Plan for service disruption– Hospitals, banks, stores, restaurants, post offices,

government offices• Prepare backup plan in case public

gatherings, such as meetings, and worship services are canceled

• Consider how to care for people with special needs in case the services they rely on are not available

Ability to Work May Be Difficult

• Find out if you can work from home• Ask your employer about how business will

continue during a pandemic• Plan for a possible reduction or loss of

income if you are unable to work or if your workplace is closed

• Check with your employer or union about leave policies

Schools May be Closed for Extended Periods of Time• Help schools plan for pandemic

influenza– Talk to administrators, educators, school

nurses, parent-teacher organizations

• Plan home learning activities and exercises

• Consider childcare needs

Transportation Services May be Disrupted• Think about how you can rely less on

public transportation

• Prepare backup plans for taking care of loved ones who live far away

• Consider other ways to get to work

People Will Need Advice and Help• Think about the informational needs of

employees – Insurance, leave policies, etc…

• Make list with colleagues about plan of action• Find volunteers who will assist people in need• Identify other resources in your community• Find support systems and share ideas

Be Prepared

• Stock supplies– Food, water– Non-perishables– Easy to prepare food in case you are

unable to cook– Food that requires little or no water

Stay Healthy

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water• Cover you mouth and nose with tissue when you

cough or sneeze• Put used tissue in waste basket• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you do not

have a tissue• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing with

soap and water or an alcohol based hand cleaner• Stay at home if you are sick

To Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection• Teach your children to wash their hands

frequently• Teach your children to cover coughs

and sneeze into tissues• Teach your children to stay away from

others as much as possible if they are sick

Get Informed

• www.pandemicflu.gov• Centers For Disease Control

– 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

• Listen to local and national radio, watch news reports, read your local newspaper

• Talk to your local health care provider and public health officials

Checklist

• Store 2 week supply of food and water• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health

supplies on hand• Talk with family members and loved ones about care

procedures• Volunteer with local organizations to prepare and

assist • Get involved with your community as it prepares for

the influenza pandemic

Items to Have On Hand for an Extended Stay• Ready to eat canned

meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups

• Protein or fruit bars• Dry cereal or granola• Peanut butter or nuts• Dried fruits

• Crackers• Canned juices• Bottled water• Canned or jarred baby

foods and formula• Pet food• Other non-perishable

items

Examples of Medical, Health, and Emergency Supplies• Prescribed medical

supplies• Soap, water, or alcohol

based hand wash• Medicines for fever• Thermometer• Anti-diarrhea

medication• Vitamins

• Fluids with electrolytes • Cleansing agent• Flashlight• Batteries• Portable radio• Manual can opener• Garbage bags• Tissues, toilet paper,

disposable diapers