Pandemic Flu
Message from County Executive Maggie Brooks
Bird Flu. Pandemic Flu. These terms - confusing as they can be - are seemingly in the news daily. Monroe County, with our partners at the local, state and federal level has been working aggressively to develop and test plans so we can be sure that we respond effectively.
While we all hope we never have to face such a health emergency, I want to assure you that if our community ever does encounter Pandemic Flu, we will deal with it like we have with all other emergencies.
Find information below that is useful for:
We hope you find this resource tool helpful and useful.
What Monroe County Residents Need to Know
There is no Pandemic Flu in the world today but there have been three pandemics in the last 90 years. Flu experts worldwide agree another deadly pandemic is a real possibility. Bird Flu is the most likely candidate and experts fear the virus could change and set off the next human pandemic.
Be Aware. Prepare.
Pandemic Flu can spread quickly and is life-threatening to people of all ages. You should be aware of the risks and what you can do to best care for yourself, your family and your community.
- Be informed. Pay attention to Pandemic Flu news. Review the resources below.
- Follow advice from health officials.
- Stay up-to-date on all of your immunizations, especially flu and pneumonia shots.
- Get involved. Help your community prepare for Pandemic Flu.
Have a Family Plan.
Talk with your family and relatives about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what's needed to care for them at home.
- Talk with your doctor about getting an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs,
- Have non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, such as pain relievers, cough and cold medicines.
- Have an extra supply of food and water (several weeks worth).
Detailed below is a summary of tips and resources for you and your family to best prepare for an emergency.
Individuals
As you plan, it is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. It may take time to find the answers to these challenges. Below are some situations that could be caused by a severe pandemic and possible ways to address them. A checklist and fill-in sheets for family health information and emergency contact information have been prepared to help guide your planning and preparation.
For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/individuals
Business
In the event of Pandemic Flu, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for Pandemic Flu is critical. Companies that provide critical infrastructure services, such as power and telecommunications, also have a special responsibility to plan for continued operation in a crisis and should plan accordingly. As with any catastrophe, having a contingency plan is essential.
HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed guidelines, including a checklist, to assist businesses in planning for a pandemic outbreak as well as for other comparable catastrophes.
Schools
Developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Education, these checklists can assist local educational agencies in developing and/or improving plans to prepare for and respond to an Pandemic Flu.
For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/schools
Colleges
In the event of Pandemic Flu, colleges and universities will play an integral role in protecting the health and safety of students, employees and their families. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist as a framework to assist colleges and universities to develop and/or improve plans to prepare for and respond to Pandemic Flu.
For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/colleges
Medical Offices
Health care providers will play a crucial role in the event of a pandemic. Planning for Pandemic Flu is key. The following checklists, toolkit, and guidelines will assist health care providers and service organizations in planning for a pandemic outbreak.
For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/medical
Hospitals
For State, local, community, and facility planners, this guide discusses ethical and legal issues, and considerations regarding prehospital care, hospital/acute care, palliative care, and alternative care sites. Chapter 8 is a 29-page case study for a Pandemic Flu.
For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/hospitals
Pandemic Flu Plan
Monroe County collaborated with numerous community stakeholders over a period of months to develop a plan to respond to Pandemic Flu. The plan -- available upon request -- addresses such issues as infection control in health care facilities, schools and businesses, travel recommendations, and effective methods to communicate important health information to the public. The plan will be regularly updated as new information is learned.
