 Preparations
for the Avian Flu
Contents:
Why now? What to do now?
Over the next three years there is a concern that the
Avian Flu will penetrate the boundaries of North America. Once it does it is
feared that it will only take three months for it to spread all over the
continent.
Currently there are very few human cases of the Avian flu
reported. For the latest number have a look at the
World Health Organization's data.
There is ongoing up-to-date notices from countries around
the world as to their current status with the Avian flu which is also available
through the
World Health Organization's website.
It is estimated that if the Avian Flu epidemic should hit
your community that you and your family would need to "shelter
in place" for a minimum of two to three weeks. This means you will need to
have an Avian Flu Disaster Plan in your home and have the supplies needed to
shelter in place if the need arises. Check out the
USA's Avian Flu Website for its instructions for individual household planning.
We all need to be aware of this threat to our health and
safety and it is imperative that as many citizens that can begin to work with
voluntary organizations to develop a plan of action to address this serious
threat to our countries health and safety.
What you can do
right now in preparation for Avian Flu precautions is to practice good
health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting
sufficient rest and take these common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs.
-
Wash hands frequently with soap
and water.
-
Cover coughs and sneezes with
tissues.
-
Stay away from others as much as
possible if you are sick.
You also need to stay informed about this potential hazard
by staying informed about the Avian Flu and be prepared to respond.
- Consult www.pandemicflu.gov
frequently for updates on national and international information on pandemic
influenza.
- Use national and local pandemic hotlines that will be established in the
eventuality of a global influenza outbreak.
- Listen to radio and television and read media stories about pandemic
flu.
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.
Internet Resources on Avian
Flu
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