Delaware County EMS - Serving Delaware County, Ohio, Since 1972

Q: What is pandemic flu?
A: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pandemic flu is a widespread outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that people have not been exposed to before. Pandemic flu spreads easily from person to person and can cause serious illness. A pandemic can last a short time or for months at a time.

Q: What is avian flu? Is there a connection with pandemic flu?
A: Avian flu, or "bird flu," is an infection caused by flu viruses that affect birds. Wild birds are the natural carriers of these viruses, which are very contagious among birds. Domesticated birds, like chickens, ducks and turkeys, are readily infected with avian flu and often die. Occasionally, avian flu viruses can jump the species barrier and infect other animals including humans.

There is concern today about the H5N1 avian flu virus that has been infecting birds in Southeast Asia and parts of Europe and Africa. Some humans in these regions have also been infected with H5N1 avian flu, usually after having direct contact with infected poultry. Public health officials are concerned that the H5N1 avian flu virus could change into a new form that is easily spread from person to person. It is not known if or when this may happen, but if it does, the result may or may not be a pandemic.

Q: Has pandemic flu been identified in the world at this time?
A: No, pandemic flu has NOT been identified in the world today, however, it is important to be prepared because scientists predict another flu pandemic may occur at some point.

Q: Has Delaware County taken steps to prepare for the possibility of pandemic flu?
A: Yes. The Delaware County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, in conjunction with the Delaware County General Health District, has developed a comprehensive pandemic flu preparedness plan for Delaware County as part of their Countywide All-Hazards Emergency Operations Plan. This plan will help the county respond more quickly and effectively if a flu pandemic occurs. The goal of the pandemic flu plan is to minimize the health and social impact of a flu pandemic on Delaware County residents and limit the spread of disease. This plan is continually being updated and tested.

Q: How might pandemic flu affect daily life?
A: In a pandemic, many people may be sick at the same time, placing a strain on hospitals and health care providers. Worksites, schools and day care centers may be temporarily closed and public gatherings may be suspended. It is important to think about how you would manage under these circumstances.

Q: How can I prepare for the possibility of pandemic flu?
A: It is important to prepare for any public health threat. Make sure you and your family are up to date on immunizations; get a flu shot every year to protect yourself from seasonal flu; stay as healthy as possible and use common sense steps, such as frequent hand washing to limit the spread of germs; keep a supply of nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand and stay up to date on the facts about pandemic flu.

Q: Is there a vaccine available to protect humans in a pandemic?
A: There is currently no vaccine to protect humans against pandemic flu because a new pandemic virus has not yet emerged. Vaccine development efforts are underway to protect against a pandemic flu virus that might develop from the current H5N1 avian flu virus seen in Asia and parts of Europe. However, a vaccine will probably not be immediately available if a pandemic starts. When the vaccine does become available, the goal will be to immunize people as quickly as possible.

Q: Where do I get updated information on pandemic flu?
A: Current information is available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov, or 1-800-CDC-INFO. You can also listen to the media for local updates.

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