Safety Tips for Emergencies

Being prepared is about knowing how to prevent emergencies, as well as knowing what to do in the event of an emergency. Whether it's inclement weather, a house fire or a threat to homeland security, it's important that you understand the right steps to keep you, your family and your workplace safe.

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Pandemic Flu Safety Tips

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak.  An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.

There have been three instances of a pandemic flu epidemic in the 1900’s –

  • 1918 influenza pandemic caused at least 675,000 U.S. deaths and up to 50 million deaths worldwide
  • 1957 influenza pandemic caused at least 70,000 U.S. deaths and 1-2 million deaths worldwide
  • 1968 influenza pandemic caused about 34,000 U.S. deaths and 700,000 deaths worldwide

If you are caring for a loved one during a pandemic, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and others.  Always follow the most current advice of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and your local health department.

For more information on pandemic flu and how you can get better prepared click on a topic below or visit www.pandemicflu.gov: 

Pandemic Flu Symptoms

Common symptoms of pandemic flu are fever, cough, runny nose and muscle pain. Call your health-care professional at the first sign of the flu.  Many symptoms can be treated by the health-care professional over the phone.

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Seasonal Flu vs Pandemic Flu

Seasonal flu influenza is an annual, highly contagious upper respiratory infection with symptoms that include fever, chills, muscle pain, headache and cough, often with an abrupt onset about 1 ½ to 2 days after exposure and lasts for 5-7 days.   

The common differences between seasonal and pandemic flu include:

Season Flu

Pandemic Flu
  • Outbreaks follow predictable seasonal patterns; occurs annual, usually in winter and in temperate climates.
  • Occurs rarely (three times in 20th century – last in 1968).
  • Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure.
  • No previous exposure; little or no pre-existing immunity.
  • Healthy adults usually not at risk for serious complications; the very young, elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions at increased risk for serious complications.
  • Healthy people may be at increased risk for serious complications.
  • Healthy systems can usually meet public and patient needs.
  • Health systems may be overwhelmed.
  • Vaccine developed based on known flu strains and available for annual flu season.
  • Vaccine probably would not be available in the early stages of a pandemic.
  • Adequate supplies of antivirals are usually available.
  • Effective antivirals may be in limited supply.
  • Average U.S. deaths approximately 36,000 per year.
  • Number of deaths could be quite high (e.g. U.S. 1918 death toll approximately 675,000).
  • Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain.  Deaths often caused by complications, such as pneumonia.
  • Symptoms may be more severe and complications more frequent.

Source: PandemicFlu.gov

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Avian Flu

Avian flu commonly called ‘bird flu’ is an infection caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. Wild birds carry the viruses but usually do not get sick from them. However, some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks and turkeys can become infected, often fatally. Occasionally, an avian influenza virus can be transmitted to humans who live or work in close proximity to infected birds.

One strain of avian flu, the H5N1 virus, is endemic in much of Asiaand has recently spread into Europe. Avian H5N1 infections have recently killed poultry and other birds in a number of countries and have infected nearly 200 people in Asia, Europeand parts of Africa. Avian H5N1 will almost certainly spread to birds in the Americas in the next two years.

It is important to remember that Avian H5N1 is NOTa pandemic flu, as it is not spread effectively between humans and Americans are not at high risk of infection since we do not have close daily exposure to domestic fowl. Nevertheless, the more widespread this infection becomes in birds and other animals, the more likely that it will mutate into a form that is transmissible between humans and become a new human pandemic.

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Preventing the Spread of Pandemic Flu

These healthy habits will help keep you and others from getting and passing on the virus:

  • Clean your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and clean your hands afterward.  Put used tissues in a wastebasket.
  • Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent germs from entering your body.

Also, a person with signs of the flu should:

  • Stay home from work, school and errands and avoid contact with others.
  • Consider wearing a surgical mask when around others.

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Preparing for Pandemic Flu

Make a plan now for a flu pandemic. Figure out what you will do if members of your household have to stay home from work or school or stay separated from others for a period of time. Keep extra supplies of food, water, medications and your disaster supply kit on hand.

Pandemic Flu Caregiving Supplies include:

  • Thermometer
  • Soap
  • Box of disposable gloves
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprophen
  • Bleach
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Surgical Masks (one for each person)
  • Sugar, baking soda, salt, salt substitute (for dehydration drink)
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