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An influenza (flu) pandemic is a widespread outbreak of disease that occurs when a new flu virus appears that people have not been exposed to before. Pandemics are different from seasonal outbreaks of influenza. Seasonal flu outbreaks are caused by viruses that people have already been exposed to; flu shots are available to help prevent widespread illness, and impacts on society are less severe. Pandemic flu spreads easily from person to person and can cause serious illness because people do not have immunity to the new virus.

A pandemic may come and go in waves, each of which can last for months at a time. Everyday life could be disrupted due to people in communities across the country becoming ill at the same time. These disruptions could include everything from school and business closings to interruption of basic services such as public transportation and health care. An especially severe influenza pandemic could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss.

This guide is designed to help you understand the threat of a pandemic flu outbreak in our country and your community. It describes common sense actions that you can take in preparing for a pandemic. 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 so it’s important to start getting ready now. 

BE PREPARED

Schools and day care centers may be closed for an extended period of time.

• Make sure you have a back-up plan if schools and day care centers are closed.

Other businesses may be closed.

• Banking and credit services may be interrupted. You may have to pay for goods and services with cash.

Transportation services may be disrupted.

• Consider other ways to get to work if you usually rely on the bus or subway.

Families may find it hard to keep in touch.

• Create a family communication plan.

Shortages of food, supplies and water may occur.

• Consider stocking at least a two week supply of water and non-perishable food. This can be helpful in power outages and disasters.
• Gather emergency and other supplies.

General Disaster Supplies

STAY HEALTHY

• Get your seasonal flu shot to keep you baseline healthy. (NOTE: A seasonal flu shot will not protect you from a new virus strain like the avian flu, but it may help prevent emergence of a new pandemic strain.)
• Eat a balanced diet, exercise in moderation and get plenty of rest.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner, like Purell®.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in a waste basket, not in your purse or pocket.
• Use a surgical mask (or painter’s mask) if you are instructed to do so.
• Practice “social distancing” by limiting the amount of face-to-face contact you have with people. (Use the telephone or email and avoid places where crowds may gather such as cafeterias, restaurants, public transportation, etc.)
• Clean surfaces such as counters, railings, washbasins/toilets, telephones, computer mouse, grocery cart handles with disinfectant. 

GET WELL FAST

Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, muscle aches/pains, intense fatigue, inflammation of the respiratory tract, sore throat and cough, nausea, vomiting. Some flu-like symptoms may not always be present in the elderly or in young children. If you are sick, call your Supervisor or Manager and then stay home! Seek medical attention if your symptoms are severe.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. National Security Agency.

References: For additional information, please see the CEPAR website www.hopkins-cepar.org and www.pandemicflu.gov. 

Public Affairs media contacts for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Tim Parsons or Kenna Lowe at 410-955-6878 or paffairs@jhsph.edu.