Transcript Pandemic Flu - Scioto County Medical Society

Pandemic Flu
George Pettit, M.D.
Medical Director
Portsmouth City Health Department
Social Disruption
• Plan for service disruption
– Hospitals, banks, stores, restaurants, post offices,
government offices
• Prepare backup plan in case public
gatherings, such as meetings, and worship
services are canceled
• Consider how to care for people with special
needs in case the services they rely on are
not available
Ability to Work May Be
Difficult
• Find out if you can work from home
• Ask your employer about how business will
continue during a pandemic
• Plan for a possible reduction or loss of
income if you are unable to work or if your
workplace is closed
• Check with your employer or union about
leave policies
Schools May be Closed for
Extended Periods of Time
• Help schools plan for pandemic
influenza
– Talk to administrators, educators, school
nurses, parent-teacher organizations
• Plan home learning activities and
exercises
• Consider childcare needs
Transportation Services May
be Disrupted
• Think about how you can rely less on
public transportation
• Prepare backup plans for taking care of
loved ones who live far away
• Consider other ways to get to work
People Will Need Advice and
Help
• Think about the informational needs of
employees
– Insurance, leave policies, etc…
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Make list with colleagues about plan of action
Find volunteers who will assist people in need
Identify other resources in your community
Find support systems and share ideas
Be Prepared
• Stock supplies
– Food, water
– Non-perishables
– Easy to prepare food in case you are
unable to cook
– Food that requires little or no water
Stay Healthy
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover you mouth and nose with tissue when you
cough or sneeze
• Put used tissue in waste basket
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you do not
have a tissue
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing with
soap and water or an alcohol based hand cleaner
• Stay at home if you are sick
To Limit the Spread of Germs
and Prevent Infection
• Teach your children to wash their hands
frequently
• Teach your children to cover coughs
and sneeze into tissues
• Teach your children to stay away from
others as much as possible if they are
sick
Get Informed
• www.pandemicflu.gov
• Centers For Disease Control
– 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
• Listen to local and national radio, watch news
reports, read your local newspaper
• Talk to your local health care provider and
public health officials
Checklist
• Store 2 week supply of food and water
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health
supplies on hand
• Talk with family members and loved ones about care
procedures
• Volunteer with local organizations to prepare and
assist
• Get involved with your community as it prepares for
the influenza pandemic
Items to Have On Hand for an
Extended Stay
• Ready to eat canned
meats, fish, fruits,
vegetables, beans, and
soups
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter or nuts
• Dried fruits
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Crackers
Canned juices
Bottled water
Canned or jarred baby
foods and formula
• Pet food
• Other non-perishable
items
Examples of Medical, Health,
and Emergency Supplies
• Prescribed medical
supplies
• Soap, water, or alcohol
based hand wash
• Medicines for fever
• Thermometer
• Anti-diarrhea
medication
• Vitamins
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Fluids with electrolytes
Cleansing agent
Flashlight
Batteries
Portable radio
Manual can opener
Garbage bags
Tissues, toilet paper,
disposable diapers