Pandemic Influenza / Emergency Preparedness

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is a widespread epidemic in numerous places around the world at the same time.

A new influenza virus can emerge, for which people have little or no immunity and there is no vaccine. This new disease could spread easily from person-to-person and could cause serious illness and death.

It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be, but a pandemic may have major impacts on society, such as widespread restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses, and cancellation of large public gatherings.

A human pandemic outbreak could be very serious, so there is an effort to promote global preparedness.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Currently, there is NO pandemic
anywhere in the world, only surveillance and preparation.


Pandemic Influenza and Emergency Preparedness
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is a widespread epidemic in numerous places around the world at the same time. A new influenza virus can emerge, for which people have little or no immunity and there is no vaccine. This new disease could spread easily from person-to-person and could cause serious illness and death. It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be, but a pandemic may have major impacts on society, such as widespread restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses, and cancellation of large public gatherings. A human pandemic outbreak could be very serious, so there is an effort to promote global preparedness. IMPORTANT NOTE: Currently, there is NO pandemic anywhere in the world, only surveillance and preparation.	Health departments and news media around the world are closely monitoring any potential pandemic influenza hotspots, including the progression of bird flu in other countries. Pandemic influenza is very different from seasonal influenza. (Comparison Chart) Fortunately, this issue gives agencies and individuals an opportunity to better prepare for a pandemic, and revise their emergency preparedness and communication plans. What does this mean to you? Your own all-hazards emergency preparedness plan can also be useful for things such as unexpected school closures, neighborhood evacuations, weather closures and family emergencies. We encourage you to make your own family or business plan, and also help your kids learn about how they can help. You should still take the usual common sense prevention measures against seasonal influenza: get a flu shot; stay home if you are sick; cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands often; and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Also exercise, eat healthy food and get plenty of rest. Also see the various checklists below. • Frequently Asked Questions • Frequently Asked Questions (WHO) • Weekly Surveillance Reports (CDC) • American Red Cross • Avian Influenza - "BIrd Flu" • Colorado Influenza Response Plan • Flu Shot Clinics - Statewide Listings • Guidelines - Businesses • Guidelines - Schools • Guidelines - Social Distancing • Home Care • Masks and Respirators • Pandemic Influenza - Colorado Information • Pandemic Influenza Plan Summary • Ready.gov - Business, Family, Kids • Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu • Schools - Colo Pandemic Readiness Plan • Traveler's Health Information • U.S. - Planning and Response • For presentations call 303-846-6279	Related Tri-County Pages: • Animal-Borne Diseases • Avian Influenza - "Bird Flu" • Disease Prevention • Emergency Preparedness • Immunizations for Travelers Flu Shot Clinics and Information: • Find a Clinic Near You or call 1-877-462-2911 • Visiting Nurse Association • Flu - Seasonal Influenza Information • Germ Prevention Brochure Related Fact Sheets and Links: • American Red Cross / Mile High Chapter • Avian Influenza - (CDC) • Avian Influenza - (HHS) • Avian Influenza - World Health Organization • Avian Influenza Info.Com • Colorado Information (CDPHE) • Colorado Fact Sheet - Avian Influenza • Colorado Fact Sheet - Pandemic Influenza • Emergency Preparedness (CDC) • Family Caregivers (Red Cross) • Flu - Seasonal Influenza Information • Flu Shot Clinics - Statewide Listings • Food and Water in Emergencies • Germ Prevention Brochure • Global Preparedness Plan (WHO) • Global Surveillance • Guidelines - Businesses • Guidelines - Schools • Guidelines - Social Distancing • Home Care • Human Infections • Influenza - The Flu • Influenza - Self Care • Mental Health • Mental Health America of Colorado • NACCHO - Avian Influenza • NACCHO - Emergency Preparedness • National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza • Occupational Health and Safety • Pandemic Flu - U.S. • Power Outages (CDC) • Prevent the Spread of Germs • Preventing the Flu • Q & A - Frequently Asked Questions • Quarantine and Isolation (CDC) • Quarantine and Isolation (Red Cross) • Quarantine - Histoy (PBS) • Quarantine - Legal Fact Sheet • Ready.gov • Regular Flu - Symptoms and Treatment • Regular Flu vs. Pandemic Flu • Schools - Colo Pandemic Readiness Plan • Travel Information - General (CDC) • Travelers' Health - Avian Influenza • U.S. Citizens Living Abroad • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service • U.S. Strategy for Pandemic Influenza • West Nile Virus • What If? Colorado • Winter Weather Preparedness (CDC) • World Health Organization (WHO) • Worldwide Preparedness Chinese / Vietnamese / Spanish : • Chinese • Español - Spanish • Influenza Aviar - Preguntas y Respuestas • Influenza Pandémica - Preguntas y Respuestas • Listo.gov - Seguridad Nacional • Preparación y Respuesta de Emergencia • Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt For more information: Colorado InfoLine 1-877-462-2911 CDC in English - 1-888-246-2675 CDC en Español / Spanish - 1-888-246-2857 TTY - 1-866-874-2646 Mon-Fri 8am-11pm EST, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm EST Contact: webmaster@tchd.org PDF files can be viewed and printed with the free Adobe Reader

Pandemic Influenza and Emergency Preparedness