Transcript Preparing for Pandemic Flu

Preparing for Pandemic
Flu
Algean Garner II, Psy.D.
Director, Health and Human Services
Village of Hoffman Estates
Understanding Flu
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Influenza (flu) has been a health threat for centuries
Flu has caused three pandemics in the 20th century
The most severe flu pandemic occurred in 1918.
 Caused by the “Spanish Flu”
 Tens of millions of people died worldwide.
 500,000 – 675,000 died in the U.S.
1957 – “Asian Flu”
 Two million deaths worldwide.
 70,000 deaths in the U.S.
1968 –”Hong Kong Flu”
 One million deaths
 34,000 deaths in the U.S.
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There are three variations of flu
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Seasonal
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Avian
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Pandemic
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Seasonal Flu refers to the periodic outbreak of
respiratory infection caused by circulating strains of
human influenza viruses.
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Three types A, B, C
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Types A and B are linked to seasonal outbreaks
Type C, causes mild illness
Type A is linked to pandemics
Occurs generally during the cooler months (October –
April).
Most people have immunity
Vaccine is available.
5 to 20 percent of the population is infected annually
Causes approximately 36,000 deaths and 226,000
hospitalizations annually
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Avian flu (Bird Flu) refers to influenza virus
that occurs naturally in wild birds and
domestic poultry.
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Two subtypes: Low pathogenic avian influenza
and Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1).
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Low pathogenic
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Occurs naturally in wild birds and can infect domestic birds
Causes minor symptoms
Poses no threat to humans
High pathogenic (H5N1)
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High death rate among infected birds
Spreads rapidly
Has infected humans (limited and sporadic cases)
May cause the next pandemic if mutation allows for easy
human transmission
Cumulative Number of Confirmed Human Cases of Avian Influenza A/(H5N1) Reported to WHO
10 September 2007
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Total
Country
cases
deaths
cases
deaths
cases
deaths
cases
deaths
cases
deaths
cases
deaths
Azerbaijan
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
5
0
0
8
5
Cambodia
0
0
0
0
4
4
2
2
1
1
7
7
China
1
1
0
0
8
5
13
8
3
2
25
16
Djibouti
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
Egypt
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
10
20
5
38
15
Indonesia
0
0
0
0
20
13
55
45
31
27
106
85
Iraq
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
2
0
0
3
2
Lao People's
Democratic
Republic
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
2
2
Nigeria
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
Thailand
0
0
17
12
5
2
3
3
0
0
25
17
Turkey
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
4
0
0
12
4
Viet Nam
3
3
29
20
61
19
0
0
7
4
100
46
Total
4
4
46
32
98
43
115
79
65
42
328
200
Total number of cases includes number of deaths.
WHO reports only laboratory-confirmed cases.
All dates refer to onset of illness.
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Pandemic Flu refers to global disease
outbreak.
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Occurs when a new strain of the influenza Type A
virus emerges.
Humans have little or no immunity.
No vaccine is available
Spreads quickly from person to person.
Can cause serious illness and many deaths.
Spreads around the world rapidly.
Last pandemic was in 1968.
Mutation of the avian flu virus may cause the next
pandemic.
How Does Seasonal Flu Differ From
Pandemic Flu?
Seasonal Flu
 Outbreaks follow predictable seasonal patterns; occurs
annually, usually in winter, in temperate climates.
 Usually some immunity built up from previous exposure
 Healthy adults usually not at risk for serious complications;
the very young, the elderly and those with certain
preexisting health conditions are at increased risk for
serious complications.
 Health systems can usually meet public and patient needs
 Vaccine developed based on known flu strains and available
for annual flu season.
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Adequate supplies of antivirals are usually available
Average U.S. deaths approximately 36,000/yr
Symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, muscle pain.
Deaths often caused by complications, such as
pneumonia.
Generally causes modest impact on society (e.g.,
school closings, encouragement of people who are sick
to stay home).
Manageable impact on domestic and world economy.
Pandemic Flu
 Rare occurrence (three times in 20th century - last
in 1968)
 Little or no pre-existing immunity
 Increased risk of serious complications
 Health systems may be overwhelmed
 Vaccine limited or not available
 Effective antivirals may be in limited supply
 Number of deaths could be high (e.g., U.S. 1918
death toll approximately 675,000)
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More severe symptoms and complications
May cause major impact on society (e.g. widespread
restrictions on travel, closings of schools and businesses,
cancellation of large public gatherings)
Potential for severe impact on domestic and world
economy
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Health experts believe another flu pandemic
is likely; however:
Cannot predict when it will occur
 May start without warning in any country
 May spread quickly because of modern travel
and densely populated area.
 May come in multiple waves over several
months.
 Different areas, communities, and populations
may be affected by the different waves.
 Each outbreak may last 6 – 8 weeks.
 Estimates suggest the 20% to 40% of the
population may become ill.
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Personal health and wellness –General Tips
Eat and rest.
Exercise in moderation.
Wash your hands frequently.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and
sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
Follow proper hand washing procures .
Minimize contact with ill individuals.
Get the influenza vaccine when available, consult
with your physician first.
Know the symptoms of influenza.
If you do not feel well, stay home and consult with
your physician!
Hand Hygiene
 Hand washing with soap and water or liquid hand sanitizer is
one of the most effective methods of reducing the risk of
contracting or transmitting the influenza virus.
Procedures for Hand Washing
(Soap and Water)
 Remove all Jewelry.
 Wet hands with warm water
 Apply soap to palms.
 Rub hands together to create a lather
 Cover all surfaces of the hands and fingers
 Clean knuckles, back of hands, and fingers
 Clean the space between the thumb and index finger
 Work the finger tips into the palms to clean under the nails
 Rinse well under warm running water
 Dry with a paper towel, then use towel to turn off sink
 Minimum wash time should be 15 – 20 seconds.
Procedure for Hand Sanitizer
 Remove all Jewelry.
 Apply hand sanitizer (enough to keep hands moist for
at least 15 seconds)
 Rub hands together
 Rub between fingers and around nails
 Cover all surfaces of hands and fingers
 Be sure to rub the backs of hands and fingers
 Rub fingertips of each hand in the opposite palm
 Keep rubbing until hands are dry
 ** Don’t not use water with hand sanitizing products
 ** Don’t use paper towels to dry
Additional Information
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www.who.int/topics/influenza/en/
www.pandemicflu.gov
www.osha.gov