-=- RESOURCES for LEARNING ABOUT THE BIRD FLU -=-

I found this stuff online today, and thought you might be interested in it.


INFLUENZA PANDEMIC (text from Ready.gov)

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population and the virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. The federal government, states, communities and industry are taking steps to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.

If a pandemic occurs, it is likely to be a prolonged and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation and other public services. An informed and prepared public can take appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic. To be prepared for such an emergency, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services encourages individuals, businesses and communities to:

* Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home and anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members.

* Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest. In addition, take common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes and staying away from others as much as possible when you are sick.

* Stay informed about pandemic influenza and be prepared to respond.

* Consult www.pandemicflu.gov frequently for updates on national and international information on pandemic influenza.

For more information on preparing for and responding to an influenza pandemic visit the U.S Department of Health and Human Service’s website at
http://www.pandemicflu.gov .

-=- RESOURCES for LEARNING ABOUT THE BIRD FLU -=-

ABC News Article “How Will Bird Flu Change Your Life” (web site)
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/print?id=1706048

How Individuals Can Prepare (Adobe Acrobat document)
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/Individuals.pdf

How Businesses Can Prepare (web site)
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/businesschecklist.html

Pandemic Flu Home Page (web site)
Includes links to more information about how communities, schools, and health care organizations can prepare. Includes information about the flu itself, and a history of other pandemics and epidemics.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

“Ready America” site on the flu from the Department of Homeland Security
http://www.ready.gov/america/biological_influenza.html

Author: Jorah Lavin

I grew up in New England, moved to the Carolinas in '98 to start working at what was then a large regional bank and is now a really big nationwide bank. I work doing intranet content management and intranet site management. After work, I practice Aikido, knit, ride my motorcycle, read, watch movies & eat. I've been studying Aikido since 2014, and I ride a Yamaha V-Star 1300. I am pretty sure that I want to hike the Appalachian Trail someday.

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