With the recent Katrina tragedy and potential catastrophic events that threaten our region, there’s never been a more crucial time to embrace preparedness. One topic that is a major concern is the Avian flu. Those of us in health care are watching and preparing for the possibility that this flu virus will become a major public health problem.
Avian flu, or bird flu, is an influenza virus strain that infects birds. Outbreaks of Avian flu have occurred on most continents recently, resulting in the killing of millions of chickens and other domestic birds to control the spread of disease. Avian flu can be transmitted from birds to humans. And although few cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported, the concern is that as the flu evolves, it could become more contagious among humans, who will have no immunity to this strain.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has funded a $5.5 million initiative to improve influenza surveillance. The agency is also working with the World Health Organization to provide laboratory diagnostics and training to local authorities.
WHAT YOU CAN DO Preparation is a good idea, both from a practical and emotional aspect. Having a well-stocked disaster kit with plenty of water, nonperishable food, medications and more can help you and your family tremendously.
One challenge of a major flu outbreak is that the hospitals and clinics will have a surge of patients, stretching the system to its limits. This means that the public will be urged to stay home, if at all possible. From a contagion
DISASTER SUPPLY KIT
Water: Store one gallon of water per person, per day. To remain fresh, water should be changed every three months. Store it in plastic containers, avoiding those that will decompose or break.
Food: Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and rotate the food every six months. Include ready-to-eat canned or dried meats; fruits and vegetables; juices and powdered milk; and high-energy foods such as peanut butter, nuts and granola bars.
First Aid: Have two first aid kits—one for your home and the other for your car. Include sterile adhesive bandages, gauze pads and tape; scissors and tweezers; needles and safety razor blades; bars of soap, moistened towelettes and antiseptic spray.
Clothing and Bedding: Pack at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Include sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets and sleeping bags.
Tools and Emergency Supplies: Include paper plates, cups and utensils; emergency preparedness manual; battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries; cash or traveler’s checks; non-electric can opener and utility knife; toilet paper and liquid soap; and personal hygiene items.
Special Items: Remember family members with special needs such as infants, elderly or disabled individuals and pets. Babies will need formula, bottles and diapers while adults will need prescription medications, and possibly eyeglasses or dentures. Your pets will also need food and water. Make sure they also have identifying tags. Place important documents such as wills and insurance policies in waterproof and portable containers.
standpoint, this is prudent for everyone. Spend some time thinking through these issues and imagine what you will need to face several days on your own so you can avoid crowded stores and weather milder versions of the illness at home. Every workplace in this region is encouraged to have a plan in place to operate core operations with reduced staff (see www.seattleredcross.org and www.fema.gov for plan specifics). Public gatherings and schools will be closed or cancelled by public health authorities in the interest of reducing contagion. Do your best to plan your family and work life around this possibility. As with any respiratory illness, prevention is the best defense. Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to protect you from the spread of disease. Practice “respiratory etiquette” by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. To stop spreading germs, stay home and keep children home when seriously sick. If possible, have a ‘work from home’ plan in place. For more information on Avian flu, visit www.cdc.gov. In the event of an outbreak, a local public information source includes www.metrokc.gov/health.
