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:
Talk with your local public health officials and health care providers, who can
supply information about the signs and symptoms of a specific disease outbreak
and recommend prevention and control actions.
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.
Flu Risk when Traveling
The risk of avian influenza to travelers is very low. Only rare cases of human
infection with avian influenza have occurred, and there has been no sustained
human to human transmission. Travelers to areas affected by avian influenza in
birds are not considered to be at elevated risk of infection unless direct and
un-protected exposure to infected birds occurs. Map of confirmed cases of H5N1
Avian Influenza.
Traveling to an Affected Area
-Avoid contact with live poultry and wild birds
-Avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms
-Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with animal droppings/feces
-Avoid handling birds found dead
-Do not eat or handle undercooked or raw poultry, egg or duck dishes
-Exercise good personal hygiene with frequent hand washing
After You Return from an Infected Area
Monitor your health for 10 days.
If you become ill with a fever plus cough, sore throat, or trouble breathing
during this 10 day period, consult a health care provider. Before you visit your
health care provider inform them of:
- your symptoms
-where you traveled
-if you have had direct contact with poultry or close contact with any severely
ill person or persons
If You Become Sick While Traveling
If you become sick with symptoms such as a fever accompanied by a cough, sore
throat, or difficulty breathing or if you develop any illness that requires
prompt medical attention, a U.S. Consular officer can assist you in locating
medical services and informing your friends and family. Consult the U.S.
Department of State site, Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts, for contact
information.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services