Pandemic Flu

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA - FAQ

Is Pandemic Influenza different from the Bird Flu (also called Avian Influenza or H5N1)?

	A Pandemic is defined as the rapid spread of disease from person to person, causing serious illness. The disease can spread through the entire population of a country and around the world in a short period of time.
	Influenza is the medical name for the flu virus.
	Pandemic Influenza refers to a strain of the flu virus that becomes a pandemic.
	Avian Influenza (also called the Bird Flu) refers to a specific strain of influenza found in birds. The current strain being tracked is named H5N1 for it’s genetic make-up. So far, Bird Flu (Avian Influenza or H5N1) only spreads from bird to bird. If it begins to infect people, human to human contact could cause a Pandemic.

Is there a website that I can get additional information about the Pandemic Flu?

	CDC - Influenza in the schools: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school
	CDC - Avian Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian
	Ohio http://www.ohiopandemicflu.gov/
	Center for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic
	U.S. Government http://www.Pandemicflu.gov
	World Health Organization http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/pandemic10things/en/
	Pandemic Flu Information Sheet (King County, WA Health Dept.) http://metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/pandemic-flu.htm
	General Flu Information http://www.cdc.gov/flu

How do I get prepared for a pandemic or any type of disaster?

Make a plan, make an emergency kit and listen to you local media for instructions during an emergency.
Just as local, state, and federal agencies have created and practiced plans to protect the public, you must also take steps to prepare for emergencies

Planning and Emergency Kit Checklists

	Pandemic Flu Planning - Checklist for Individuals and Families (Adobe Acrobat file)
	Family Emergency Health Information Sheet (Adobe Acrobat file)