Emergency Preparedness

Your Health is in Your Hands

Created By:Patty Todd

SUNY Canton

Why Be Prepared?

We are always at risk for unexpected disruption

in our world such as: Natural disasters like weather emergencies

and power outages Terrorism and Bioterrorism like smallpox and

anthrax Diseases like Pandemic Flu

Pandemics

Unlike other disasters that may be confined to a specific area and be of limited duration, a pandemic is unique because of its global impact and long duration. Avian Flu (Bird Flu)has recently emerged as a potential pandemic threat to the world.

Here is just a quick overview of pandemic flu.

What is Influenza? Acute, febrile respiratory

illness affecting nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs

Epidemics caused by influenza viruses A and B(Type C uncommon in people; no epidemics)

Occurs worldwide, causing considerable morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) each year

Symptoms appear rapidly

Influenza Symptoms

Fever, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches/pain, headache, lack of energy, possibly runny nose

Fever and body aches for 3-5 days

Cough and lack of energy - 2 weeks

Symptoms similar to other upper respiratory diseases such as adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, legionellosis, etc.

What is an Influenza Pandemic ?

A global influenza outbreak Caused by a brand new (novel) flu virus Most severe occur with changes in both surface

proteins Viruses can be isolated at any time of year

Because it is a new virus, few or no people would be immune

Many people would get sick in every part of the world

Asia is the source of many outbreaks because swine, birds and humans live under the same roof, providing opportunity for viral mixing

Influenza Pandemics 20th Century

A(H1N1) A(H2N2) A(H3N2)1918: “Spanish Flu” 1957: “Asian Flu” 1968: “Hong Kong Flu”

20-40 million deaths

675,000 US deaths

1-4 million deaths

70,000 US deaths

1-4 million deaths

34,000 US deaths

Credit: US National Museum of Health and Medicine

If a Pandemic Happens: What to expect…

At the peak of a moderate pandemic influenza outbreak (i.e. 35% attack rate, 6 week duration), New York State (excluding New York City) can expect *: 14,916 influenza-related hospital admissions per week 3,728 influenza-related deaths per week 2,609 deaths in the hospital

Influenza patients will most likely utilize: 63% of hospital bed capacity 125% of intensive care capacity 65% of hospital ventilator capacity.

* Source: NYSDOH

Who Needs to be Prepared?

Being prepared for pandemic flu and other

emergencies is everyone's business

including: Federal, State and Local governments Businesses Community agencies Individuals and families

What Can You DO?Your Health is in Your Hands..

Stay Healthy

Be Prepared

Get informed

STAY HEALTHY

Your Health is in Your Hands..

Vaccination and antivirals will not be available or will be limited at the start of a pandemic

We must prepare for that by preventing the spread of pandemic flu through basic health strategies

Stay Healthy - Individual Infection Control

Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette and hand hygiene

are effective strategies to stop the spread of germs.

We should make good hygiene a

habit now.

Stay Healthy - Individual Infection Control

Stay at least three feet from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, pens, cell phones or other personal items

Stay at home when you are sick. Keep yourchildren home from school or daycare when they are sick

Stay Healthy - Hand Hygiene

Wash Hands Frequently Soap and hot water Minimum of 20 seconds

(the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice)

Alcohol based hand rubs

Learn how to do it right:http://www.uhn.ca/patient/general/handwashing.asp

VIDEO LINK

Stay Healthy – Cover Your Cough

Many illnesses like influenza are spread by sneezing or coughing. Start now and get

into health habits that reduce the spread of

germs.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. Throw out the tissue and wash your hands.

If you don’t have a tissue, don’t use your hands. Instead, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm so you won’t get germs on your hands and spread them to others.

Stay Healthy - What About Masks?

Recommended for: Health care workers with

direct patient contact Those at high risk for

complications of influenza Symptomatic persons Contacts of ill persons

More About Masks..

Benefit of wearing masks by well persons in public settings has not been established Persons may choose to wear a mask as part of an

individual protection strategy that includes respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, hand hygiene, and social distancing. If you wear a mask,

keep your hands away from your face!

Clean your hands each time you touch your mask!

Health is in Your Hands…

If you go to the doctor’s office or emergency department when you are sick, ask for a mask.

Keep immunizations up to date including an annual flu shot.

Stay Healthy - Work or School Infection Control Strategies

Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, hand hygiene Stay away if ill Encourage self-reporting of illness that develops Active screening for illness in staff/students

Family Preparedness Checklist

To plan for a pandemic Store a supply of food

and water Have non-prescription

drugs and other health supplies on hand

Get involved in your community

Start now to limit the spread of germs and prevent infection Hand hygiene Respiratory hygiene Stay home if sick Parents need to model

behavior!

Create your individual /family plan utilizing the HHS/CDCguidelines at:

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/checklist.html

BE PREPARED

Be Prepared….

The New York State Department of Health is encouraging New Yorkers to have at least a two-week supply of essential household items on hand. This is important not just in case of pandemic flu but to be prepared for any number of emergencies that can and do occur regularly—for instance, weather emergencies and extended power outages

Individual and Family Preparedness is Crucial!

We might have to take care of ourselves and those around us

Would you be ready?

Be Prepared….Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:

Food and non-perishables Items of comfort Items for personal comfort Cash Pets- don’t forget your pet’s food and medicine Phone - a standard “wired” phone Cordless phones

will not operate when the power is out. .

Be Prepared….Medical, Health & Emergency Supplies Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring

equipment Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand wash Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen Thermometer/bandages and gauze pads/adhesive tape Anti-diarrhea medication Vitamins Scissors, tweezers, and safety pins Cleansing agent/soap Flashlight and batteries Disposable gloves Portable radio Manual can opener Garbage bags Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers, feminine products

Be Prepared….

Create an Individual/Family Health Information

and Emergency Health Information Sheet so

vital health information is readily available. To

download and print a copy of a Health Information

sheet click here:

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/familyhealthinfo.html

GET INFORMED

Bird FluFrequently Asked Question

http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avian/questions_and_answers_2.htm

Get Informed Get informed/Stay informed – on the web

Health and Human Services: http://www.pandemicflu.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm Learn more about emergency preparedness:

http://www.redcross.org On campus call Patty Todd, Health Services,

7333 or email toddpa@canton.edu

Test Your Preparedness

Take the test {link to test}

T F Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of government agencies only

T F Pandemics can cause greater disasters because they affect large areas around the world.

T F Avian Flu (Bird Flu) has the potential to become a pandemic flu

T F There is nothing you can do to prepare for a disaster

T F It is best to cover your nose and mouth with your hand when you cough/sneeze

T F Washing your hands can greatly reduces your risk of illness

T F If you are coughing or sneezing stay at least one foot away from people

T F Canned fruits, vegetables and soups are items to have on the shelf in case of an extended emergency

T F Cordless phones are adequate in emergency situations if there is a power failure

T F The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a good source for pandemic flu information