PANDEMIC FLUWHY SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT PANDEMIC FLU?
Pandemic flue strikes quickly and spreads fast:
Pandemic flu can be highly contagious, spreading rapidly from person to person. Many people would get sick, many could die. Healthcare services would be in demand, but providers might be in short supply. Pandemic flu could severely disrupt everyday life. Currently there’s no vaccine available. When there is, there wouldn’t be enough for everyone.
Medical supplies would be limited:
Although the federal government stocks medicines, vaccines and medical equipment, they would be in short supply. People who perform essential services, such as healthcare providers, would receive medication and vaccine first.
Quarantine might be required:
Quarantine (separating people from others) might be used to protect the public during a pandemic. It’s possible that schools and businesses would close and public events would be cancelled. Health officials might ask people to stay home.
>WHY IS PANDEMIC FLU MORE SERIOUS THAN SEASONAL FLU?
(Pandemic flu is not the same as seasonal flu. Here’s the difference)
Seasonal (or common) flu:
Occurs every year during the winter.
Affects 5-20% of the population.
Most people have some immunity.
For most people it is unpleasant but not life-threatening.
People who are very young, very old and/or have certain
Chronic illnesses are most at risk of serious illness.
A vaccine is usually available.
Antiviral drugs help treat those at risk and those who are sick.
Pandemic flu:
Can occur any time of the year. Has occurred three times in the last 90 years.
May affect 30% or more of the population.
People have little or no natural immunity.
Is often life-threatening.
Everyone could be at risk of serious illness.
A vaccine is currently not available.
Antiviral drugs are likely to be in limited supply during a pandemic.
Vaccine against seasonal flu will not protect against pandemic flu. However getting your yearly flu shot is one of several things you can do to keep yourself healthy, and that may help you fight off a pandemic flue virus.
HOW IS NEBRASKA PREPARING?
The Nebraska Health and Human Services System (HHSS) is preparing for pandemic flu and has developed a state pandemic flu plan. The state plan outlines HHSS response to a pandemic along with guidelines for distributing vaccine and antiviral medication. The plan focuses on protecting Nebraskans and saving lives.
Local health departments are developing and testing plans for their communities as well. HHSS is working with local health departments to coordinate preparedcness efforts at every level.
HHSS is also:
Testing emergency response plans.
Helping people, businesses and communities prepare for pandemic flu.
Increasing supplies of medicine that may lessen the severity of pandemic flu.
Planning to keep essential supplies coming into the state during an outbreak.
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