| |
February 11, 2007 - UPDATE - Check out
www.GetPandemicReady.org
Basic
facts about the pandemic flu
Occurs about 3
times each century - at any time of the year ( Spanish Flu: 1918-1919;
Asian Flu: 1957-1958; Hong Kong Flu: 1968-1969)
May affect 50%
of the population
People of every
age may be at risk
A vaccine will
probably not be available at first
Antiviral drugs
may be in limited supply and the virus may be resistant to them.
What
can you do to avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of influenza?
- If
you feel sick, stay home and away from others. Symptoms range from
flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches) to eye
infections, pneumonia, and severe respiratory diseases. Symptoms may
depend on which virus causes the infection.
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- To help stop the spread of germs:
+ cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze.
+ if you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze
into your upper sleeve, but not your hands
+ put your used tissue in the waste basket
- Clean your hands frequently, especially after
coughing or sneezing.
+ wash with soap and water
or
+ clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much
as possible.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco smoke. Tobacco use has
been associated with greater risk of severe complications from certain
lung infections.
- Get vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine to
decrease the risk of a compounding viral infection and possible
complications.
- Get regular exercise, enough rest, and eat
healthy balanced meals.
- If told to wear a mask, wear it as instructed:
+ secure ties or bands at the middle of the
head and neck
+ fix flexible band to nose bridge
+ fit snug to face and below chin
For more information about Influenza Pandemics visit these
websites:
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
National Vaccine Program
Office
Key Facts
About Avian Influenza: (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus
Visit World Health Organization
Avian Influenza
Avian
Influenza (Western Pacific Region) |
