Family Emergency Preparedness
and Pandemic Influenza.
Last year there was extensive coverage in the media regarding Avian influenza and the threat of a pandemic influenza. While it has not been in the news as frequently recently, it is still a threat, and the H5N1 virus continues to infect birds and some humans in other parts of the world. The United States, the State of Minnesota, and Cass County are working to prepare for a possible influenza pandemic. At this point the virus is mainly passed from bird to human. However if it mutates to the point of passing human to human consistently, it could cause a pandemic.
Because it is a new influenza virus to humans, it will potentially cause many people to become ill. It could cause major disruptions to communities, with business and school closures, multiple people ill, and weeks without some normal functions, such as garbage, utilities, and available groceries. In order to prevent the spread of the illness, the governor may order school closures and the cancellation of community gatherings to prevent person to person spread of the illness.
While the government is working to prepare for this situation, the truth is that the government and health care systems will be overwhelmed. The entire country will likely be affected, so local areas will not be able to depend on help from neighboring communities. The federal government has warned us that local communities will be on their own to provide for their citizens. A vaccine will not be available for 4-7 months. Antibiotics are not effective against the flu, and antivirals such as tamiflu have not been shown to be extremely effective. Cass county and the state of Minnesota is working to prepare, but it is important for individuals and families to take steps to prepare for this scenario. There are many measures you can take.
| 1) | Store a two week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you can’t get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters. |
| 2) | Ask your doctor and insurance company if you can get an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs. |
| 3) | Have non-prescription drugs and other medical supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins. |
| 4) | Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home. |
| 5) | Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response. |
| 6) | Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic. |
| 7) | Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the current behavior. |
| 8) | Teach your children to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior. |
| 9) | Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick. |
While we are concerned about a possible influenza pandemic, being prepared will allow your family to be ready for any emergency or natural disaster.
Websites containing up to date information on pandemic influenza, as well as checklists and information on preparedness are:
www.birdflu.state.mn.us (state of Minnesota website)
www.pandemicflu.gov
(federal government website)
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