Pandemic Ready

 

Be ready and listen to local and national radio for alerts

Get Ready for an Influenza Pandemic

An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. The virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. In June 2009 the World Health Organization declared H1N1 influenza a pandemic.

Prepare for a Pandemic Outbreak

  • Get a kit of emergency supplies and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.
  • If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
  • Prepare for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices, and post offices.

Plan for a Pandemic Outbreak

  • Consider how to care for people with special needs in case the services they rely on are not available.
  • Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home. Anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members.
  • Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest. In addition, take common-sense steps to stop the spread of germs including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying away from others as much as possible when you are sick.

Stay Informed

  • Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources. Georgia-specific information can be found on the Georgia Department of Community Health’s Web site.
  • Another source for information on pandemic influenza is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at:
    1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
    This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    TTY: 1-888-232-6348. Questions can be e-mailed to [email protected].
  • Listen to local and national radio, watch news reports on television and read your newspaper and other sources of printed and Web-based information.
  • Talk to your local healthcare providers and public health officials.
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