Pandemic Preparedness

I've been preparing for an Enrichment class tonight on Pandemic Preparedness. I've been asked, "What is a Pandemic?" Here is a pretty good definition:

"A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time.

It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world is at risk. Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but cannot stop it." (http://www.pandemicflu.gov/general/index.html)

So...a Pandemic is a global disease outbreak and may be delayed, but not stopped. What can individuals do to prepare?

"Knowing the facts is the best preparation. Identify sources you can count on for reliable information. If a pandemic occurs, having accurate and reliable information will be critical." (www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab3.html)

Here are some sources I have learned about recently:

• Pandemic Preparedness Planning - Provident Living
• Bird Flu - PEP-C
• Pandemic Flu Fact Sheet - Pierce County, Washington
• Preparing for a Flu Pandemic - With Food Storage! - by Carolyn Nicolaysen
• When the World Catches the Flu - by Carolyn Nicolaysen
• Pandemics - Prepare for a Quarantine - by Carolyn Nicolaysen
• Caring for Family During a Pandemic - Part 1 - by Carolyn Nicolaysen
• Caring for Family During a Pandemic - Part 2 - by Carolyn Nicolaysen
• Individuals and Families Planning - http://www.pandemicflu.gov/general/index.html
  

I would encourage you to learn what you can and take some action NOW to prepare yourself and your loved ones. Share your knowledge with others. YOU can make a difference.