Plattsburgh, NY

                                                                                                                                                                         

INFLUENZA PANDEMIC COMMUNITY TOOL CHEST

               


Avian (Bird Flu) and Pandemic Information

 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is caused by viruses and naturally occurs in wild and domestic birds. This avian flu currently being discussed is also referred to as H5N1 which describes the particular subtypes of this type A influenza.

Avian flu does not usually infect humans, but several cases of human infection have occurred since 1997. These human cases usually involved close contact with sick/infected poultry on small farms in Asia. The spread of avian influenza viruses from one ill person to another is very rare.

Experts are concerned about the H5N1 virus because all viruses have the ability to change or mutate. If this occurs, then it might be more easily spread from human to human which could cause a Pandemic.

A Pandemic is a global outbreak that results from the emergence of a new influenza virus that can cause serious illness in humans, and spreads easily from person to person.

This web page is designed like a tool chest, dedicated to educating the community, providing them with some tools, and answering questions they may have about Avian or Pandemic Influenza (Flu). 

(Sources Used: CDC website, NYS Health Dept. website, Pandemic.gov website, WHO website)
 

 

Click here for a printer friendly version of this page

 

                        


Where Do I Begin?

To use this community tool chest, please start with "frequently asked questions" documents below. This will give you a base understanding of some of the common questions and/or misunderstandings of both the Avian and Pandemic Flu.


Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Influenza Spread?
Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. They usually spread from person to person, though sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.


Common Sense Precautions

Below are documents and flyers that can be posted, discussing common sense precautions that can help safeguard everyone's health:

"Protect Yourself and Others From Influenza"

"Don't Spread it Around"

"Your Health is in Your Hands"

"Respiratory Etiquette" (half size)

"Respiratory Etiquette" (bookmarkers)

"Respiratory Etiquette" (full size)

"Cover Your Cough" (general public)

"Cover Your Cough" (medical facilities)

"Personal Preparedness - Disaster Planning" (Brochure)

"Family Emergency - Disease Outbreak" (Brochure)



 For Schools: Pandemic School Action Kit

 Click here to download and use the New York State "Pandemic School Action Kit" .


Useful Related CCHD Web Page Topics

Cover Your Cough
Wash Your Hands
Seasonal Flu
Traveler's Information
Immunizations
West Nile Virus
Emergency Preparedness

 


What are Local Authorities Doing to Prepare?

The Clinton County Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (*NBC) Public Health Workgroup held an Influenza Pandemic Summit on June 20, 2006. See the Press Republican Newspaper Article.

* The NBC group formed October 17, 2001 as part of a coordinated local response to the national events that occurred on September 11, 2001 and the anthrax outbreak in October, 2001.

Meetings focus on public health planning for nuclear, biological and chemical events; 21 regular meetings and over 31 trainings and outreach activities were held in 2005.
 

The Summit objectives were:

  • Provide information about flu pandemic and potential impact on our community.
  • Identify resources and information to assist in planning personally and within the worksite.
  • Engage in dialog and discussion with Clinton County preparedness and community leaders.
  • Involve community leaders in preparing our community and each individual worksite for the next flu pandemic.


Who was invited to the Summit?

Business Leaders

Media

School/College Officials

Community Organizations

Health Care Providers

Law Enforcement

Elected Officials

Day Care Providers

Faith Community Leaders

Other Concerned Leaders


Summit Downloads - Pandemic Influenza Planning:


Summit Downloads - MS PowerPoint Presentations:

(Note: If you do not have Microsoft PowerPoint on your computer, you can download the FREE PowerPoint Viewer from Microsoft here, to view the presentations.)


Pandemic Drill - July 26, 2006

 Click here to see the Press Republican article about a "Mock scenario used to study local response to a major flu outbreak". An emergency exercise spans five counties, and many departments.


Where Can I Get More Information Online?
Please see our "Quick Info Links" below for valid external websites with "up to the date" information on Avian and Pandemic Influenza State and worldwide.
 

                                                                                    
                                                            
              Note:  These are external web links.
                                                                                                                                                                       
 

Clinton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision
of services. The information on the Clinton County Health Department website is for educational purposes only. Nothing on the pages of this site shall be construed
as medical, fitness, dietetic, or other professional advice. This information is based on current beliefs among researchers and research studies published in the
current scientific literature. Clinton County is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse any content on external web links.

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