Global outbreaks of influenza are rare, but recurrent, events.
Influenza pandemics have occurred three times in the past century. In 1918-1919, the worst of these pandemics infected about one third of the world's population and killed approximately 50 million people (Source: World Health Organization). The WHO is currently reporting that the possibility of a pandemic has increased.  OSHA has recently updated its guidance for protecting employees from avian influenza.
| Self-protection is the first line of defense. |
| The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following procedures to minimize risk of infection: |
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Wash hands frequently with soap and water
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and dispose of tissues promptly
Stay away from others as much as possible if you are sick
Avoid close contact with sick people |
Although no product can guarantee protection against the virus, the CDC recommends using the following types of products to help reduce your risk.
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| Products to Maintain Basic Hygiene |
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The disease
Avian influenza (bird flu) is caused by a virus that infects poultry and is spread by migratory birds. The H5N1 strain of the virus has begun to infect humans, but has not yet evolved into a form that allows it to spread easily among humans. The main cause of human infection is close contact with dead or sick birds, according to the WHO.
Pandemic scenario
If the virus evolves into a form that is easily transmissible between humans, a pandemic may result. In a pandemic, it is likely that a large percentage of the world’s population will need some degree of medical care, which has the potential to strain health care services. Pandemic influenza may cause a reduction in vital public services such as health care, law enforcement, transportation, utilities, and telecommunications. It could also lead to a significant increase in employee absenteeism and an economic slowdown.
What is being done?
| National |
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Pandemic
The U.S. Government has begun preparing for a potential pandemic. In November of 2005, President Bush announced the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, which is a plan to:
- Prevent and contain outbreaks abroad
- Slow the arrival and spread of a pandemic
- Develop rapid, accurate diagnostic tests
- Establish stockpiles of vaccine and antiviral medications
- Limit the spread of the pandemic and mitigate illness
- In animals, control influenza which has potential of causing pandemic influenza in humans
- Ensure civil order during a pandemic
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National Resources |
| > View a synopsis of the U.S. Government's plan. |
| > View the latest information about avian flu from the WHO. |
| > View CDC's guide to Federal Planning & Response Activities. |
| > View OSHA's guidance for worker protection. |
Educational Institutions
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The U.S. Secretary of Education advises educational institutions to:
- Work with local health officials to develop a plan
- Train teachers and administrators to implement the plan
- Teach students and parents what to do in the event of a pandemic
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Education Resources |
| > View CDC's recommendations for developing a pandemic preparedness plan. |
| > View the Dept. of Education's guidance on pandemic preparedness. |
| State and Local |
| The head of the Centers for Disease Control has recommended that state and local authorities develop communications plans and social distancing tactics in the event of pandemic influenza. |
State & Local Resources |
| > View your individual state's plan of action. |
| > See how the devastating pandemic of 1918 affected your state. |
| Businesses |
Beyond the danger to human health worldwide, businesses will feel the economic effects of a pandemic caused by absenteeism and disruption in the supply chain and travel. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urges businesses to develop contingency plans for continued operation during a pandemic. |
Business Resources |
| > View CDC's recommendations for business & industry pandemic planning. |
| > View the Dept. of Health & Human Services Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist. |
| Healthcare |
The healthcare industry and healthcare workers will be profoundly affected in the event of a pandemic. The entire industry will be on the front line of the crisis.
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Healthcare Resources |
| > View CDC's guidelines and tool kits for the healthcare industry. |
| > View JCAHO's Emergency Planning Guide for Healthcare Facilities. |
| Food Industry |
It is known that the H5N1 virus can survive for about 30 days at low temperatures. Viruses can also survive on surfaces for several weeks. Because of this, freezing and refrigeration do not greatly reduce the concentration of these viruses in contaminated meat (Source: WHO).
However, the WHO states that when poultry products are safely handled and properly cooked, humans are not at risk of H5N1 infection, even if the food was contaminated with the virus prior to cooking. |
Food Industry Resources |
| > View WHO's recommendations on food safety and food handling related to avian influenza. |
| > Learn more about the food safety implications of the H5N! virus. |
| > View FAQs about avian influenza and food safety from the FDA. |
| Community Organizations |
The collaboration between community organizations and public health agencies is essential to protect the public health in the event of pandemic influenza.
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Community Organization Resources |
| > View CDC's recommendations for community preparedness. |
| Individuals |
Most cases of avian influenza in humans have been caused by contact with infected poultry (domesticated chickens, ducks, or turkeys) or with surfaces contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds.
The CDC recommends these precautions against infection:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Throw the tissue away immediately after use
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95%) hand cleaner
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
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Resources for Families
and Individuals |
| > View CDC's recommendations for protecting yourself and your family |
| > View WHO's overview of pandemic influenza. |
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