Pandemic Flu

Message from County Executive Maggie Brooks

Swine Flu. H1N1. Pandemic Flu. These terms - confusing as they can be - are seemingly in the news daily. Monroe County, with our partners at the local, state and federal level has been working aggressively to develop and test plans so we can be sure that we respond effectively.

Now that we are in a Pandemic, I want to assure you that we will deal with it like we deal with all other emergencies.

Find information below that is useful for:

We hope you find this resource tool helpful and useful.

What Monroe County Residents Need to Know

The H1N1 sweeping the globe is now considered a Pandemic, essentially a worldwide epidemic.

Be Aware. Prepare.

Pandemic Flu can spread quickly and can be life-threatening. You should be aware of the risks and what you can do to best care for yourself, your family and your community.

Be informed. Pay attention to Pandemic Flu news. Review the resources below.
Follow advice from health officials.
Stay up-to-date on all of your immunizations, especially flu and pneumonia shots.
Get involved. Help your community prepare for Pandemic Flu.

Have a Family Plan.

Talk with your family and relatives about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what's needed to care for them at home.

Talk with your doctor about getting an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs,
Have non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, such as pain relievers, cough and cold medicines.
Have an extra supply of food and water (several weeks worth).

Detailed below is a summary of tips and resources for you and your family to best prepare for an emergency.

Individuals

As you plan, it is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. It may take time to find the answers to these challenges. Below are some situations that could be caused by a severe pandemic and possible ways to address them. A checklist and fill-in sheets for family health information and emergency contact information have been prepared to help guide your planning and preparation.

For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/individuals

Business

During Pandemic Flu, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for Pandemic Flu is critical. Companies that provide critical infrastructure services, such as power and telecommunications, also have a special responsibility to plan for continued operation in a crisis and should plan accordingly. As with any catastrophe, having a contingency plan is essential.

HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed guidelines, including a checklist, to assist businesses in planning for a pandemic outbreak as well as for other comparable catastrophes.

Business Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist
Pandemic Planning (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)

For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/business

Schools

Developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Education, these checklists can assist local educational agencies in developing and/or improving plans to prepare for and respond to an Pandemic Flu.

For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/schools

Colleges

In the event of Pandemic Flu, colleges and universities will play an integral role in protecting the health and safety of students, employees and their families. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist as a framework to assist colleges and universities to develop and/or improve plans to prepare for and respond to Pandemic Flu.

For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/colleges

Medical Offices

Health care providers will play a crucial role in the event of a pandemic. Planning for Pandemic Flu is key. The following checklists, toolkit, and guidelines will assist health care providers and service organizations in planning for a pandemic outbreak.

For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/medical

Hospitals

For State, local, community, and facility planners, this guide discusses ethical and legal issues, and considerations regarding prehospital care, hospital/acute care, palliative care, and alternative care sites. Chapter 8 is a 29-page case study for a Pandemic Flu.

For more information - visit the Pandemic Flu.gov Website/hospitals

Pandemic Flu Plan

Monroe County collaborated with numerous community stakeholders over a period of months to develop a plan to respond to Pandemic Flu. The plan -- available upon request -- addresses such issues as infection control in health care facilities, schools and businesses, travel recommendations, and effective methods to communicate important health information to the public. The plan will be regularly updated as new information is learned.

Monroe County, NY