Pandemic Threats: “Am I dead yet?” Travelocity Gnome 1 Pandemic Threats City of Roseville...

1

Pandemic Threats: “Am I dead yet?” Travelocity Gnome

Pandemic Threats

City of RosevillePandemic threats and influenzas

2


Objective

• To provide background information about pandemics

• To provide basic information influenza

• To raise awareness about how we will prepare and respond to a possible pandemic

• To provide a forum to ask questions and to understand agency issues and concerns

“Once a pandemic virus emerges, it is too late to begin planning or to begin collaboration. There will only be a 20-30 day window between emergence and pandemic.”

Dr. Klaus Stohr, WHO Global Pandemic Project

3


Pandemics and

Influenzas

Overview

4


Pandemic flu’s are front page news

5


Remember these?

SARS Outbreak1

Legionnaires’ Disease

Toxic Shock Syndrome

EbolaVirus

Swine Flu

6


Pandemic

What is a pandemic?

Global disease outbreak

A new influenza strain emerges

Causes serious illness to large

populations worldwide

Flu Pandemic of 1918

7


Human Influenza

Has been a human adversary for hundreds of years

Vaccines are manufactured annually based on most common circulating strains

Flu virus mutations can happen slowly (virus “drift”)or suddenly (virus “shift”)

Virus “shift” allows little or no lead time to prepare a vaccine

8


Pandemic Influenza Basics Is a pandemic imminent?

Scientists believe it is only a matter of time

Why is an influenza pandemic a greater concern than seasonal flu? Little or no human immunity

• Increased numbers /populations affected

• More serious symptoms

• Higher mortality Scope and likely rapid spread of disease stretches capabilities of

existing healthcare resources High potential for economic and social disruption

9


Historical Facts

Influenza pandemics have occurred for hundreds of years

Three pandemics in the 20th Century• Spanish Flu (1918): 675,000 Americans died, 40-50

million deaths worldwide

• Asian Flu (1957): 2 million deaths worldwide

• Hong Kong Flu (1968): 1 million deaths worldwide

10


How Public Health Authorities are Responding to the Pandemic Threat

Flu Pandemic of 1918

11


U.S. StrategyThree pillars

1. Preparedness and Communication

Identify activities that should be undertaken before a pandemic

Communicate roles and responsibilities to all levels of government, segments of society and individuals

2. Surveillance and Detection

Ensure the earliest warning possible

3. Response and Containment

Limit the spread of disease

Mitigate the health, social and economic impacts

12


Influenza Vaccines

Vaccines designed for seasonal influenza will not protect against a pandemic virus

Once pandemic strain is identified, vaccines unlikely to be available for several months

13


Pandemic Influenza

Planning

City of RosevillePandemic threats and influenzas

14


Pandemic Preparedness (we need to look at)

Managers and employees receiving pandemic influenza training?

What will happen if 10%, 30% or 50% of our workforce is absent?

What is our emergency communications plan for pandemic conditions?

Will we work from alternate locations?

Will a pandemic increase or decrease demands for our services?

15


Education – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Exposure assessment considerations

Disposable gloves, outer clothing, shoe covers, eye protection, dust masks, etc.

Disposal of PPE

16


Education – Basic Hygiene

Etiquette for sneezing, coughing and blowing nose

Frequent hand washing and use of antiseptic hand wash solution if water is unavailable

Keep hands away from face to prevent spread of germs to vulnerable eyes, nose, and mouth

Reduce/limit use of conference rooms, galleys, and common gathering spaces

Permissive vs. required sick leave

17


Education – Simple Concepts

Teach hygiene practices to children and reinforce regularly

Provide information about at-home care of ill employees and family members

Encourage seasonal flu shot to help prevent emergence of new flu strains

Eat well, exercise and practice healthy lifestyle

18


Pandemic Influenza

Behavioral Concerns

19


Catastrophic Events

Produce psychological effects We can choose our own response – the only

control we may have Response management:

• Minimizes harm

• Supports safety

• May be primary to survival

• Aids in creating a new “normal”

20


EAP Preparedness Services

Behavioral preparedness is essential because an emotionally-charged employee poses a safety hazard

21


Who Will Help ?

22


Behavioral Health Strategiesfor All Employees

Reducing Our Anxiety during the threat

Manage our own fear and uncertainty Be considerate of each others concerns about families and friends Communicate; repeat information Be visible; assess how we as employees are doing Schedule frequent briefings, even if no new information is availableStay in Balance

Maintain focus on what you can control Get involved in helping Practice stress management Engage in healthy self care activities Maintain established routine Contact the EAP if worry interferes with your life

23


What NOT To Do

Don’t assume assistance will be available during a pandemic

Don’t purchase influenza prevention products or implement prevention strategies that are not approved by the FDA or public health authorities

Don’t assume that if the avian flu pandemic is avoided in the next year, the threat has passed

Don’t underestimate the likely global impact of a pandemic

24


SUMMARY - What To Do

Educate yourself about pandemics, influenza and prevention strategies

Plan for an influenza pandemic

Use planning resources: www.pandemicflu.gov

Update/communicate plans

Manage stress, anxiety and fear

Know how others can help

25


healthy bodies sound minds a safe place to work

Finance will not = fun during a Pandemic Threat

Pandemic Threats: “Am I dead yet?” Travelocity Gnome 1 Pandemic Threats City of Roseville...

Documents

Transcript of Pandemic Threats: “Am I dead yet?” Travelocity Gnome 1 Pandemic Threats City of Roseville...