475 Western Ave., Suite A
Chillicothe, OH. 45601
Phone: 740-779-9652
Fax: 740-779-0744
Pandemic Information
INFLUENZA, PANDEMIC NEWS, INFORMATION AND LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: An updated Frequesntly Asked Questions sheet can be found here .
PANDEMIC PLANNING AND RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS: Pandemic influenza may lead to challenges for area businesses: challenges such as increased absenteeism and sickness in the workplace. Please click below to view the most up-to-date guidance and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
PANDEMIC PLANNING AND RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS: The Ross County Health District is working with local schools in an effort to keep all of our children healthy and safe. Parents may click here for a letter from Ross County's Health Commissioner. Or click below to view the most up-to-date guidance for schools from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
NEW LINK: CDC GUIDE FOR IN HOME CARE: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a link where you can find guidance and information on caring for a person in your home who is sick with the H1N1 (swine) flu.
PAN FLU PLANNING FOR CHURCHES: Like any business or organization churches must plan for the possibility of a severe and sustained pandemic influenza outbreak. Congregations may be affected in a variety of ways and our churches can provide crucial assistance and comfort - but only if they plan ahead and are prepared to do so. Below are a number of publications that provide guidance and things to consider. Additionally, here is a letter to the churches for your reading.
PAN FLU PLANNING FOR NURSING HOMES: Pandemic Influenza could place a considerable strain on nursing homes and long term care facilities. Click for a letter to Ross County's facilities or click below for planning information.
INFLUENZA: Locally, influenza (flu) season can begin as early as late October and stretch on into April. Usually it will peak in Ross County from late December through mid-February. In addition to the seasonal flu vaccine, there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones. These include proper and frequent handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and maintaining good personal health through a combination of a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Click on any of the links below to view or print helpful brochures or fact sheets.
PLANNING CHECKLISTS FROM CDC:
Families and Individuals
Long-term Care Facilities
Schools K-12
Childcare Centers
Colleges and Universities
Businesses
Law Enforcement Agencies
Home Healthcare Agencies
Correctional Facilities
LINKS:
BROCHURES AND INFORMATION:
NEW - Swine, Bird, Flu and You
In Home Care During a Pandemic
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
What is an influenza pandemic? An "influenza pandemic" is an outbreak of influenza that occurs across much of the world at about the same time, while an "epidemic" is a localized outbreak. An influenza pandemic may be thought of as many epidemics occuring at the same time.
What causes an influenza pandemic? An influenza pandemic occurs when a new or "novel" strain of the influenza virus emerges and mutates so that it can spread sucessfully from person to person. Also, influenza pandemics may occur when a form of the influenza virus that has not circulated for a generation or more reemerges.
What is the bird flu? The bird flu, at times also called avian flu, is a type of influenza that is common in birds. Its scientific designation is H5N1. Humans who come into close contact with infected birds (through blood or droppings) can contract the virus. There is concern that this virus will eventually mutate so that it can successfully sustain its spread from person-to-person. Scientists identify the various forms of the influenza virus by two proteins that are found on its surface. The "H" stands for hemagglutinin and there are 16 subtypes of this protein; the "N" stands for neuraminidase, for which there are nine subtypes. For instance, the Spanish flu was designated H1N1.
So is H1N1 (2009) the same as the Spanish flu (H1N1 1918)? No. Although the strains are both H1N1, the Spanish flu is believed to have been a virus that spread from birds to humans, while the current H1N1 (2009) appears to have been spread from swine (hogs, pigs) to humans, so there are subtle differences. Although these differences may appear to be insignificant, it remains to be seen if the H1N1 (2009) swine flu is able to cause a severe and deadly outbreak - as the Spanish flu did.
So is the bird flu a pandemic? The bird flu is not a pandemic, at least not yet. So far, it hasn't been able to sustain a successful spread from person to person, but if and when it is able to do so, it could cause a pandmeic. There is also the possibility that another form of the influenza virus could lead to a pandmeic.
What does "isolation" mean in relation to a pandemic? If there is a pandemic, public health authorities may issue orders to "isolate" those who become infected with influenza, separating them from those who are not infected. Initially this would occur in a hospital setting, but if it were a major pandemic and the hospitals were full, citizens would have to care for their loved ones in the home. For the safety of others those suffering from pandemic influenza should be separated, or "isolated" from all family members but the one giving care.
What is a quarantine? During an influenza pandemic, or any other infectious disease outbreak, public health officials may order that those who have had contact with an infected person be "quarantined" and separated from others, until either they begin to show symptoms of the disease or enough time has passed to prove that they are not infected.
What other measures might the Ross County Health District take if there is a pandemic? It's very likely that in the event of a pandemic, schools and child care facilities would be closed to slow the spread of influenza. Also, orders may be issued that would ban public gatherings, such as sporting events, meetings, conferences, and anything that brings large groups of people into close contact. It's possible that movie theaters or other places of amusement and entertainment could also be closed for a time, but out of necessity stores, especially grocery stores, would be allowed to remain open. However, they may be asked to limit crowds. During the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak the Chillicothe City Health Department even banned public funerals and burials. Many victims were buried without a funeral, but some small services were held in the home, with only immediate family allowed to attend.