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Agenda
Learn the Facts What is a Flu Pandemic? How the Influenza Virus Spreads Public Health Prevention Strategies Developing a Preparedness Plan for Yourself and Your Family Developing a Preparedness Plan for the Workplace Preventing the Spread of Infection in the Workplace Be Informed
Objectives
Discuss what to expect during a flu pandemic Identify the differences between seasonal flu and pandemic flu Describe how the influenza virus is spread Describe what steps can be taken to reduce the spread of flu in the workplace Determine what questions to ask about workplace policies, practices, and protocols related to the potential of a flu pandemic occurring
What Is a Pandemic?
Pandemic an event in which a disease causing serious illness spreads around the world and affects large numbers of people
Very High Risk High Exposure Risk Medium Exposure Risk Lower Exposure Risk
Quarantine
Separating individuals who have been exposed to the flu virus from those who have not
Social Distancing
limiting social (face-to-face) interaction to reduce exposure to and transmission of a disease.
During a pandemic flu event, what approaches would help control the spread of pandemic flu?
True or False?
Only the elderly, young children and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk for getting the flu during a flu pandemic.
False
True or False?
Isolation is used to separate people who have been exposed to an infectious disease from those who have not been exposed to the disease.
False
True or False
Since theres no vaccine, theres nothing a person can do to prevent getting pandemic flu.
False
True or False?
Shaking hands is a primary way in which the influenza virus spreads from personto-person.
True
Things to Consider
How school and daycare closures, smaller workforces and community infrastructure changes could disrupt your family routine Individual needs of family members
Make a Kit
Store at least a 2-week supply of food, water, and supplies at home. Check for updates or additional recommendations on www.redcross.org.
Employers and employees share responsibility for developing the plan Consider the impact of employee absenteeism Consider changes to supply and delivery chains Identify clear job descriptions during a flu pandemic Institute policies that allow or encourage employees to stay home if they are sick
Stockpile materials and supplies you need to continue business operations Practice implementing your plan on an ongoing basis
Ask employees to stay home if they are sick Wash hands frequently Make tissues and hand sanitizers available Make trash receptacles easily assessable Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
What are some of the commonly used or touched items in your workplaces?
What are some of the lessons you learned as a child that you think will be useful in the event of a flu pandemic?
If someone at work is ill with the flu, what are some actions you can take to prevent the spread of the flu in the workplace?
Be Informed
Be Informed
Visit www.pandemicflu.gov
State plans:
www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/states/index.html
Visit www.redcross.org State and local health departments Local American Red Cross chapter
OSHA Disclaimer
This material was produced under Grant #SH-1661807-60-F-11 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.