Your Health is in Your Hands
Created By: Patty Todd, SUNY Canton
Adapted for Clarkson University by: Judy Chagnon, NP

We are always at risk for unexpected disruption in our world such as:
• Natural disasters like weather emergencies and power outages
• Terrorism and Bioterrorism like smallpox and anthrax
• Diseases like Pandemic Flu

Unlike other disasters that may be confined to a specific area and be of limited duration, a pandemic is unique because of its global impact and long duration. Avian Flu (Bird Flu) has recently emerged as a potential pandemic threat to the world.
Here is just a quick overview of pandemic flu.

• Acute, febrile respiratory illness affecting nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs
• Epidemics caused by influenza viruses A and B
(Type C uncommon in people; no epidemics)
• Occurs worldwide, causing considerable morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) each year
• Symptoms appear rapidly

• Fever, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches/pain, headache, lack of energy, possibly runny nose
• Fever and body aches for 3-5 days
• Cough and lack of energy - 2 weeks
• Symptoms similar to other upper respiratory diseases such as adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, legionellosis, etc .

• A global influenza outbreak
– Caused by a brand new (novel) flu virus
– Most severe occur with changes in both surface proteins
– Viruses can be isolated at any time of year
• Because it is a new virus, few or no people would be immune
• Many people would get sick in every part of the world
• Asia is the source of many outbreaks because swine, birds and humans live under the same roof, providing opportunity for viral mixing

th
Credit: US National Museum of Health and
Medicine
1918: “Spanish Flu”
A(H1N1)
20-40 million deaths
675,000 US deaths
1957: “Asian Flu” 1968: “Hong Kong Flu”
A(H2N2) A(H3N2)
1-4 million deaths
70,000 US deaths
1-4 million deaths
34,000 US deaths

• At the peak of a moderate pandemic influenza outbreak
(i.e. 35% attack rate, 6 week duration), New York State
(excluding New York City) can expect *:
– 14,916 influenza-related hospital admissions per week
– 3,728 influenza-related deaths per week
– 2,609 deaths in the hospital
• Influenza patients will most likely utilize:
– 63% of hospital bed capacity
– 125% of intensive care capacity
– 65% of hospital ventilator capacity.
* Source: NYSDOH

Being prepared for pandemic flu and other emergencies is everyone's business including:
• Federal, State and Local governments
• Businesses
• Community agencies
• Individuals and families

• Stay Healthy
• Be Prepared
• Get informed

• Vaccination and antivirals will not be available or will be limited at the start of a pandemic
• We must prepare for that by preventing the spread of pandemic flu through basic health strategies

Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette and hand hygiene are effective strategies to stop the spread of germs .
We should make good hygiene a habit now
.

• Stay at least three feet from people who are coughing or sneezing.
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, pens, cell phones or other personal items
• Stay at home when you are sick. Keep your children home from school or daycare when they are sick

-
• Wash Hands Frequently
– Soap and hot water
– Minimum of 20 seconds
(the time it takes to sing
“Happy Birthday” twice)
• Alcohol based hand rubs
Learn how to do it right: http://www.uhn.ca/patient/general/handwashing.asp
VIDEO LINK

Many illnesses like influenza are spread by sneezing or coughing. Start now and get into health habits that reduce the spread of germs.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. Throw out the tissue and wash your hands.
• If you don’t have a tissue, don’t use your hands. Instead, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm so you won’t get germs on your hands and spread them to others .

• Recommended for:
– Health care workers with direct patient contact
– Those at high risk for complications of influenza
– Symptomatic persons
– Contacts of ill persons

• Benefit of wearing masks by well persons in public settings has not been established
– Persons may choose to wear a mask as part of an individual protection strategy that includes respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, hand hygiene, and social distancing.
• If you wear a mask, keep your hands away from your face!
• Clean your hands each time you touch your mask!

• If you go to the doctor’s office or emergency department when you are sick, ask for a mask.
• Keep immunizations up to date including an annual flu shot.

• Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, hand hygiene
• Stay away if ill
• Encourage self-reporting of illness that develops
• Active screening for illness in staff/students

• To plan for a pandemic
– Store a supply of food and water
– Have non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand
– Get involved in your community
• Start now to limit the spread of germs and prevent infection
– Hand hygiene
– Respiratory hygiene
– Stay home if sick
– Parents need to model behavior!
Create your individual /family plan utilizing the HHS/CDC guidelines at: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/checklist.html

The New York State Department of Health is encouraging New Yorkers to have at least a two-week supply of essential household items on hand. This is important not just in case of pandemic flu but to be prepared for any number of emergencies that can and do occur regularly —for instance, weather emergencies and extended power outages.

– We might have to take care of ourselves and those around us
– Would you be ready?

Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:
• Food and non-perishables
• Items of comfort
• Items for personal comfort
• Cash
• Pets- don’t forget your pet’s food and medicine
• Phone - a standard “wired” phone Cordless phones will not operate when the power is out.

Medical, Health & Emergency Supplies
•
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment
•
Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand wash
• Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Thermometer/bandages and gauze pads/adhesive tape
•
Anti-diarrhea medication
•
Vitamins
•
Scissors, tweezers, and safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Flashlight and batteries
• Disposable gloves
•
Portable radio
•
Manual can opener
• Garbage bags
• Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers, feminine products

Create an Individual/Family Health Information and
Emergency Health Information Sheet so vital health information is readily available.
To download and print a copy of a Health Information sheet click here: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/familyhealthinfo.html

• http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/avi an/questions_and_answers_2.htm

• Get informed/Stay informed – on the web
Health and Human Services: http://www.pandemicflu.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm
• Learn more about emergency preparedness: http://www.redcross.org
• On campus call Judy Chagnon, Health Center,
6633 or email jchagnon@clarkson.edu

1. T F Emergency preparedness is the responsibility of government agencies only
2. T F Pandemics can cause greater disasters because they affect large areas around the world.
3. T F Avian Flu (Bird Flu) has the potential to become a pandemic flu
4. T F There is nothing you can do to prepare for a disaster
5. T F It is best to cover your nose and mouth with your hand when you cough/sneeze

6. T F Washing your hands can greatly reduce your risk of illness
7. T F If you are coughing or sneezing stay at least one foot away from people
8. T F Canned fruits, vegetables and soups are items to have on the shelf in case of an extended emergency
9. T F Cordless phones are adequate in emergency situations if there is a power failure
10. T F The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) is a good source for pandemic flu information

Answers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
False
True
True
False
False
True
7.
8.
False
True
9.
False
10.
True

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Health Center at flu@clarkson.edu.