PANDEMIC SEASONAL FLU PREPAREDNESS Disaster Ready Austin GERMS

PANDEMIC & SEASONAL FLU PREPAREDNESS Disaster Ready Austin

GERMS Disaster Ready Austin

GERMS • Germs live everywhere. • Most germs won't harm you. Your immune system protects you. • Infectious diseases are germs - that breach your immune system's defenses - can be spread from one person to another Disaster Ready Austin

GERMS cause infectious diseases • Bacteria are tiny, one-celled creatures that get nutrients from their environment: - Strep throat - Tuberculosis • Viruses live inside your body. Some viruses can live for a short time outside of a host body: - Colds - Flu Disaster Ready Austin

Epidemics vs. Pandemics Disaster Ready Austin

EPIDEMICS “A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time. ” Disaster Ready Austin

PANDEMICS “An epidemic of infectious disease causing severe illness, spreading worldwide and affecting a large number of people. ” Can you guess the last pandemic? H 1 N 1 “Swine Flu” - 2009 Disaster Ready Austin

INFLUENZA Seasonal Flu • Respiratory illness caused by a virus • Infectious period is one day before symptoms show or, up to five days after onset of symptoms • Occurs most frequently between October and May, peaks in February • Especially serious for elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses. Disaster Ready Austin

INFLUENZA Symptoms of the Flu • Fever over 100° • Severe aches and pains • Moderate to severe fatigue • Headache How Flu is Spread • Through the air from coughing and sneezing • From touching a surface where the virus has landed Disaster Ready Austin

INFLUENZA Prevent the Flu with Vaccinations • Provides high level of protection from the flu • Can’t cause the flu • Possible side effects are minor • Free under the Affordable Care Act Disaster Ready Austin

INFLUENZA PANDEMIC Outbreak caused by a new human flu virus that spreads around the world. Flu pandemics have happened throughout history. Not matter of if, but when. Characteristics and Challenges of a Flu Pandemic: • Rapid Worldwide Spread • Overloaded Health Care Systems • Inadequate Medical Supplies • Shortage of hospital beds, ventilators, and supplies • Disrupted Economy and Society Disaster Ready Austin

INFLUENZA • In all flu pandemics, sick people will be asked to stay home. • In more severe flu pandemics, even people who are not sick may be asked to stay home. • In severe flu pandemics, students may be dismissed from school, mass gatherings of people may be canceled. Disaster Ready Austin

INFLUENZA Treatment for the Flu • Stay at home • Take fever-reducing medication • Rest and drink fluids • Call your doctor within 24 hours to get prescription of Tami. Flu—reduces length and symptoms of illness Disaster Ready Austin

INFLUENZA Prevent the Flu with Basic Hygiene • • Hand washing – vigorous scrubbing for 20 seconds Avoid touching your face Cough etiquette – cough into your elbow or a tissue Disinfect surfaces Disaster Ready Austin

Disaster Ready Austin is a collaborative initiative to educate and empower residents to be prepared for emergencies and disasters. The Disaster Ready Austin vision is a unified and consistent “whole community” approach to disaster preparedness education in the City of Austin. Visit Austin. Texas. gov/Disaster. Ready. Austin for more. Disaster Ready Austin