The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. In the United States, flu season begins every fall and ends every spring. The flu people get duing this season is called seasonal flu. Sometimes, a new type of flu virus comes along to which poeple have no resistance. When this happens, it can spread more easily from person to person around the world in a very short time, causing illness and death. This is a pandemic flu.

Pandemic flu is more serious than seasonal flu. Most people will recover from seasonal flu within a week or two and do not require medical treatment. Pandemic flu is different because more people who get it might not recover, even with medical treatment. There may not be a vaccine for pandemic flu until reasearchers and pharmaceutical companies are able to create one. Vaccine development depends on the scientific understanding of the specific virus causing the disease. Even if a vaccine is found, it will be a challenge to produce enough of it and get it to all the people who need it. Scientists cannot accurately predict whether the bird flu virus will cause the next human pandemic or when the next pandemic will occur.

In the 20th century, flu pandemics occurred in 1918, 1957, and 1968. The 1918 pandemic led to high levels of illness, death and social disruption and economic loss. It is estimated it killed more that 20 million people worldwide.

During a flu pandemic, there may be restrictions on activities, movement and travel to keep the flu from spreading. You may be asked to stay at home for extended times even if you are not sick. Schools, workplaces and public gatherings may close temporarily. You and your friends may need to rely on each other. Think about how to handle stress and know your strengths. Take steps to plan for, get through and recover from a flu pandemic.

Store a two-week supply of food that does not require refrigeration, preparation or cooking. Store a two-week supply of water, 1 gallon of water per person per day. Get an extra supply of prescription drugs and medical supplies and nonprescription drugs. Store health and cleaning supplies like bleach, tissues, thermometer, gloves, soap. Talk to family members about how they will be cared for if they got sick. Ask your employer about special considerations of sick leave, benefits and wages if you have to stay at home. Find out if your employer will stay open even though they will have reduced staff. Ask the schools and daycare centers if they will close , requiring children to stay home.

There are some things that you can do to slow the spread of the flu and reduce its impact. Wash your hands with soap and water for about 15 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and clean your hands afterwards with soap and water. Keep your hands from your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay home if you fill sick. Avoid close contact with sick people. Avoid sharing objects like utensils, cups, bottles, and telephones, or disinfect objects before using them. Keep your living and work areas clean.

Contact the Oconee County Chapter of the American Red Cross for a pandemic flu family preparedness guide. Contact a health care provider if you have any questions. for more information, visit www.redcross.org, www.pandemicflu.gov, and www.who.int.

The American Red Cross is a key partner in local planning, prepardness and response efforts for influenza pandemic. With this in mind, the Red Cross will: 1) educate the public and give out information from appropriate government sources about the nature and impact of the event, including prepardness measures, safety precautions,recommended actions and assistance sources, 2) provide feeding and bulk distribution support and assistance for homebound individules.

The Oconee County Chapter will stay abreast of changes and recommendations to assist the Oconee County community. We will be a source of information and help for you.

If you would like for the American Red Cross Oconee County to hold a Pandemic Flu Seminar for your organization, church, business, club, or other individuals, call 864-638-5619 to set up an appointment.