| DESIGNATE A PANDEMIC FLU COORDINATOR
On May 17, 2009, WHO (World Health Organization) reported the H1N1 Swine flu was
prevalent in 39 countries with 8,480 confirmed cases and 72 deaths. On June 11, 2009 the WHO
Director General announced Phase 6: "the world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza
pandemic." As of August 6, 2009, 50 reporting states and territories indicated 6,506 confirmed
cases and 436 deaths in the United States. Usually the influenza season begins the end of
September or in early October. We are off to a significant and challenging start.
A major source of information is available at www.CDC.gov. I have copied a representative
listing under General Information for your review.
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): General Information
H1N1 Flu & You - What is novel H1N1 flu? Updated August 5, 2009
What To Do if You Get Flu-Like Symptoms Updated August 5, 2009
Antiviral Drugs
Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home Updated August 5, 2009
Novel H1N1 Vaccine: Q & A Updated Aug 3, 2009
Facemask & Respirator Use Updated August 5, 2009
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Medical Products and Devices
Audio & Video Resources - Podcasts, public service announcements, press briefings, and
webcasts
Social Media - Widgets, mobile info, buttons, videos, podcasts, e-cards, RSS feeds,
twitter/microblogs updates, image sharing, social networking
Flyers & Other Print Materials
This source should enable the Pandemic Flu Coordinator to review and prepare an instruction
sheet based upon the wealth of material available from CDC for the staff (and as a critical
element in your Off-the-Job Safety Program).
The section on Travelers' Health provides information that can be incorporated in a protocol for
the hotel and its management of guests ill with the Novel H1N1 flu. Clinics are mentioned in a
reference for a traveler to check with a local clinic concerning Inoculations and vaccines that
might be required when traveling in various parts of the world. It also is a reminder for the flu
coordinator to develop a complete list of clinics and hospitals serving the community in which
the property is located. |
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Designate a Pandemic Flu Coordinator