Pandemic Influenza

A pandemic is a global outbreak of a new flu virus that is so different from any previous strain that few, if any, people will have immunity. Recently there have been numerous discussions about pandemic influenza. Such a pandemic has not become a reality in the United States, but scientists tell us there is no doubt it will happen. We simply don't know if it will be this year or several years from now. Pandemic flu occurred three times in the last century, and in 1918-1919, there was significant loss of life. In the face of numerous unknowns, it is possible for people to become anxious and fearful. Some good ways to avoid such feelings are to know the facts and to be prepared. The links on this page will provide you with factual information about preparing for pandemic influenza.


Links

Faith-Based Organizations and Pandemic Preparedness

Congregational Preparation for Pandemic Influenza

Preparation for Pandemic Influenza in Communities of Faith

Nebraska Behavioral Health Situation Manual - Avian Influenza (July 2006):
This situation manual is designed to test the organized behavioral health response to disaster via a formal tabletop exercise and includes a hypothetical situation in which avian influenza has been detected in poultry. The manual was used by Nebraska in July 2006 to test regional behavioral health plans in coordination with regional disaster chaplains, local public health districts, and the State Department of Agriculture.

Citizen Voices on Pandemic Flu Choices:
A report of the Public Engagement Pilot Project on Pandemic Influenza.
http://ppc.unl.edu/publications/documents/PEPPPI_FINALREPORT_DEC_2005.pdf

Resources for Congregations in Preparing for Pandemic Influenza
http://www.alegent.com/documents/virtual_patient_pdfs.html

Nebraska Health & Human Services Pandemic Brochure
http://www.hhss.ne.gov/pandemic/brochure.htm

The Center for Biopreparedness Education
http://www.bioprepare.org


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov


A federal web site about response plans for flu outbreaks.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/


The World Health Organization web site.
http://www.who.int

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