Preparing for Pandemic Influenza Public Health - Seattle & King County

Agenda n Overview n History of Pandemics n Current Avian Influenza Outbreak n Potential Impacts of a Pandemic n Preparedness Strategies

Definitions n An epidemic - is an increase in disease above what you what would normally expect n A pandemic - is a worldwide epidemic

Why Are We Talking About Pandemic Influenza? n Pandemics are inevitable – occur throughout history at regular intervals n There will be little warning n Outbreaks will occur simultaneously in many areas – everyone is at risk

Why Are We Talking About Pandemic Influenza? n Potential for high levels of: –Sickness and Death –Disruption of critical services –Economic loss n Pandemics can disproportionately effect younger people (ages 18 – 40) n Impacts will last for weeks to months

History of Influenza Pandemics

US Deaths in Previous Pandemics n : 500, ,000 n : 70,000 n : 34,000 n Typical annual influenza season: 36,000

1918 Influenza Pandemic n Spread around the globe in months n At least million people died worldwide n Death rate 25 times higher than previous epidemics n Pandemic affected and killed younger, healthy people

Outbreak of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Asia

Outbreak of Avian Influenza A (H5N1)

Current Outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1) Across Several Continents n No sustained person-to-person transmission n Outbreak not controlled n No pre-existing immunity in humans

Outbreak of Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Human Cases Since Dec 2003: Source WHO Updated 2/20/06 CountryCasesDeaths Cambodia China Indonesia Iraq Thailand Turkey Viet Nam Total17092

Potential Impact of Pandemic Flu Locally

Potential Impacts of Pandemic Influenza in King County n 245, ,000 clinically ill n 180, ,000 outpatient medical visits n 24, ,200 people hospitalized n Up to 11,500 dead

Pandemic Impact Health Care System n Extreme staffing shortages n Shortage of beds, facility space, supplies n Hospital morgues, Medical Examiner and mortuary services overwhelmed Infrastructure n Significant disruption of transportation, public works, commerce, utilities, energy, and communications, emergency response

Pandemic Impact Government and Businesses n High absenteeism – 25%-35% of workforce affected n Challenges getting to / from worksite n Psychological impacts on workforce will be extreme n Economic losses will be extreme and long term

What about antiviral drugs and vaccine? n Antiviral agents –Effective in preventing illness –Can prevent severe complications –May not be effective against pandemic virus –Limited supply n Vaccine –Will take 6-8 months to produce –2 doses needed

Pandemic Flu Preparedness

Pandemic Flu Planning for Individuals and Families n To plan for a pandemic: Have sufficient food, water and other items to be able to remain at home for sustained periods. Don’t forget your pets! Have sufficient medication on hand – pharmacies and other health care providers will be understaffed Talk with family members about how they would be cared for if they got sick and what they would need to be cared for at home

Pandemic Flu Planning for Individuals and Families Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with an emergency Get involved!

Influenza Prevention: What Can We Do? Stay home when sick Respiratory & hand hygiene: Cover your cough Wash hands and/or use alcohol hand gel Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth Plan and Prepare

Pandemic Flu Planning for Individuals and Families n Limit the spread of germs and prevent infection: Teach children to wash hands frequently and model correct behavior Teach children to cover coughs and sneezes and model correct behavior Teach children to stay away from others if they are sick Stay home if you are sick

Pandemic Flu Planning for Individuals and Families n Examples of Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home: Ready to eat food (canned meats, soup, fruit) Protein or fruit bars Dried fruit Crackers Bottled water Baby food and formula Pet food

Pandemic Flu Planning for Individuals and Families n Examples of medical, health and emergency supplies: Prescribed medical supplies Soap and water and alcohol-based gel Medicines for fever Thermometer Anti-diarrheal medication Vitamins

Pandemic Flu Planning for Individuals and Families n Examples of supplies, cont: Fluids with electrolytes Cleansing agent/soap Flashlight and batteries Radio Manual can opener Garbage bags Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers

Pandemic Influenza “Don’t worry about it, it’s probably just a head cold.”