1. HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES Division of Public Health
DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
Division of Public Health
October 12, 2006

2. Outline
In Wisconsin, what can we expect in the next influenza pandemic?
How can your business prepare?

3. IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGY
EPIDEMIC:
Disease or condition with activity above what is typically seen in a given geographic area.
Ex. Annual Influenza activity in Northern Hemisphere
PANDEMIC:
Disease activity in a large geographic area (worldwide?), usually for longer periods of time
Ex. HIV, Obesity(?)
Because of the duration of the epidemic, the severity of the illness and the fact that it will simultaneously affect a very large geo graphic area, perhaps worldwide.. Current emergency plans must be updated.
An influenza pandemic is indeed unlike any other public health emergency or disaster
This slide the shows the magnitude of illness associated with the 2918 Spanish Flu pandemic
By preparing for an emergency of this magnitude we hope to avoid this scene from occurring again.

4. WHAT IS INFLUENZA? A respiratory disease caused by influenza virus.
Abrupt onset of fever, cough, sore throat, chills, body aches.
Not typically associated with vomiting or diarrhea.
Typical incubation period 1–5 days (usually 1-3).

5. Pandemic Influenza
“An influenza pandemic is unlike any other public health emergency or disaster”
Because of the duration of the epidemic, the severity of the illness and the fact that it will simultaneously affect a very large geo graphic area, perhaps worldwide.. Current emergency plans must be updated.
An influenza pandemic is indeed unlike any other public health emergency or disaster
This slide the shows the magnitude of illness associated with the 2918 Spanish Flu pandemic
By preparing for an emergency of this magnitude we hope to avoid this scene from occurring again.

6. SEASONAL VERSUS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
Seasonal Influenza
Pandemic Influenza
Begins
November/December
At any time of the year
Peaks
Late January/early February
Not known
Duration
4-5 months
2 years or more
At Risk
Elderly, chronic illness, infants
Everyone
Vaccine
Annual vaccine available in October
Not available for 6-8 months after a pandemic begins
Reproduction
(Spreadability)
1.5 to 2 additional cases
2.5 to 3+ additional cases
Seasonal versus pandemic influenza
Seasonal usually begins in November December
In WI currently in the early stages of annual seasonal epidemic
widespread activity usually lasts 4-6 weeks
we have not seen widespread activity in Wisconsin this year
Pandemic
Can begin at anytime thus the need for year round surveillance
unknown when it will peak locally or in the state
widespread activity will be prolonged and could last for many months

7. 1999
1997
2000
2001
1998

8. 1999
1997
2000
2001
1998

9. INFLUENZA: SEASONAL IMPACT ~5%-20% Infected 270,000-1.1 million
WISCONSIN Population ~5.4 million
Outpatient Care
120, ,000
~5%-20% Infected 270, million
Deaths ~
Hospitalized
3,500-7,000

10. INFLUENZA: PANDEMIC IMPACT
WISCONSIN Population ~5.4 million
Outpatient Care
1.4 million
~35% Infected
1.9 million
Deaths
~8500
Hospitalized
27,500

11. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT IN THE NEXT PANDEMIC?
Absenteeism ( up to 30-40%)
Employee illness & family members
Death
Fear
Shortages of materials
Possible closures (hopefully short term)
Financial Issues

12. PUBLIC HEALTH INFECTION CONTROL STRATEGIES
Personal Hygiene
Hand washing
Respiratory etiquette
Stay home when sick
Social distancing and limiting access
Public gatherings and events cancelled
Public places closed
Restricted or suspended travel
Isolation/Quarantine

13. HOW CAN YOUR BUSINESS PREPARE FOR A PANDEMIC?
Education of
employees
Communicating with
employees during
a pandemic

14. HOW CAN YOUR BUSINESS PREPARE FOR A PANDEMIC?
Plan to keep operating with only 60% staff
Don’t plan to close!!

15. BUSINESS PLANNING Plan how to keep operating with only 60% staff
Establish policies for flexible worksite (e.g. telecommuting)
Flexible work hours (e.g. staggered shifts).
Retraining or cross-training
Reduce or combine services

16. BUSINESS PLANNING Communicating with employees during a pandemic
Plan for communicating with vendors, suppliers, and customers inside and outside the worksite

17. BUSINESS PLANNING Communicating with employees during a pandemic
Anticipate employee fear and anxiety, rumors and misinformation

18. WHAT WE DON’T KNOW…
We do not know when the next pandemic it will occur
We do not know how severe the next pandemic will be
The success of any preparation will depend on the cooperation of the public!!

19. WHAT WE KNOW…..
An influenza pandemic is likely to occur at some time in our life
An influenza pandemic will result in increased illness and increased deaths
Need to prepare for increased absenteeism
Need to prepare now for what we know will occur and be prepared to make intelligent decisions when faced with the unexpected!!
The success of any preparation will depend on the cooperation of the public!!

20. INFLUENZA PANDEMIC RESOURCES
Official U.S. Government Web site on pandemic influenza and avian influenza
Centers for Disease Control Pandemic Influenza Info.

21. Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist Wisconsin Division of Public Health
Thomas Haupt M.S.
Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist
Wisconsin Division of Public Health