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The Pueblo City-County Health Department emphasizes the urgency of preparing for a potential influenza pandemic, citing historical pandemics like the Spanish Flu of 1918, which resulted in millions of deaths globally and in the U.S. Understanding how pandemics spread, including avian flu (H5N1) threats, is paramount. Public health recommendations include frequent handwashing, vaccinations, social distancing, and creating family emergency plans. Stay informed and ready by practicing first aid skills, stockpiling necessary supplies, and engaging in community health efforts.
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Public Health & Preparedness Pueblo City-County Health Department
Influenza Pandemics Deadly 40 Year Cycle • Spanish Flu – 1918/1919 • Estimated 50 - 100 million deaths worldwide • Estimated 500,000 deaths in US • Asian Flu – 1957 • Estimated 4 million deaths worldwide • Hong Kong Flu – 1968 • Estimated 4 million deaths worldwide
What is Pandemic Influenza? A flu pandemic happens when: • a new flu virus appears that easily spreads from person-to-person; • and occurs around the world.
Avian Flu (H5N1) The next pandemic?
Avian Flu (H5N1)* Human Case Count(12/03/2003 – 5/29/2006) 10 Countries Affected Cases 224 Deaths 127 *No cases in North America to date
Modes of Transmission Vary • Direct contact (Mono, Ringworm) • Droplet contact (Influenza, SARS) • Airborne (TB) • Vehicle borne (Norovirus, Giardia) • Vector borne (West Nile)
Individual Precautions • Wash your hands frequently • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth • Distance yourself from someone coughing • Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing • Stay home when you are sick • Home preparedness
Population-Based Precautions • Vaccination programs if possible • Communication and Education • Isolate patients • Quarantine individuals exposed • Widespread cancellations • Social Distancing
New Term For Control Social Distancing Decrease the opportunities for transmission when current illness or previous exposure is unknown • School closures • Event cancellations • Avoid crowds and gatherings
Preparedness Planning • Local/State public health • Individuals/Families • Business/Industry • Schools • Healthcare • Community • Faith-based www.pandemicflu.gov
Take the Time… • Stay informed – watch, read, listen • Learn First Aid & CPR • Get prepared! • Stockpile Water and Food • Prepare a First Aid Kit • Plan for Medications • Create Family Emergency Plan
What You Can Do! • Prepare your home and family • Develop an Emergency Plan • Educate your friends, family, neighbors • Learn First Aid & CPR • Volunteer – Medical Reserve Corps!
Medical Reserve Corps • Founded in 2002 after President Bush’s State of the Union Address • Medical and Non-medical Volunteers Needed • Year-round Volunteer Opportunities
Contact Information Pueblo City-County Health Department (719) 583-4300 www.pueblohealthdept.org