US:Homeland Security-Pan. Influenza Best practices & Mod

What does our Federal Government have to say about Pandemic Influenza?
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US:Homeland Security-Pan. Influenza Best practices & Mod

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Pandemic Influenza 'Best Practices and Model Protocols'

37 page Booklet, PDF format
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/P ... _Model.pdf

Forword:

The topic of pandemic Influenza planning and preparation for emergency and public service organizations will always be a dynamic issue for discussion. First and foremost, this document focuses on the need for a community to plan and prepare for a pandemic outbreak today. While it is unknown when a pandemic influenza outbreak will develop in this nation, it is beneficial to realize that these best practices and model protocols are applicable to other emerging infectious disease outbreaks (e.g., SARS, Smallpox) or an act of bioterrorism in a community. Completing planning and preparation efforts for a pandemic outbreak today, will have multiple benefits and applications in a community tomorrow.


Excerpts:

Page 7:
:arrow: The population may be directed to remain in their homes under self-quarantine for up to 90 days per wave of the outbreak to support social distancing.”

Page 9:
:arrow: Provide education to the general public prior to a pandemic influenza outbreak.
  • Considerations:
    • * The community must be aware of how a pandemic may affect their lives through the
      effects of the illness, disruption of public and private services, and be given an explanation of
      the community's contingency plans such as establishing vaccination centers, social distancing,
      and quarantine.
      * Promote citizen development of home "flu-kits", consisting of extra consumables, PPE,
      over the counter medications to relieve symptoms, and existing prescribed medications.
:arrow: Alert the public to the potential limitations and/or disruptions of public services during a pandemic.
  • Considerations:
    • * To avoid panic within the community, public information messaging should prepare the
      population
      for anticipated limitations in normal public services, access to healthcare facilities,
      and availability of other resources during a pandemic outbreak.
(page 9)

Page 15:
Mitigation

Mitigation efforts prevent hazards or emergencies from developing into disasters or reduce the effect of a disaster or pandemic outbreak through risk management. Mitigation actions involve lasting, often permanent, reduction of exposure to, probability of, or potential loss from hazard events. Mitigation can also involve education businesses and the public on simple measures they can take to reduce loss or injury. Without mitigating interventions, eve a less severe pandemic could result in dramatic increases in the number of hospitalizations, deaths, and would likely overwhelm a community's critical healthcare service while imposing a significant stress on the community critical infrastructure. Examples of mitigation efforts include:
  • * Providing public awareness and education
    * Identifying and protecting high-risk populations within the community ....... Continued
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