Greetings:
We’ve been hearing a lot about pandemic flu lately. Pandemic flu is a global
outbreak of a new flu virus that's so different from previous strains that few, if any
people will have immunity. Some people call it the “killer flu” and
stories about it are flooding the airwaves and the newspapers. Scientists are sounding the
alarm… it’s inevitable and it’s coming. But when? That’s the x-factor,
“when”, and we don’t know. It could be next year or years from now. History
tells us when pandemic flu strikes, it takes many lives with it. The 1918 pandemic flu
killed almost 700,000 people in the U.S. alone…that’s why planning now could
help save lives later.Here’s what we know:
- There is no pandemic flu in the U.S. or the world right now.
- Health officials believe a flu pandemic is likely.
- There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
- Pandemic flu is not like seasonal flu.
- Pandemic flu could potentially kill millions of people and make millions more sick
worldwide.
- We’re worried about bird flu in Southeast Asia, Europe and now Africa;
it’s spreading fast, making people very sick and many have died.
The threat of pandemic flu is real. This is something that would affect
your family, your community and your business. The Nebraska Health and Human Services
System has been planning for pandemic flu for years and we have a state pandemic flu plan in place. It’s posted on this
site and you’re welcome to take a look, and we’d like to hear your feedback. The
state is also working with local health departments and helping them develop their own
plans.
However, this isn’t only a government effort; it’s a community
effort and a personal effort. Everyone needs to take part in preparedness planning. If
pandemic flu comes to Nebraska, if there’s vaccine, there won’t be enough for
everyone. |
Dr. Joann Schaefer
Chief Medical Officer
Pandemic Flu -
What You Need to Know
Download or Order
this brochure
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We’re
increasing our supplies of medicine that may help lessen the severity of a pandemic flu,
but once again, there won’t be enough to go around so it’s important for people
and families to take their own precautions… good hygiene is key and so is keeping
extra supplies at home. You’ll find preparedness checklists
on this site.
Pandemic flu is scary, but we do have dedicated people throughout the state who are
willing to put their lives on the line to help slow the spread of this deadly disease if
it hits the heartland. So let’s all come together and do our part and plan for
pandemic flu. Plan for the worst, hope for the best and see what Mother Nature hands us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Schaefer
Contact:
If you have bird flu or pandemic flu questions or would like additional information, email
birdflu@dhhs.ne.gov or call the DHHS Disease
Surveillance area at 471-2937.
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