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Pandemic Planning
Most experts agree that there is a growing and significant threat of a global pandemic, but that there is no way to predict either exactly when it might occur or the severity of the impact. As with any of the risks that we face as a country -- including natural disasters and the ongoing possibility of another terrorist attack -- it is imperative that all segments of society be prepared for such a threat. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is therefore encouraging preparedness for an influenza pandemic within the business community.
In addition to the threat that a pandemic could pose to human health world-wide, few industries will be insulated from the economic effects resulting from absenteeism in the workplace or from the downstream effects stemming from supply-chain and travel disruption.
It is important for business owners and leaders to be knowledgeable about the risks associated with the threat of an influenza pandemic and, in turn, to be adequately prepared for the possibility of a pandemic that would have significant social and economic costs.
What A Pandemic Flu Could Mean To Your Business
Each winter, the flu kills approximately 36,000-40,000 Americans, hospitalizes more than 200,000, and costs the U.S. economy over $10 billion in lost productivity and direct medical expenses. As staggering as these figures are, health experts are now warning about a far more lethal kind of flu - a pandemic flu that could kill over a half of a million people in the U.S., hospitalize 2 million more, and cost our economy an estimated $160 - $675 billion. To discover your risk click here.
Learn More
- TAMIFLU is the only prescription antiviral pill indicated to prevent and treat type A and type B influenza in patients one year and older. Learn more
- RELENZA is a medicine that can treat and prevent both influenza type A and type B in patients five years and older. Learn More
- GlaxoSmithKline's (GSK) Pandemic Readiness for Employers Program (P.R.E.P), which features two purchasing options – Relenza Preferred Pricing and Relenza Reservation – to help employers stockpile the antiviral drug in preparation for a pandemic influenza outbreak
- Relenza Press Release
- The official U.S. Government website for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza. Lean more
- Educational material and up-to-date news for employers and employees: apfluwatch.com
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AMA Podcast on Pandemic Preparation: Mike McGuire on Preparing for a Pandemic Flu Outbreak
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