Planning and Response Questions

While there is no way to know when, or even if, the H5N1 virus will form a variant capable of widespread human-to-human transmission, pandemics are inevitable. Federal government efforts are designed to advance our nation's preparedness to minimize the impact of the next pandemic when it comes.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about pandemic planning and response by following the links below.

Basic Information

• What is the Government doing now to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak?
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• What strategies will help protect Americans?
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• How would pandemic flu affect communities and businesses?

Community Mitigation -- New Section!

• What is community mitigation for a flu pandemic?
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• What are non-pharmaceutical interventions as part of a community mitigation?
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• What community mitigation actions would health officials recommend to help limit the spread of pandemic flu?

How will faith-based and community-based organizations ...

• ... help with child care?
• ... help people communicate during a pandemic?
• ... help people to keep healthy during a pandemic?
• ... provide spiritual and emotional support during a pandemic?
• ... assist people who rely on public, community, or congregational support?
• ... assist people who are vulnerable because of a disability?

Other related Community Services Planning questions:

• How are partnerships a vital part of community mitigation efforts?
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• What will be the role of Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations (FBCOs) in helping their communities during an influenza pandemic?
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• How will Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations’ (FBCOs) work environments need to change during an influenza pandemic?
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• How can Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations’ (FBCOs) facilities be useful during an influenza pandemic?
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• What is a good example of Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations (FBCOs) and a Pandemic Influenza Exercise?
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• Where can Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations (FBCOs) find additional information?

Federal Planning and Response Roles

• What is the role of the Defense Department in dealing with avian influenza?
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• Which bureaus in the Department of the Interior (DOI) have roles in efforts related to avian influenza?
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• What is the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) responsibility in investigating and handling avian influenza issues?
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• What is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s role in granting permits for research and control activities, and for sampling for the virus in wild birds?
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• What are EPA roles in a pandemic?
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• What are the EPA roles in poultry facility and equipment decontamination?
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• Is EPA working with other government agencies to address pandemic issues?
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• What Federal agencies have a role in poultry carcass disposal?