THE H5N1 VIRUS: As of this writing, the avian flu virus primarily affects wild birds and domestic poultry, and only people who have worked intensively and directly with domestic poultry have fallen ill. It is hoped that this situation will remain the same. However, if the virus suddenly "jumps" from bird-to-bird transmission to people-to-people transmission, a pandemic might become a possibility.

WHY PREPARE NOW? Although the information here is specific for the H5NA virus, also called avian flu, preparation for an avian flu pandemic is exactly the same as it would be for any large scale medical event, natural disaster, or bioterrorism threat. Anything that takes place on a large scale and lasts a long time could be enough to disrupt normal routines for many weeks. The larger the geographic impact, the longer you may need to be able to manage on your own. Therefore, this information is not only useful for the specific information it contains about avian flu, but for the general, commonsense precautions, reference lists, and preparation plans that anyone should have on hand when faced with a large-scale emergency.

WHAT IS A FLU PANDEMIC? Influenza is a respiratory virus. People who are ill breathe out microscopic secretions that contain the virus. If those secretions are inhaled by others the virus is passed along. A pandemic occurs when a new virus becomes extremely infectious, and when immunity to that virus has not built up over time. Because immunity is lacking, these new viruses can be very dangerous, even for young healthy populations.

Like previous pandemics, the virus may come and go in waves, each of which can last for months at a time. If this happens, everyday life could be disrupted due to people in communities across the country all becoming ill at the same time.

Pandemics are inevitable, and there have been many different pandemics down through the centuries. Today, with large mobile populations and global air travel, it is easier than ever for an illness to spread quickly all over the world.

IN THE EVENT OF A FLU PANDEMIC: Well before health authorities declare that a pandemic is in progress it is important to know how to plan and what to do. Above all, it is critical to understand how to keep yourself healthy. These basic instructions are applicable for any large-scale medical emergency:

• Have a good supply of food and other necessities at home (see Supply List);

• Limit the spread of germs and prevent infection by washing hands frequently with soap and water. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues;

• If you are sick, stay away from others. If others are sick, stay away from them;

• If you must go out in public when illness rates are high protect yourself by wearing an N95 mask with an "exhale" valve;

• Learn to keep your hands away from your eyes, your nose, and your mouth. Even at home, these are the prime "doors" through which germs can enter. Use hand sanitizers and/or gloves when you are out in public.

HOW DOES AVIAN FLU "FEEL?" All influenza manifests itself pretty much the same way: Fever, general aches and pains, cough, loss of appetite, perhaps abdominal pain. Avian flu is more severe, has serious complications, and the body has less resistance to it.

IS IT SAFE TO EAT POULTRY? Cooked to proper temperature, it is safe to eat pre-packaged poultry.

ARE THERE DRUGS I CAN TAKE? Research is in progress, but no drugs or vaccines currently exist to cure or prevent avian flu, and it is unlikely that antivirals alone could contain the spread of a pandemic influenza. Some antiviral drugs are approved to treat the symptoms of seasonal flu, and may help with symptoms of avian flu.

HOPEWELL VALLEY: In the event of any catastrophic event it may be necessary for people to shelter and work from home, abide by imposed quarantines or other special ordinances, and wait for communication about resource and action plans from state and federal authorities. Because help may not be immediately available, being prepared ahead of time is the key. Your Health Department, along with emergency service providers, is dedicated to providing accurate up-to-date information so that residents can be prepared for any eventuality.

PLANNING & PREPARING: In any kind of national or regional emergency there will be many challenges. Understanding these challenges and preparing for them ahead of time will help you survive and cope:

• Plan for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could be services provided by hospitals, doctors offices, banks, stores, restaurants, government buildings, and post offices.

• Consider how to care for those family, friends, and neighbors who are homebound or who have special needs, in case the services they rely on are unavailable.

• Do not count on federal, state, or local community services to help you right away. Be educated and prepared to survive on your own for a period of time.

• Compile an easy-to-locate file containing your family's important medical information, a list of prescription medications, and emergency contact information.

• Prepare backup plans in case public gatherings such as volunteer meetings and worship services are canceled.

SUPPLY LIST(ENOUGH FOR 2-3 WEEKS):

Food and Nonperishable Items:
ready-to-eat canned meats and fish
canned fruits, vegetables, and soups
protein or fruit bars
dry cereal and/or granola
peanut butter and/or nuts
dried fruit, rice, beans
crackers, cookies, protein biscuits
canned juices, bottled water
jarred baby foods & baby formula
pet food, pet supplies, pet meds

Medical and Practical Items:
month's supply of prescription drugs
glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
soap and/or alcohol-based hand wash
ibuprofen or acetaminophen
thermometer
OTC anti-diarrheal medications
vitamins
fluids with electrolytes
antibacterial cleansing agent/soap, wipes
flashlight, batteries
portable radio, cell phone
manual can opener
plastic garbage bags
tissues, paper towels, toilet paper
disposable diapers if needed
N95 face masks with exhale valves

Other:
cash and/or travelers checks
keep car gas tanks full

LOCAL RESOURCES

Hopewell Township Health Department 737-0120

NJ Office of Emergency Management 609-882-2000

NJ Dept. of Health & Senior Services 292-7837

WNJT Radio 88.1 FM

Poison Control Center 800-222-1222

WEBSITES

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

http://www.state.nj.us/health/flu/pandemic.shtml

http://www.nj.gov/health/lh/lincs/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/influenza_pandemic

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2343414988689203314&q=tvshow%3ACharlie_Rose

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/country/en/

http://www.hopewelltwp.org/

http://www.state.nj.us/njoem

http://www.state.nj.us/health

For further information and your copy of "Ready Together New Jersey: A Public Guide to Emergency Planning", stop by the Hopewell Township Health Department during normal business hours. We are located on the lower level of the Township Municipal Building at 201 Washington Crossing Pennington Road in Titusville.

This information will be updated and revised as needed

4/06.

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