19. Phases of a Pandemic Adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services Interpandemic Pandemic Alert Pandemic Phase I Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5 Phase 6 Mitigation and Preparedness Response We are Here I I
Notes: Each winter, seasonal flu hospitalizes more than 200,000 and costs the U.S. economy over $10 billion in lost productivity and direct medical expenses. References: 2, 5
Notes: The difference in deaths between the pandemics largely relates to the severity of infections and the virulence of the influenza viruses that caused the pandemics. In each pandemic, about 30% of the U.S. population developed illness, with about half of these seeking medical care. References: 12, 19
Note to presenters: update the data from the link on slide 7 or go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. Symptoms for 2009 novel H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough FOR COMPARISON: Characteristics and Symptoms of Seasonal Influenza: abrupt onset fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, dry cough, upper respiratory congestion, sore throat time from exposure to onset: 1-4 days adults are infectious from 1-5 days after onset children are infectious much longer: + 10 days usual recovery time: 3-7 days cough and weakness/aches: up to 2-3 weeks Characteristics and Symptoms of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza : primarily in children and young adults/high fever and cough/lower respiratory tract symptoms/shortness of breath development of viral pneumonia/diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting frequently reported/in many cases, death follows quickly after signs & symptoms noticed
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Notes: Planning should be done and completed before the WHO pandemic status changes from 3 – 4. Reference: 18
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N95 (or higher filtering efficiency) filtering facepiece respirators are disposable are NIOSH-certified as effective at removing 95% of the most penetrating size of small particulates (0.3 µm) from the air. Most NIOSH-certified filtering facepiece respirators have 2 straps; one to be placed at or near the crown of the head and the other around the neck. However, there are a few NIOSH-certified respirators that have one strap as shown in the bottom photo.
Notes: Vaccines are usually given as a preventive measure. Viral vaccines are made from either killed viruses or weakened versions of the live virus that stimulate an immune response to the virus. References: 19
Notes: The annual flu vaccination can help prevent false alarms and can reduce the potential for gene swapping. References: 7
Notes: Currently, there are only 2 influenza vaccine production facilities in the U.S. Many experts suggest that two doses of the vaccine per person would be needed to assure immunity. Sanofi Pasteur and MedImmune have influenza vaccine production facilities in the United States, although only Sanofi Pasteur's entire production process is based in this country. References: 19
Notes: Tamiflu is made by Roche, Relenza is made by GlaxoSmithKline. Relenza is a powder that is inhaled twice a day for five days from a breath-activated plastic device called a Diskhaler. Tamiflu dosage is two capsules a day for 10 days. Tamiflu has been approved to treat flu infection in adults and children 1 year old and older, and it can also be used to prevent flu in people who have been exposed to it. Standard prophylactic dosage is 75 mg once daily for patients aged 13 and older, which has been shown to be safe and effective for up to six weeks. (Roche, 2005) Relenza can treat influenza A and B in children and adults age 7 years and older - not recommended for people who have chronic lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Relenza is approved for preventive use, to decrease the risk of developing influenza illness, for persons aged 5 and older. For preventive use to reduce the risk of getting influenza, Relenza is inhaled once daily for 10 to 28 days as prescribed by a healthcare provider. One regiment of Tamiflu costs approximately $77 and Relenza costs $63. References: 7,8,15
Notes: Particulate respirators will provide better protection than surgical masks against droplets expelled during sneezing and coughing. Could be used in close contact with infected individual (up to 6 ft). Use should be voluntary and persons must comply with Appendix D of OSHA’s respiratory standard. Anti-bacterial soaps cannot be used in place of sanitizing gel.
Notes: The best strategy to reduce the risk of exposure is to avoid crowded settings and other situations that increase the risk of exposure to someone who may be infected,. References: 13
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Notes: Eye protection generally is not recommended to prevent influenza infection. If an employee does wear gloves, they should always wash their hands with soap or sanitizing solution immediately after removal. References: 13
Notes: Hand-shaking should be avoided References: 13
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Notes: FTE – Full time equivalent References: 17
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Notes: Some employers will have individual risk factors like immuno-supressed individuals or pregnant employees to address. Develop a sick policy that does not penalize sick employees thereby encouraging employees who have influenza-related symptoms to stay home Reference: 13
Notes: Circumstances could include caring for family members who are ill, for a dependent child whose school has closed, or disruption of transportation services to work.
Even though the first influenza pandemic of the 21 st century has begun and the first wave is rather mild in severity, we don’t know whether or not the virus will cause more serious illness in the future. Everyone around the world is at risk. An influenza pandemic could have a major effect on the global economy, including travel, trade, tourism, food, consumption and eventually, investment and financial markets. Even though a pandemic has begun, planning immediately for the next possible wave by business and industry is essential to minimize a pandemic's impact! This presentation was designed to give you the information necessary to help you plan for pandemic influenza.
Notes: It is recommended that employers train 3 or more employees to be able to sustain business-related functions. References: 2,13
Notes: Communicate the availability of medical screening or other employee health resources (employee wellness program to check for flu=like symptoms before employees report to work) References: 2, 13
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Notes: Work with your insurance companies and state and local health agencies to provide information to employees about medical care in the advent of a pandemic. References: 2,13