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Programs & Services Disaster ServicesDisaster Safety TipsPandemic Flu
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Flu Safety Resources
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What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
The H1N1 influenza (or swine flu) is a new strain of the influenza virus. Its symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and the worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting... While most people who have become ill with the H1N1 virus have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths have occurred.
What is Pandemic Flu?
A global outbreak of the influenza disease (flu) that occurs when a new influenza virus appears in the human population. Because people have little or no immunity to the new strain, serious illness can occur, and the virus can spread easily and rapidly from person to person with no vaccine immediately available. In June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the flu alert to its highest level, declaring H1N1 influenza a global pandemic. According to the WHO, increasing the alert to Phase 6 signifies that this flu has spread throughout communities in multiple countries. This does not necessarily mean the virus is causing more severe illness.
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What is the Role of the American Red Cross?
Throughout its history, the American Red Cross has been deeply committed to stopping the spread of pandemic influenza and helping those whose lives have been affected by the virus. To prepare for future flu pandemics, the Red Cross provides free education to the community, helps individuals create home safety plans, and, as with any other disaster, encourages people to have an emergency supplies kit, including both food and water.
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Resources
Recommended Links
- www.pandemicprep.org – Pandemic Prep is a St. Louis-based organization committed to helping local businesses, hospitals, governments and community groups work together to plan for pandemic illnesses.
- www.flu.gov – The U.S. Government’s website about pandemic illnesses and how to prevent them.
- www.cdc.gov/swineflu – The Centers for Disease Control’s page on the topic of swine flu. Updated with current statistics on the outbreak, as well as general information about the disease.
- www.who.int/ - The World Health Organization is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. Their website features the latest on the outbreak worldwide.
- http://newsroom.redcross.org/ - The American Red Cross Disaster Online Newsroom, updated daily, provides disaster alerts, preparedness tips, and response updates from disaster operations, including the latest on the H1N1 outbreak.
What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
The H1N1 influenza (or swine flu) is a new strain of the influenza virus. Its symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and the worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting... While most people who have become ill with the H1N1 virus have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths have occurred.
What is Pandemic Flu?
A global outbreak of the influenza disease (flu) that occurs when a new influenza virus appears in the human population. Because people have little or no immunity to the new strain, serious illness can occur, and the virus can spread easily and rapidly from person to person with no vaccine immediately available. In June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the flu alert to its highest level, declaring H1N1 influenza a global pandemic. According to the WHO, increasing the alert to Phase 6 signifies that this flu has spread throughout communities in multiple countries. This does not necessarily mean the virus is causing more severe illness.
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What is the Role of the American Red Cross?
Throughout its history, the American Red Cross has been deeply committed to stopping the spread of pandemic influenza and helping those whose lives have been affected by the virus. To prepare for future flu pandemics, the Red Cross provides free education to the community, helps individuals create home safety plans, and, as with any other disaster, encourages people to have an emergency supplies kit, including both food and water.
|
Resources
Recommended Links
- www.pandemicprep.org – Pandemic Prep is a St. Louis-based organization committed to helping local businesses, hospitals, governments and community groups work together to plan for pandemic illnesses.
- www.flu.gov – The U.S. Government’s website about pandemic illnesses and how to prevent them.
- www.cdc.gov/swineflu – The Centers for Disease Control’s page on the topic of swine flu. Updated with current statistics on the outbreak, as well as general information about the disease.
- www.who.int/ - The World Health Organization is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. Their website features the latest on the outbreak worldwide.
- http://newsroom.redcross.org/ - The American Red Cross Disaster Online Newsroom, updated daily, provides disaster alerts, preparedness tips, and response updates from disaster operations, including the latest on the H1N1 outbreak.
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Pandemic Flu: H1N1 in the News
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