UW-Whitewater Pandemic Flu Information

Following is the text of the 2008 4th-quarter pandemic alert system COMMUNICATION TEST MESSAGE sent to UW institutions by Lt. Michael Newton, UW-Madison Police Department. PLEASE NOTE: YOU NEED NOT RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE IN ANY WAY.:

I’m writing to you today to ask for your help in reducing the spread of seasonal influenza or flu and to remind you of the communications procedures that Wisconsin’s state government will use to provide information to state employees during an influenza pandemic.

SEASONAL INFLUENZA INFORMATION

Seasonal influenza has now begun in Wisconsin and normally lasts at least through late April. On average, about 5% to 20% of the population will get the seasonal flu.

The single best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Flu activity typically does not reach its peak until January or February so it is not too late to get the shot. There are several other simple steps you can take to limit the spread of the seasonal flu: wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, cover your cough, get adequate sleep, exercise, and eat a balanced diet.

As basic as these steps appear, these measures represent concrete actions that you can take to reduce transmission of seasonal flu. Ask and encourage your family members to follow these steps to reduce the likelihood that they will get the seasonal flu or give it to others. For more information about seasonal flu go the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Internet page at http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/influenza/index.htm.

Flu viruses are constantly changing so it’s typical for new, but related strains of seasonal flu viruses to appear each year.
PANDEMIC INFLUENZA INFORMATION
An influenza pandemic occurs when a totally new or novel flu virus emerges and starts spreading as easily as normal flu – by coughing and sneezing. Because the virus is new, people have no immunity. This means that many more people will likely become ill with pandemic flu and may be sicker than with normal flu.
The United States Government has encouraged states to prepare pandemic continuity plans, provide employees with information about pandemic flu and the steps the state is taking in anticipation of a potential pandemic. Read the rest of this entry »

Following is the text of the 2008 2nd quarter pandemic alert drill sent out to UW institutions by Lt. Michael Newton, UW-Madison Police Department:

Recent guidance issued by the United States Department of Health and Human Services encourages states to provide employees with information about pandemic flu and steps the state is taking in anticipation of a potential pandemic.  In accordance with this guidance, we provide the following information.

The State of Wisconsin has developed Continuity of Operations (COOP) pandemic plans to protect the health of state employees and maintain operations during a pandemic.  One important component of these plans is identifying ways of communicating with employees in the event of a pandemic.  Wisconsin has identified e-mail as one method of communication.

If health officials determine that a pandemic could break out in the near future in the United States, you will receive an e-mail message stating that your agency has entered an “alert period.”  This period will be an opportunity for agencies to finalize, update and test their COOP pandemic plans.   If a pandemic actually begins, you will receive a similar e-mail message stating that your agency has entered an “action period.”  During this time, agencies will activate their COOP pandemic plans and inform employees of protective steps they should take.  Such steps may include avoiding close physical contact with others and infection control measures such as staying home when ill, covering a cough and washing hands frequently.   During the course of a pandemic, employees may receive additional e-mail messages providing updates and further guidance.

The purpose of this message is to inform you of one communication tool the state and university will use in the event of a pandemic.  Additional back-up communications tools are also being put in place, and you will be advised of those as necessary.  This message is also being sent as part of a state-wide drill to test the e-mail communication process.  You need not respond to this message in any way.

More information about pandemic influenza and steps you and your family can take to be prepared can be found at http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/.

Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak caused by a new influenza virus.
• The virus may spread easily, possibly causing serious illness and death.
• Because so many people are at risk, serious consequences are possible.
• Historically, pandemic influenza has caused widespread harm.

Scientists are confident that an outbreak of pandemic influenza will occur again.
• There have been three influenza pandemics in the last century, including an outbreak in 1918 that killed tens of millions of people worldwide.
• Scientists are uncertain when a new pandemic will occur and how severe it may be.
• Influenza viruses are always changing: new influenza viruses emerge or old ones re-emerge that can spread easily.

Preparing now can limit the effects of pandemic influenza.
• The World Health Organization, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and countries throughout the world are building on existing disease outbreak plans, including those developed for SARS.
• A coordinated international effort is underway to develop vaccines and improve the detection and tracking of influenza viruses.
• Individuals should stay informed about pandemic influenza and prepare as they would for any emergency.

(Source: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/news/pre_event_maps.pdf)