UC Berkeley Pandemic Flu Preparedness
At this time, there is no occurrence of pandemic influenza (flu)
affecting humans anywhere in the world. However, experts predict such
an occurrence at some point in the future. UC Berkeley is preparing
for this potential, as are many other college campuses, and, indeed,
the nation.
Chancellor Birgeneau has established a UC Berkeley Pandemic Flu
Preparedness Task Force, with members representing academic and administrative
areas of the campus, and University Health Services taking the leadership
role. We are fortunate to have public health and infectious disease
expertise on campus to assist in this important initiative.
This page outlines Berkeley's preparations to date, answers to frequently
asked questions (FAQs), and offers links to additional information,
including a comprehensive document on avian flu. If the status of
a potential flu pandemic should change, UC Berkeley will communicate
the University's plans to you through many venues, including this
webpage.
Contents:
UC Berkeley Preparedness Activities
Preparedness Activities To-Date
- A discussion-based table top exercise was held on March 28, 2007
to engage and prepare campus executives, management and the persons
responsible for the operational emergency response infrastructure
for the unique problems posed by the threat of pandemic influenza.
- Developed first drafts of the Department Operations Centers (DOC)
and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) influenza pandemic plan annexes.
- DOC and EOC influenza pandemic planning process began in November,
2006 with an Orientation and the first of six Planning Workshops.
- The Pandemic Flu Preparedness Task Force met for the first time
on October 3, 2006, to launch the campus-wide pandemic flu planning
process.
- Approval of an application for a national intervention trial with
the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on non-pharmacological
strategies for reducing influenza (flu) transmission.
- In August 2005, the UC Berkeley Center for Infectious Disease
Preparedness conducted a pandemic preparedness simulation.
- University Health Services has conducted several successful rapid/mass
vaccination ("flu shot") clinics.
Ongoing Preparedness Activities
- Campus health staff and infectious disease experts are working
closely with local, state, and national health authorities to monitor
the world-wide avian flu situation and potential for a flu pandemic.
- The Task Force is collaborating with local, state, and national
health officials to establish best practices before and during a
pandemic.
- University Health Services is educating faculty, staff, and students
with up-to-date printed and web-based materials (such as those available
through this webpage).
- The Task Force is working with individual campus departments to
address specific planning considerations.
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Pandemic Flu FAQ's
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What is Pandemic Flu?
Pandemic flu is a world-wide outbreak of flu in humans that occurs
when a new form of flu virus infects humans and is easily spread from
person-to-person. Because a pandemic flu virus is unique people have
no immunity (or resistance) to it.
Three prior flu pandemics occurred in the 20th century, in 1918 ("Spanish
Flu"), 1957 ("Asian Flu"), and 1968 ("Hong Kong
Flu").
Currently, there is no pandemic flu involving humans occurring anywhere
in the world but experts predict one will occur at some point in the
future and we want to be prepared.
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Why is there concern about a potential flu pandemic?
There is a current outbreak of a type of avian flu referred to as
H5N1 that has been confirmed among poultry and other birds. There
have been a small number of humans with H5N1 (cases) in Asia, the
Middle East and Africa. Most of these cases resulted from direct or
close contact with infected poultry. Spread of avian flu from person-to-person
has been very limited.
At this time, the concern is that should the avian flu virus (H5N1)
change in such a way that it will be able to spread easily from person-to-person,
a pandemic could develop.
Currently, the avian flu H5N1 virus does not spread easily from person-to-person
and there is no pandemic flu any where in the world.
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If there is a flu pandemic, how will it affect
me?
In the event of a pandemic, it is anticipated that many people will
need to stay home from work and school because they are sick or need
to care for sick family members.
In an extreme situation, authorities may try "social distancing"
and require that large events or gatherings of people (classes, sporting
events, movie theaters, etc.) be cancelled or closed to prevent the
spread of disease.
If a severe flu pandemic occurs, all business would likely be affected.
Schools and business may decide to close temporarily. Public transportation
might be limited.
If many people become sick at the same time, health-care facilities
may become overwhelmed.
Individuals, families, business and schools must all prepare for
the potential of a flu pandemic.
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How will the University communicate with the
campus community?
In the event of a flu pandemic, the University will use many venues
to communicate with the campus community, including this webpage.
Other communication strategies are being developed and will be used
(signage, hotlines, etc.) as needed.
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How will I know what to do?
If you have flu symptoms, stay home. You should not go to school
or work.
You will be able to find information about a flu pandemic, both general
and specific to UC Berkeley, here on this webpage.
Additionally, if there is a flu pandemic, this site will be updated
with contact information specifically for the emergency.
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How can I prepare for a potential flu pandemic?
Educate yourself. Review the additional online resources and check
back to this webpage for any changes at UC Berkeley.
Plan ahead. Planning and preparation can reduce the impact of any
emergency or disaster. The following websites provide information
and resources for emergency preparedness:
UC Berkeley Office
of Emergency Preparedness
U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Prepare.org
American
Red Cross Bay Area Chapter
Discuss the potential of a flu pandemic with your family and friends
so that you can stay in touch with each other (in case phone lines
get overwhelmed).
Make a plan so that dependents and pets can be looked after for several
weeks if their caregiver becomes ill.
Figure out ways to access the Internet and UC Berkeley email remotely.
Those without computer access should explore alternative ways to stay
informed. UC Berkeley will distribute information through a variety
of methods to facilitate communications.
If you take essential medications regularly, consider talking to
your health-care provider about the possibility of keeping extra supplies
or prescription mediations to use in the event of a flu pandemic.
Keep enough essential goods on hand in case supplies are limited.
- Keep two weeks of food that does not need to be refrigerated.
- Keep two weeks of water (14 gallons per person) in sealed containers
that cannot break.
- Keep some liquids to help with dehydration.
- Keep two weeks worth of ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) on
hand to help with fever and pain.
- Keep a supply of masks and plastic gloves to prevent spreading
the flu.
- Keep disinfectants and chlorine bleach on hand.
- Get a cell phone and charger.
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Will a mask protect me from pandemic flu?
At this time, it is not known with certainty that wearing a mask
will prevent someone from getting the flu.
In a flu pandemic, people who are sick should wear masks to help
protect others from the flu. People who are sick should also use masks
if they absolutely must leave their house, to help protect others.
Hospital and health care workers have a lot of exposure to people
who are very sick. They should use a special type of mask called an
N-95 respirator.
N-95 respirators only protect against the flu if they are carefully
fitted and properly used.
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What else might be done to protect people
in a flu pandemic?
Government officials could ask you to try "social distancing"
to slow the spread of the flu pandemic. You could be asked to stay
home from work or school, and to stay away from crowded places or
groups.
"Stay at home" days are meant to limit contact between
people. If schools or businesses are closed, STAY HOME and keep your
children at home.
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Will the government quarantine people
in a flu pandemic?
Quarantine and isolation are public health actions that are used
to stop or slow the spread of a contagious disease (one that spreads
easily from person-to-person) like pandemic flu. Quarantine and isolation
both keep people away from others, in homes, hospitals, or other health
care facilities.
Quarantine is for people who have been exposed to a contagious disease,
but are not sick. Sometimes people can be contagious (able to give
someone else an illness) even before they feel sick. Quarantine separates
the exposed person from other people for the amount of time that it
would take to get sick after an exposure.
Isolation is for people who are already sick and could spread the
disease.
Quarantine and isolation are usually voluntary. Most people want
to protect others from getting sick. But the government does have
the authority to make someone stay in isolation and quarantine.
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Is there a vaccine ("flu
shot") for pandemic flu?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a human vaccine
against the H5N1 influenza virus. The agency said that, should H5N1
develop the ability to spread readily from person to person: "The
vaccine may provide early limited protection in the months before
a vaccine tailored to the pandemic strain of the virus could be developed
and produced." The vaccine will be kept in a federal stockpile
and available only through public health officials; it is approved
for those 18 to 64 who are at invreased risk for H5N1 exposure. Work
is already in process on the next generation of influenza vaccines.
Individuals are encouraged to get immunized against seasonal influenza.
Clinics are held in the fall. For more information, see Flu
Shot Update.
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What medications are available for a flu pandemic?
There is no cure for the flu. Because flus are caused by viruses,
antibiotic treatment (which works against bacteria) is ineffective.
There are currently four medications (called "antivirals")
for flus: symmetrel, flumadine, tamiflu, and relenza. Antivirals may
be effective for reducing the severity and duration of the flu. They
can also be used to try and prevent the flu if someone has come in
contact with flu viruses.
However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
against using symmetrel and flumadine for flus because some flu viruses
have become resistant to these medications.
There is concern about the potential for flu viruses to become resistant
to additional antiviral medications. The use of antivirals when they
are not needed increases the chance that flu viruses will become resistant.
Antivirals should not be taken without instructions from a doctor
or other healthcare provider.
The most current information about antivirals and drug resistance
is available on the CDC's
website.
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Will there be enough antiviral medications
in the event of a flu pandemic?
In a flu pandemic, it is unlikely that there will be enough antiviral
medications for everyone to prevent people from getting the flu or
to treat everyone who does get the flu.
Federal, state, and local agencies are developing plans for obtaining,
distributing, and using antiviral medications in case of pandemic
flu. These plans are designed to keep essential services functioning
(such as water, health, police, fire, and sanitation) and make sure
the fewest number of people die from pandemic flu.
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Should I stockpile antiviral
medications in preparation for a potential flu pandemic?
No, people should not stockpile (collect) antiviral
medications.
The use of antivirals when they are not needed increases
the chance that flu viruses will become resistant. Antivirals should
not be taken without instructions from a doctor or other healthcare
provider.
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Additional Online Resources
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Other UC Berkeley Resources
- Office of Emergency Preparedness
http://oep.berkeley.edu/
Provides information on campus disaster training and simulations,
preparing for emergencies, and emergency resources.
- UCB Center for Infectious Disease Preparedness
http://www.idready.org/
Provides information on infectious disease courses available at
UC Berkeley and the Center's Pandemic Influenza Project.
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Resources for Individuals and Families
- U.S. Department of Education - Webcast
http://connectlive.com/events/ednews/
Keeping our Children Safe and Secure: Pandemic Flu and Emergency
Preparedness webcast aired on October 17, 2006. Explores how
families can prepare now for the threat of a flu pandemic. Includes
general pandemic flu information and topics for parents to consider
related to pandemic preparedness.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab3.html
The official U.S. Government site, maintained by the Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the information for individuals
and families on planning for avian flu and the potential for a flu
pandemic. Includes guides for planning, checklists, and information
sheets.
- Prepare.org
http://www.prepare.org
A website hosted by the American Red Cross to help you and your
family prepare for natural and human-caused disasters.
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World and National Resources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
The official U.S. Government site, maintained by the Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the information on planning
for avian flu and the potential for a flu pandemic. Includes guides
for planning, checklists, and information sheets.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/community_mitigation.pdf
(pdf) Guidelines developed by CDC and HHS for community stategies
to potentially help delay the spread of pandemic flu (issued February
2007).
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State and Local Resources
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Webcast
http://www.publichealthgrandrounds.unc.edu/pandemic/webcast.htm
Pandemic Flu Preparedness: What Every Community Should Know webcast
aired on September 29, 2006. Examines California's Santa Clara County
pandemic preparedness efforts to increase awareness of the local,
state, and federal response to pandemic influenza and steps communities
should take to prepare. Presented by the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill School of Public Health in collaboration with the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Contact Information
For additional information about UC Berkeley's Pandemic Flu Preparedness,
contact University Health Services at (510) 642-1814 or by email:
Pam Cameron, RNNP, Assistant Director of Clinical Services
pcameron@uhs.berkeley.edu
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Disclaimer: The information provided here is not intended to diagnose,
treat or provide a second opinion on any health problem or disease.
It is meant to support, not replace, the relationship that exists
between an individual and his/her clinician.
Last revised: April, 2007
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