The threat of an influenza pandemic is real and affects all Americans.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other leading public health experts all agree that it is not a question of if a pandemic will occur, but when it will occur.
Unlike seasonal flu outbreaks, an influenza pandemic occurs when a new flu virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine.A pandemic is a global disease outbreak that strikes suddenly and can sweep across the country and around the world in a very short time.
And, there is no doubt that a major pandemic will impact businesses and the economy; or that employee preparedness will be critical for ongoing business operations.Preparation now, in advance of a pandemic, can help reduce the impact of pandemic flu to both individuals and communities.
The fact is government alone can’t prepare the nation for pandemic flu; this challenge requires your help.There is a part for everyone in preparing for a flu pandemic—from stockpiling necessities to adopting good public health habits to communicating with workers, family members, and friends.Every business, every county, every school, every church, and every household needs to take steps to prepare.
Research tells us that people look to their employers and workplace family for guidance.As business leaders, you have a powerful role to play in encouraging your employees and colleagues to prepare now.
Flu Pandemics Are Unique
Unlike hurricanes and other natural disasters that strike in one place and command national attention and resources, flu pandemics don’t strike just one area.They strike everywhere.Over a period of several months, virtually everyone will be touched as the pandemic emerges in one community after another.Areas hit first cannot depend on relief from elsewhere because the entire country will be affected.
While we can’t be certain the H5N1 virus, currently a disease of birds in Asia, Europe and Africa, will spark a pandemic, we can be sure that pandemics will happen.They have happened in the past, and they will happen in the future.
The most severe of the past century’s pandemics, the 1918-1919 flu pandemic, overwhelmed the United States and caused the deaths of about 675,000 Americans.If a flu pandemic of similar severity occurred today, 90 million Americans could become ill, and nearly 2 million Americans might die.
Take the Lead
HHS and CDC recently launched a national campaign called “Take the Lead – Working Together to Prepare Now.”The campaign encourages local leaders from the business, faith-based, community, and health care sectors to spread the word about the threat of a pandemic influenza and the critical need for individual preparedness.The campaign provides information, tools, and support to help people across the country take steps to prepare.
