Planning for an Influenza Pandemic

 

Experts predict that a widespread influenza (flu) pandemic will happen some time over the next 30 years. A pandemic is an unusually high occurrence of an infectious disease that spreads rapidly over a large geographic area – potentially worldwide. The effects of a pandemic on everyday life could be devastating.

 

Renfrew County & District Health Unit has provided leadership in developing the Renfrew County & District Pandemic Influenza Plan. The purpose of the plan is:

 

a.      To establish procedures and identify roles and responsibilities for Renfrew County and District Health Unit staff and other stakeholders in the community for the effective management of an influenza pandemic;

b.      To set up a communication system with federal, provincial, and municipal governments and various local agencies for use during an influenza pandemic.

 

The Health Unit has been actively involved in the following activities related to preparing for an influenza pandemic:

 

a.      Identifying groups with the greatest need for antiviral medication and vaccine;

b.      Making plans for mass immunization clinics;

c.      Educating health unit staff, key people in the community and the public about pandemic influenza;

d.      Helping staff at hospitals, long-term care facilities and municipalities to develop their own plans for dealing with an influenza pandemic;

e.      Keeping track of all reportable diseases;

f.        Deciding who will do what, when a pandemic comes;

g.      Setting up a communication system for use during a pandemic.