For Immediate Release:
January 4, 2007
Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
Public health experts agree that it is probably just a matter of time before the world faces another major influenza pandemic, a worldwide epidemic of a new influenza virus that could make ill and even kill a great number of people. In order to help Missourians prepare for a devastating pandemic the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has developed a free, 12-page booklet titled Preparing for Pandemic Flu: A Community Guide.
The easy-to-read booklet is designed around a three-step process to help the reader (1) learn more about pandemic flu, (2) plan for when a pandemic strikes, and to (3) help protect against getting and/or spreading the pandemic flu virus. Included in the Community Guide are practical tips for creating family response plans, and helpful lists for developing emergency supplies of food, water, and other necessities in case a pandemic forces people to stay at home for several days. Also included is information specifically for people with special needs and their caregivers, as well as a description of the differences between seasonal flu, pandemic flu, and avian flu.
“When the next flu pandemic strikes, everyone including individuals, families, and entire communities will have to work together to get through it and minimize its impact on our lives. If Missourians will do all we can now to plan and prepare for how we will respond to a pandemic, we all will have a much better chance of success,” said Jane Drummond, DHSS director. “Now is the time for everyone to make their plans for pandemic flu and we are pleased to offer the Community Guide so that all Missourians have the information they need to prepare.”
Drummond said the Community Guide is available to individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and to anyone interested in learning about how to plan for pandemic flu. The publication is in English, but will soon be available in Spanish, Bosnian and Braille.
There are several ways to obtain free copies of Preparing for Pandemic Flu: A Community Guide. To order directly from DHSS through the Internet, go to http://www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/PandemicInfluenza.html, click on the button in the upper left corner of the main page that says “Order Your Pandemic Influenza Community Guide Here”, and follow the ordering instructions. Orders may also be made by phone by calling 573-751-6062, or by fax at 573-751-6041. For individual copies or for small quantities, people may also contact their local public health agency.