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Your Public Health Working For You!
Pandemic Influenza
Pandemic influenza is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus appears for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.
Pandemics are different from seasonal flu outbreaks or "epidemics" of influenza. Seasonal outbreaks are caused by subtypes of influenza viruses that already circulate among people, whereas pandemic outbreaks are caused by new subtypes or by subtypes that have never circulated among people. Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss.
There is concern that this strain of "bird" flu could cause a pandemic - a very dangerous, worldwide outbreak of illness. That will only happens if the flu virus changes, so people can get it easily from each other - not just from birds. That hasn't happened yet - and it may never happen. But health officials believe that we will have a flu pandemic sooner or later - even if it Is caused by some other strain of the flu virus.
For more information, visit the links below.
Pandemic Influenza and Bird Flu FAQ's
Preventing the Spread of Influenza
Returning to Work after the Flu
Formula for Disinfection
It is important to clean surfaces such as counters, toilets and sinks, railings,
telephones, computer keyboards and mouse, remote controls, and other
common surface areas in your house.
Avian H5N1 Influenza Facts
What is Avian Influenza? What is the connection between avian flu and a pandemic?
Local Preparedness
What is the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department doing to prepare for the possible pandemic?
We are developing a pandemic influenza response plan that details local
strategies to combat an influenza outbreak. We have been conducting exercises with local and regional emergency response partners to test our ability to dispense vaccine and medications to Iron and Dickinson County residents. For additional detailed information, please contact the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department at 906-779-1868 or 906-265-9913
State Preparedness What is the State of State of Michigan doing to prepare for the pandemic?
Business Preparedness What can Businesses do to prepare for the pandemic?
Healthcare Provider Information
Information for Healthcare Providers is provided in this link.
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