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Mid-Michigan District
Health Department has worked for many years to protect local citizens
from the common influenza virus. But the threat of a pandemic influenza
crisis presents a more complex situation. It’s a very real threat, and
something that has happened on a cyclical basis, historically. The MMDHD
Pandemic Flu Response Plan would be activated by a decision of the Health
Officer or designated members of the MMDHD Public Health Emergency
Leadership Team.
The plan includes the CDC
guidelines for large-scale influenza vaccination clinic planning, standing
orders for influenza vaccination and antivirals, influenza prevention and
control methods, fact sheets regarding antiviral medication treatment
dosages and side effects, and key facts about the flu.
Common influenza is a
wily adversary that routinely taxes the skills and resources of the public
health community. Influenza is not caused by a single organism, but by a
group of related viruses that are constantly changing. It is a contagious
respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times
can lead to death. While most healthy people recover from the flu without
complications, some people, such as older people, young children, and
people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious
complications from the flu.
An influenza pandemic is
defined as a global outbreak of influenza that occurs when a new influenza
A virus emerges among people, spreads and causes disease worldwide. Past
influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social
disruption and economic loss.
For information about the
national Pandemic Flu Plan, visit
www.pandemicflu.gov.
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