LEWIS ENCOURAGES CITIZENS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PANDEMIC FLU AND OTHER DISASTERS
In conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Rep. David Lewis (R-Harnett) encourages residents to educate themselves about Pandemic Flu. According to DHHS, a pandemic flu occurs when a new flu virus appears in humans, spreads easily from person-to-person, causes serious illness, and moves across the globe. Flu pandemics are caused by new flu viruses. Because they are new, humans have little or no immunity to them. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO PANDEMIC FLU. Pandemic flu differs from Seasonal Flu. Seasonal Flu is a respiratory virus that spreads person to person and is usually marked by a fever, coughing, and sneezing. People usually have some natural immunity against seasonal flu and a vaccine is available to prevent contracting this flu. North Carolina Public Health is preparing in case a pandemic flu were to develop. Public Heath helps communities detect, respond to, and recover from new diseases and natural disasters like hurricanes and ice storms. Public Health uses technology to detect unusual illnesses at hospital emergency rooms and educates health care workers to be on the alert for signs of unusual illnesses. They further prepare to distribute vaccines and antiviral medications in the event of a pandemic. According to DHHS, now is the time to prepare for a pandemic flu. Even if a pandemic flu doesnt happen, this preparation will prove useful in the event of other disasters like hurricanes and ice storms. DHHS offers the following tips in preparing for a pandemic flu: " Learn and practice respiratory etiquette. That means covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing so you dont spread germs, avoid touching your eyes or nose unless youve washed your hands and staying home while ill. " Get healthy. A healthy person is better able to deal with an infection like the flu. Now is the time to get your weight under control and be physically fit. " Keep your immunization up-to-date. Dont forget the pneumonia vaccine that is recommended for seniors and others at high-risk for flu complications. " Stock your pantry. Store a supply of food and water that has a long shelf life. Items such as canned tuna, peanut butter, powdered milk, and bottled water will help you through pandemic flu or a power outage from a winter storm. A first aid kit should also be available. " Dont wait until the last minute. Get into the habit of filling prescriptions before they run out and keep your cars gas tank at least half full. " Stay informed. Public health officials will work with the news media to reach you in the event of a pandemic flu. Rep. David Lewis said, The purpose of planning is to protect ourselves in case pandemic flu does develop and spread. Being prepared can reduce sickness and social disruption. More information on pandemic flu and preparing for emergencies can be found by visiting the DHHS website, www.ncdhhs.gov, or Rep. Lewis website, www.davidlewis.org, or by calling DHHS at (800) 662-7030.
|
