This is not
   flu as usual . . .

What is pandemic influenza?
Pandemic influenza happens when a new type of flu virus affects people all over the world.  The virus would spread easily from person to person, possibly causing serious illness and death.  Pandemic influenza would caused by a virus that is new to people, it can happen any time of the year, and it will affect many more people than seasonal flu.

 

Could it really affect me?
 Pandemic influenza is much more serious than seasonal influenza, and has occurred 3 times in the last 100 years.  Experts believe a worldwide outbreak will happen again and affect many individuals.  It is difficult to predict when the next pandemic will occur or how bad it will be, but everyone will be at risk for getting sick.  When it does happen it will change our everyday lives.  These changes may include:

  • Learn how to protect your family during an influenza pandemic
     

  • Participate in a practice clinic to prepare your community for
     
  • Temporary closing of schools or cancellation of community events
  • Disruption of normal services such as electricity, water, trash pick-up
 What you can do now to
protect your family .....
     

Preparing at home
Families cope best with emergencies when they have made basic preparations ahead of time.

 Because it may be necessary to protect yourself and others from spreading the influenza virus, you may be asked to remain in your home for several days.  You can prepare now by creating a stockpile of emergency supplies that would last at least 1 week:

* Bottled water, 1 gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation

*     Ready to eat canned food, dry cereal, granola bars, canned baby food, pet food

*     Medications, soap, toilet paper, diapers

*     Flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered radio, garbage bags, manual can opener
 

 

 

 

 

 

Practice good
health habits
A pandemic influenza is a respiratory illness.  Much like seasonal or flu or colds, your first line of defense is good health habits such as:

* Cover you nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw away the tissue after use

*     Cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue

*    Wash your hands often, if you are not near soap and water used alcohol based hand sanitizer

*     If you get sick, stay home from work or school

 

For more information on pandemic influenza & how to prepare visit the websites:

www.ohiopandemicflu.gov

www.pandemicflu.gov

www.barbertonhealth.org
 

How is my
community preparing?

On Saturday, August 12, 2006 the Barberton Health District (BHD) will be holding a practice clinic to test our agency’s ability to distribute medicine in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.

This activity is being organized in cooperation with:

· Barberton Board of Education

· Barberton Citizens Hospital

· Metro Transit

· Barberton Police & Fire Departments

· Summit-Stark Ambulance Service
 

You can help!  Volunteers from our communities are needed to come to the clinic and participate as a patient.  Volunteers of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.

 Why should I participate
in the clinic?

**     Learn how to protect your family in the event of a real emergency

**     Everyone who participates will be entered to win 4 FREE Tickets to Geagua Lake!!
 

Yes, I want to be a volunteer patient at the practice clinic.

When:   Saturday, August 12, '06
                 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where:  Barberton High School
                 555 Barber Rd,
                 Barberton, OH  44203

Do I have to stay for 2 hours?
No, walk through the clinic once and you are done.  However, volunteers are welcome to go through more than once. Each time a volunteer goes through the clinic they will be entered to win a 4-pack of tickets to Geauga Lake.
Please register each volunteer on a separate form, even if they are from the same family.
 __________________________
Name:
__________________________
Street Address:
__________________________
City & Zip:
__________________________
Phone:

OR send an E-Mail to:
 JVincent@BarbertonHealth.org
Questions..? Call John
at 330.861-7183
571 W. Tuscarawas Ave.
Barberton, Ohio  44203

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