The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. In the United States, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends every spring. The type of flu people get during season is called seasonal flu.

Sometimes, a new type of flu virus may emerge to which people have no resistance. When people have no resistance to a flu, it can spread more easily from person to person around the world in a very short time, causing serious illness and death. This kind of flu is called pandemic flu.

In the 20th century, flu pandemics occurred in 1918, 1957 and 1968. The 1918 pandemic led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption and economic loss. It is estimated it killed more than 20 million people worldwide.

In a pandemic, businesses, including utility companies, stores and even hospitals may be working with a reduced work force. Classes and other non-critical social and business functions may be canceled to reduce the risk of spreading disease by limiting social contact.

The American Red Cross has created a pandemic flu education program, which is being offered nationally, as well locally. This program is designed to inform people about what they might expect should a pandemic flu occur. Information is presented on preventative measures, “disaster” planning and available resources.

The Galveston County Health District plays the lead role in conducting ongoing disease surveillance throughout the county, and provides alerts to local health providers, elected leaders, emergency management and other stakeholders.

District employees work closely with hospitals, schools, labs and other health care providers to be able to recognize if and when pandemic flu threatens our community. In the event of a pandemic flu outbreak, the health district will make recommendations regarding isolation and or quarantine.

Officials will work closely with the media to keep the public informed. They will conduct mass vaccination or mass medication dispensing clinics. They will train volunteers to help dispense medications or provide vaccinations in a mass clinic setting.

The local branch of The American Red Cross has trained presenters who are available to make presentations to local groups, organizations and churches. These presentations are free to the public.

For further information, or to schedule a pandemic flu presentation, please call me, Tom Duke, program coordinator, The American Red Cross, Galveston, 409-763-5971.

Galveston County Health District’s Pandemic Flu Plan is located at: www.gchd.org/epidemiology/0506FluResponsePlan.pdf.

Tom Duke is program coordinator of Galveston County branch of The American Red Cross.

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
409-938-2211 or 409-392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org