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SCGov template
| Flu, Avian Flu and
West Nile Virus Preparation |
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A pandemic is
a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a
virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the
human population and the virus begins to cause serious illness
and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. Sarasota
County Emergency Serives and Health Department are taking steps
to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.
Flu
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each
fall, but good health habits and antiviral medications are other
measures that can help protect against the flu.
Good Health Habits
- Avoid
close contact with people who are sick
- If
possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you
are sick
- Cover
your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Clean
your hands
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Pandemic Flu ... Be
Prepared
If a pandemic occurs, it is likely to be a prolonged
and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes in
many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation and
other public services. An informed and prepared public can take
appropriate actions to decrease their risk during a pandemic.
Stock a supply of water and food.
- During a pandemic you may not be able to get to a store
- Public waterworks services may also be interrupted
- Stocking supplies can be useful in other types of
emergencies, such as power outages and disasters
- Store foods that are nonperishable (will keep for a long
time) and don't require refrigeration, are easy to prepare
in case you are unable to cook, require little or no water,
so you can conserve water for drinking
West Nile Virus
Fighting mosquito bites reduces your risk of
getting this disease, along with others that mosquitoes can
carry. Take the commonsense steps below to reduce your risk.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin
- Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or
another EPA-registered repellent since mosquitoes may bite
through thin clothing
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are
outdoors
- Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when you are
outdoors
- Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening
- Install or repair window and door screens
Drain sources of
standing water
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