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Avian Flu/Pandemic Flu Attribution: Primary sources for this information are the Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Health Association [CSHEMA] and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) This site provides current information about avian (bird) flu and pandemic flu, what preparations are being made at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMA), and links to other resources. Consult this site frequently for updates on avian and pandemic influenza, travel advisories, UMA policies and other information. Avian flu is a virulent viral disease affecting poultry and other birds in Asia. It is also called "bird flu." It has caused a small number of cases of flu and even some deaths in people who have been in direct contact with infected birds. No cases of sustained human-to-human transmission have been established as of May 2006; however, scientists are concerned that the avian flu virus may mutate and become transmissible between humans. Avian flu virus has not been found in the U.S. Every year, usually between December and May, between 5% and 20% of the population in the U.S. become ill with the flu, or influenza. This is the normal course of seasonal flu with which we have become accustomed. It can cause serious illness and even death in the very young, the elderly and other individuals with impaired resistance and chronic illnesses. For this reason, everyone should get a flu shot unless your health care provider advises you otherwise. See below for more information on getting a flu shot. In 1918, 1957 and 1968 the flu season in the U.S. was especially severe, and resulted in a much higher number of illnesses and deaths. This more dangerous form is called pandemic flu. Public health experts believe that a flu pandemic is likely to occur again in the future. Scientists worry that a mutant form of avian flu, under certain circumstances, could eventually cause a flu pandemic—although this scenario may never happen. It is prudent to learn about flu prevention, get a flu shot, wash your hands often, and follow travel and public health advisories. What is the flu?
How Flu Spreads Healthy adults, infected with the virus, may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. How to prevent the flu
Get Help if you are sick If you develop symptoms of the flu, contact your health-care provider. There may be medications to relieve your symptoms. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. The flu can be debilitating, causing the person who is ill to be bedridden for extended periods. Be alert to the well being of your friends, relatives and co-workers. Those with the flu may need assistance in getting medical attention and care. If you are at special risk from complications of flu, you should consult your health care provider immediately upon recognizing flu symptoms. Those at risk include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women or children. If you Travel Internationally As of May 2006 there are no international travel restrictions as a result of avian flu. If you travel to a country where avian flu is present, avoid poultry farms and open air markets where poultry is sold. The World Health Organization (WHO), the CDC and the U.S. Department of State issue travel information, alert, warnings and announcements for public safety, personal security and health issues. Before you travel internationally please consult the sites below. WHO, CDC and State Department advisories are updated often and may differ. When they differ, UNC recommends erring on the side of caution by following the most conservative advice. If an area has a travel advisory or warning in effect, the safest decision is not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary. For more international travel health information, see:
The University of Massachusetts Amherst utilizes many different sources and references for pandemic planning. One of the most relevant documents guiding UNC's pandemic planning is: "Colleges and Universities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist." The list was developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a guideline for planning. You can review the document at: http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/collegeschecklist.html. In addition, the Department of Environment, Health and Safety compiled a comprehensive list of documents and links relevant to university pandemic planning. The list was shared with the Campus Safety Health and Environment Management Association (CSHEMA) and became the basis for a web page specifically oriented to college and university pandemic planning. This list can be accessed at: http://www.cshema.org/resource/pandemic0306.htm For More Information About Seasonal Flu and Pandemic Flu
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