Pandemic Influenza

Introduction

If you pay attention to media of any kind, you've surely learned something about avian influenza ("bird flu") and preparations for the possibility of a pandemic flu. Government websites, newspapers, morning and evening news shows, scientific journals, even TV drama reflect a growing awareness and concern about the spread of avian influenza among birds and the potential threat to people.

No one knows whether the current epidemic of avian flu (H5N1) will develop into a human flu pandemic, or under what circumstances. However, history does teach us that we should expect a global flu pandemic at some point and must prepare for it. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a pandemic flu plan, as do the New York State and Tompkins County Health Departments. Communities, health services organizations, educational institutions, and businesses across the country are engaged in planning that will enable them to protect and care for individuals, anticipate and respond to community needs, and deliver essential services.

Cornell University is developing comprehensive plans for protecting the safety and well-being of our students, staff and faculty. A "Pandemic Flu Working Group" is providing overall guidance, engaging departments across campus in the development of specific plans for the protection of this community. In addition, Cornell experts are providing vital resources to much broader communities through their research and resources. (The Resources page features a variety of Cornell University links.)

Critical to our preparations for and effective response in any emergency, and certainly this one, is having a well-informed, well-prepared community. We hope the members of the Cornell community will use these resources to learn about avian and pandemic flu, develop individual and community emergency plans, and participate in the planning that will help us take care of one another in such a crisis, whenever it strikes.

Facts about flu (avian, pandemic, and seasonal)

• Flu terms defined
• Frequently asked questions about avian and pandemic flu

Travel to and from areas affected by avian influenza

• Information for Cornell travelers
• Information for visitors to Cornell from countries affected by avian influenza
• U.S. Government information

Cornell pandemic preparedness

• Cornell's Pandemic Flu Working Group
• Planning assumptions
• Individual and family planning

Resources

• National and International Resources
• Cornell University Resources
• Higher Education Resources
• Individual and Family Emergency Preparedness

A bit of perspective

Infection of humans by avian influenza is still extremely rare. The international public health community is remarkably united in its efforts to monitor the situation, provide early intervention to people at risk of infection, and collaborate on prevention and research. The SARS epidemic taught us that education, caution, vigilance, and cooperation are critical components to disease control and anxiety management in the face of an evolving epidemic. Health care providers and travelers to and from areas reporting avian influenza are being asked to be on the alert for unusual presentations of respiratory infection.

But remember: upper respiratory symptoms are common in Ithaca, especially at certain times of year. The vast majority of these symptoms are related to allergies, colds, flu, and other known viruses and bacteria. Please call Gannett or your primary care provider if you have concerns about your health. To reduce your risk of infection with the flu viruses we have good reason to expect in our neighborhood this year, wash your hands (carefully and often!) and get a flu shot.