Flu Update: State Planning Summits Begin as H5N1 Deaths Spread to Turkey

Coming State Summits
● Jan. 12 - Burlington, VT
● Jan. 12 - Charleston, WV
● Jan. 13 - Providence, RI
● Jan. 13 - Atlanta, GA
● Jan. 20 - Lexington, KY

Jan. 6, 2006 – While the war in Iraq and corruption in government grab the headlines, senior citizens, the most vulnerable to influenza, need to keep their eyes on the war against the flu, both pandemic and seasonal. HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced a new guide to help American families guard against the avian flu (pandemic) at a statewide planning session in Arizona. Yesterday, the World Health Organization confirmed two deaths from H5N1 in Turkey, the first outside of East Asia. Meanwhile, the regular flu season in the U.S. seems to be under control.

Secretary Leavitt released the guide at a Pandemic Planning Summit with Arizona officials and community leaders. This summit is the second in a series of forums that will be convened in each state over the next few months.

"Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families" is a tool to help Americans understand the threat of pandemic influenza and specific actions they can take to protect themselves and their families..

"Pandemics are global in nature, but their impact is local. When the next pandemic strikes, it is likely to touch the lives of every individual, family and community," Secretary Leavitt said. "This new guide is important reading in every household. It explains the challenges posed by a pandemic outbreak and identifies common-sense steps Americans should take in their homes now to prepare for a pandemic."

The handbook includes a "Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families" and "Family Emergency Health Information Sheet" to help people gather information and resources they may need. The checklist breaks activities into three categories: "To plan for a pandemic;" "To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection;" and "Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home." Examples of specific preparations include:

Report on Seasonal Flu in United States

Influenza Activity Reported by Centers for Disease Control

During week 51 (December 18 - December 24, 2005)*, influenza activity continued to increase in the western United States. One hundred fifty-five (13.5%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories were positive for influenza. The proportion of patient visits to sentinel providers for influenza-like illness (ILI) was above the national baseline. The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza was below the baseline level. Four states reported widespread influenza activity; 4 states reported regional influenza activity; 5 states reported local influenza activity; 31 states, New York City, and Puerto Rico reported sporadic influenza activity; and 5 states and the District of Columbia reported no influenza activity.

During week 51, 7.0% of all deaths reported by the vital statistics offices of 122 U.S. cities were reported as due to pneumonia or influenza. This percentage is below the epidemic threshold of 7.8% for week 51.

● Having any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins;
● Talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick or what will be needed to care for them in another home;
● Teaching children to wash hands frequently and appropriately, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, and modeling the correct behavior;
● Having ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, bottled water and cleaning supplies on-hand for an extended stay at home.

The release of this new tool builds on the Administration's overall planning to increase pandemic preparedness. President Bush has outlined a coordinated government strategy that includes the establishment of the new International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza, stockpiling of vaccines and antiviral medications, expansion of early-warning systems domestically and abroad and new funding and initiatives for local and state level preparedness.