Connecticut Pandemic Influenza Public Education Campaign

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the start of a public education campaign to encourage Connecticut residents to be prepared for pandemic influenza.

"September is National Preparedness Month, and we need to make certain we are prepared for any type of disaster, whether it is natural or manmade," Rell said. "While no one knows for sure when a pandemic will strike, we know that pandemics do happen. Fortunately, we can take steps now to prepare for this potential public health crisis."

Pandemic influenza is a worldwide outbreak of a strain of influenza virus for which people have little or no immunity. During an influenza pandemic, the flu virus spreads easily from person to person, causes serious illness and can sweep across the world in a very short time. The 20th century saw three pandemics of influenza, including the Spanish Flu of 1918, which caused at least 500,000 United States deaths and up to 40 million deaths worldwide.

"It is very important that we prepare now for pandemic influenza," stated Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner J. Robert Galvin. "As individuals, we play an essential role in pandemic flu preparedness."

Steps the public can take now to improve their level of preparedness:

• Become even more diligent about good hygiene. Washing your hands regularly is one of the best ways to protect yourself against any kind of infectious disease. The same goes for coughing into a tissue or your sleeve instead of into your hands and keeping your hands away for your nose and mouth. Performing the basics now makes them second nature to you and your family if and when a pandemic occurs.

• Improve your overall health. The healthier you are, the more resistant your body is to disease, so there is no time like the present to have that regular physical checkup. Keep your immunizations -- and those of your loved ones -- up to date; stop using tobacco; moderate your alcohol intake and develop better eating and exercise habits.

• Create your family preparedness plan. Pandemic flu planning for individuals and families is not all that different from planning in advance for natural or human-created disasters such as hurricanes or terror attacks. Have a two-week supply of food and water on hand at all times. Have a "cash stash." Prepare a family communications plan. Learn more by downloading the Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness.

An especially severe influenza pandemic, like the one seen in 1918, could lead to high levels of illness, death, social disruption and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts can range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery.

The educational campaign is designed to arm Connecticut residents with important information about pandemic influenza, how it differs from seasonal influenza, what they can expect to happen during a pandemic and steps they can take now to prepare.