What is pandemic flu and why should I be concerned?
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza (flu) pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population. This new virus begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide. A pandemic 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. For more information: http://www.doh.wa.gov/panflu/qna.htm.

Is there currently a new influenza A virus emerging?
Yes, it is commonly know as the avian, or bird, flu. For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/pdf/avianflufacts.pdf.

How is pandemic flu different from a seasonal flu outbreak?
The following link provides a side-by-side comparison of pandemic flu and seasonal flu: http://www.hhs.gov/flu/season_or_pandemic.html.

In the event of an outbreak of a contagious disease such as avian flu, can a local health officer require schools to close?
Yes, local health officers are given the authority to require school closure if they believe this action will be necessary to control or eliminate the spread of the disease. However, the health officer must first consult with the school superintendent before taking this action. See WAC 246-110-020.

How should schools prepare for the possibility of an avian flu pandemic?
It is critical that schools collaborate with the local health department in their planning efforts. In addition to having information useful to school preparation efforts, the local health department will be an essential partner in responding to and monitoring actual outbreaks of illness, and in determining if and when a school should close because of an outbreak.

Schools can play an important role in preventing the spread of infectious disease. OSPI’s Infectious Disease Control Guide is a useful tool in this effort and Bulletin 058-06 (State, Regional, and School District Preparations for Pandemic Influenza). In addition, the Washington State Department of Health has prevention tips, translated into multiple languages, and posters and brochures that can be helpful for your students and their families: http://www.doh.wa.gov/panflu/.

The following checklists, developed by Seattle/King County Public Health, can help guide school personnel in their pandemic flu preparation efforts - checklist.

Schools should also consider communicating with parents to:

• Reinforce the importance of preventing the spread of the flu (hygiene practices; when a sick child should stay home from school, etc);
• Remind parents of school procedures for handling emergencies; and
• Communicate changes to school schedules or school closures.