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With flu season upon us, we are reminded that the threat of a flu pandemic still exists. While there is no reason to panic at this point, being informed is a good idea that will pay dividends if a pandemic does become a reality. In addition, some of the tips in this week's articles can help you and your organization make seasonal flu outbreaks less troublesome.

What is a pandemic, anyway? (Item #1) There are a number of steps that can be taken in the workplace to prepare you to deal with a flu pandemic. (Item #2) CDC offers guidance on using masks and respirators. (Item #3)

Are we going to have to worry about power outages along with the flu? (Item #4) Sickness and stress go hand in hand… here are some tips for coping and emotional well being. (Item #5) This blog has lots of information on bird flu, pandemics, etc., and might be helpful to bookmark. (Item #6)

As always, we look forward to hearing about your concerns with regards to business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like to see covered, please email me at [email protected]

Best Regards,

Bob Mellinger
President
Attainium Corp

Quote of the Week

"Most experts predict the global spread of the next pandemic will take about 3 months."
- Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization -

Articles

1. What Is an Influenza Pandemic?
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population, begins to cause serious illness and then spreads easily person-to-person worldwide.
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/general/whatis.html

2. Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic
In the event of an influenza pandemic, employers will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety as well as in limiting the impact on the economy and society. Employers will likely experience employee absences, changes in patterns of commerce and interrupted supply and delivery schedules. Proper planning will allow employers in the public and private sectors to better protect their employees and lessen the impact of a pandemic on society and the economy. As stated in the President's National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, all stakeholders must plan and be prepared.
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html#introduction

3. What You Should Know about Using Facemasks and Respirators during a Flu Pandemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released interim guidance for the use of facemasks and respirators by the general public in certain public settings during an influenza pandemic.
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MasksRespirators/

4. U of M report: Influenza pandemic could disrupt electricity
If there's an influenza pandemic across the country, getting sick might be the least of people's worries - generating electricity might be issue no.1.
http://www.mndaily.com/2008/11/19/u-m-report-influenza-pandemic-could-disrupt-electricity

5. Preparing for a Flu Pandemic Fact Sheet: Coping and Emotional Well-Being
Knowing what to expect, how to prepare and where to find needed information can increase your resilience and minimize the pandemic's impact on you and your loved ones.
http://www.redcross.org/news/ds/panflu/pdfs/pan_flu_coping_emotional_well-being.pdf

6. A Pandemic Chronicle
This blog has been up and running for about two years now and offers lots of information about pandemics. If you're interested in following what's going on, this would be one way to stay informed.
http://pandemicchronicle.com/