April 2007

Due to the current avian influenza (flu) that has been affecting domestic and wild birds around the world, public health officials nationwide are concerned about a pandemic flu outbreak. In response, PAMF has formed a Pandemic Flu Committee to create and implement a plan to provide needed health care services to patients and the community in the event of an outbreak.

The flu is a disease that attacks the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs) in humans. Although individuals affected by seasonal flu may develop symptoms including fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat and body aches, they typically recover and develop an immunity once exposed. (Typically, only individuals with compromised immune systems or those over age 65 are at risk of serious complications or death.)

On the other hand, worldwide flu pandemic occurs when a new virus emerges to which people have not been exposed before (or not been exposed for a long time), and therefore, do not have immunity. In a pandemic flu, more people are affected and the health consequences are more serious, including higher death rates. During the 20th century, there were three pandemic flu outbreaks. The most severe outbreak in 1918 was responsible for up to 50 million deaths worldwide.

"Depending on how infectious a virus is and its potential for causing disease, public health experts estimate as many as 35 percent of the population could become ill, and there could be more than 35,000 deaths in California," said Kathy Korbholz, vice president of ancillary operations at PAMF and member of the Pandemic Flu Committee. "PAMF is taking the threat of an outbreak very seriously and is taking the necessary steps to ensure we're prepared to care for patients."

The committee is developing a Pandemic Flu Plan that PAMF would implement if an outbreak were to occur. The plan outlines the actions PAMF would take in the event of an outbreak, including monitoring viruses; responding to patients' needs, including triaging patients and using vaccines and antiviral drugs; and communicating with patients and the public.

The committee is also working with local and state public health and safety departments and agencies to ensure an effective and rapid response to a flu pandemic. In December, PAMF was honored with a resolution from the City of Palo Alto for its participation on the city's Pandemic Outreach Planning Committee.

"It is important to work together with the City of Palo Alto and other local organizations to help raise people's awareness and provide reassurance that there is a plan in place in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak," said PAMF Infection Control and Prevention Manager Peggy Kaminsky.

"In addition to helping us prepare for a possible flu pandemic, these preparation efforts will be helpful to our organization in the event of any community-wide emergency," added PAMF Urgent Care physician Charles Weiss, M.D., MPH.

Because pandemic flu outbreaks last much longer than regular seasonal flu and may come in waves of activity that last six to eight weeks each, patients also need to take precautions to ensure they and their families are prepared, said Dr. Weiss.

"In the event of a pandemic flu outbreak, people may need to stay in their homes for days or weeks to prevent the spread of infection or to care for sick family members," he said. Since food and water supplies may be interrupted or limited during this time, individuals should store at least one to two weeks supply of non-perishable food and fresh water for emergencies, a supply of extra prescription medications and other essentials, such as infant formula or pet
supplies, he added.

"The impacts of a pandemic flu outbreak can be lessened if individuals plan ahead of time," said Dr. Weiss. "Being prepared can bring peace of mind."