Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
HANDWASHING IS OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE!
The York Catholic District School Board has established a Pandemic Influenza Contingency Planning Committee which is representative of all areas of our Board, including our students, and is devoted to our preparedness in the event that we are affected by the H5N1 Avian Flu virus.
Should a flu pandemic be declared by the World Health Organization, we will communicate our plans to you through this website, as well as with a phone-in telephone message recording, and through posters throughout our schools.
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What is pandemic flu? |
Pandemic flu is a worldwide outbreak of influenza.
It occurs when a new, highly contagious strain of flu virus appears in a population, spreads rapidly and widely, and causes serious sickness or death.
According to experts, pandemic flu can occur every 10 to 40 years (most recently in 1918, 1957, 1968).
No one knows when a pandemic (whether flu or something else) will happen, but experts believe there is a strong possibility of one occurring within the next few years.
It is important to note that “Bird Flu” is not pandemic flu (there has to be sustained human-to-human transmission before a pandemic is declared). There has been extensive media coverage regarding the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus. At the moment, it is difficult for humans to contract this virus from birds. Experts are concerned that because the H5N1 virus is rapidly spreading amongst birds, there is a greater chance it could mutate and become transmissible to humans and between humans, resulting in a worldwide pandemic.
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How is influenza (flu) spread? |
Medical sources tell us that Influenza is a severe respiratory illness caused by a virus and spread by droplets.
It is spread easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or through contact with unwashed hands and contaminated surfaces such as keyboards and door handles.
There is no cure except time: help your body heal itself by taking fluids and medications to relieve symptoms while getting plenty of rest.
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What can I do to avoid the flu and reduce the spread of infection?
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Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water (or use waterless hand sanitizers).
Do not share personal items like cups, straws, water bottles and towels.
Stay at home if you are sick to avoid transmitting illness to others.
Get an annual flu vaccination, which helps protect against circulating strains of flu
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How will a flu pandemic affect me?
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In the case of a pandemic, many people will become very ill and have to stay at home for a week or more.
York Region Health Services predicts that up to 35% of the population could be affected, causing much disruption in the community.
In an extreme situation, hospitals and medical services would be severely over-burdened, all businesses would be adversely impacted and there may be shortages of food, supplies, transportation and other services. Authorities could require that large gatherings of people (sporting events, movie theatres, daycares, schools, colleges, universities, etc.) be cancelled or closed.
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How will I know what to do?
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You should not go to work or school if you have flu symptoms.
In the event of a declared pandemic, you will be able to access information, both general and specific to the YCDSB, via this website. Here, you will find instructions on who you should contact in case you are sick or absent due to pandemic flu.
In addition, during a pandemic, the website will provide you with a YCDSB telephone number specifically dedicated to pandemic information.
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What is the YCDSB doing to prepare for a possible flu pandemic?
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Our Pandemic Influenza Contingency Planning Committee members are advising senior management of the possible challenges ahead and suggesting strategies to deal with them.
The Planning Committee is preparing educational materials to advise members of the YCDSB Catholic Learning Community on how best to deal with a pandemic should it occur.
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How will the YCDSB communicate with students and staff in the event of a pandemic?
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If a pandemic is declared in Ontario, instructions about the status of classes and other events will be posted on this website.
Signage will be prominently displayed in each of our schools.
A telephone hotline will be accessible to provide you with the details about what is happening at YCDSB.
Employees providing essential services will be given special instructions.
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How can I prepare for a possible significant disruption of my life during a pandemic?
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Begin to stockpile essential household goods, food and beverages in case you cannot shop for some weeks.
Plan in advance how you will be able to access the Internet remotely.
If you are taking regular essential medications, consider discussing with your doctor the possibility of keeping extra supplies or at least another prescription.
Consider arranging a backup plan with family and friends so that dependents and pets can be looked after if the regular caregiver is sick for a couple of weeks.
Become informed.
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