Oconto County Commission on Aging’s Blog

Press Release from the Red Cross on Swine Flu

(Otherwise known as H1N1)

The American Red Cross is monitoring the developing situation with this swine flu (H1N1 flu) outbreak and is in close contact with federal and state officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security.

•  The American Red Cross is monitoring the developing situation with this swine flu (H1N1 flu) outbreak and is in close contact with federal and state officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security.

• This is a serious situation that has the potential to spread, and it is a good time for families, businesses and organizations to follow good public health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans.

• Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need to go out should this swine flu strain become more widespread and schools or businesses temporarily close.

• The Red Cross recommends storing a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities such as laundry detergent and toilet paper. A gallon of water per person per day should be stored in clean plastic containers. Family preparation steps should also include storing formula for infants, food for special nutritional needs, essential medicines and medical items, and extra food for pets.

• Common sense basic public health practices should be followed. These include covering your cough/sneeze with a tissue, frequent hand-washing, visiting a doctor for flu-like symptoms and staying home when sick.

• While Red Cross organizations in Mexico and other nations provide basic medical care to the public as part of their ongoing mission, the American Red Cross and its chapters have different responsibilities, and focus more on providing shelter, food and mental health counseling.

• The American Red Cross and its chapters will continue to work with government officials on the swine flu issue and stand ready to help as appropriate. The American Red Cross is committed to maintaining the blood supply for the public, to educating the public on preparedness and safety, and to ensuring that we can continue to provide disaster services to those in need.

• People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC web site or call 1-800-CDC-INFO

What the Red Cross Will and Will NOT Do:

The Red Cross will –

• Continue to respond to disasters of all types and sizes during pandemic flu conditions.
• Ensure a safe and adequate blood supply.
• Support the local public health officials in their distribution of educational materials and pharmaceuticals (if required). Participation in distribution of pharmaceuticals will be limited to logistical support, not actually distributing medication.

• Educate the public and disseminate information from appropriate government sources about the nature and impact of the event, including preparedness measures, safety precautions, recommended actions, and sources of assistance.

The Red Cross will not –

• Establish congregate care facilities when local authorities advise against it or where such facilities would enhance the likelihood of disease transmission.
• Assume responsibility for the provision of medical care in medical facilities, special needs shelters, temporary infirmaries, or overflow facilities for hospitals.
• Purchase vaccines or medical supplies for use by public authorities.
• Violate worker safety guidelines published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
• Replace lost wages or assume responsibilities for needs arising from economic disruption.
• Assume responsibility for patient tracking. Formal patient tracking is typically conducted by medical care providers.
• Conduct death notifications.
• Provide transportation to medical facilities unless not doing so would violate any requirements of the chapter’s funding agreement or any pre-existing contract or agreement to provide transportation to medical facilities.
• Provide sheltering solely in response to a flu pandemic. However, when a traditional disaster strikes during flu pandemic conditions, the Red Cross will respond and address the need for sheltering, applying the most appropriate local public health precautions.

Preparedness Tools

There is a wealth of preparedness information on the Red Cross website – http://www.redcross.org  (Flu Preparedness).  All of this information has been closely coordinated with the best information available from the CDC.   Users can click on the “Flu Preparedness” banner to access this information.