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The Indiana Department of Education’s Pandemic Flu Web site
is designed to provide timely and accurate information to Indiana’s
school communities regarding the potential threat of a global disease
outbreak (or pandemic) of avian influenza, commonly known as “bird
flu.”
"When it comes to preparing our school community—from
pre-school all the way to college—there are three key steps
to take: One, talk to your local health officials and
work together to develop a plan. Then secondly, train your
teachers and administrators to implement the plan. And finally, teach students
and parents so they understand what to do in the event of a pandemic."
– Margaret
Spellings, U.S. Secretary of Education
This site contains a
variety of resources to assist schools and families in learning
about and preparing for a flu pandemic. Schools
are encouraged to review this information and to share these
resources with staff, students, and families when appropriate. The
site will be updated as new information and resources become
available.
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Information
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Flu Terms Defined
Seasonal (or
common) flu is a respiratory
illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most
people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
Avian (or bird) flu is
caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among
wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl
and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is
no human immunity and no vaccine is available.
Pandemic flu is
virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or
pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little
natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from
person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.
Source: Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). |
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Information for Schools
- Stopping
Germs at Home, Work and School
– CDC web site with suggestions on how schools can
reduce the spread of germs. Includes downloadable posters
and flyers: “Healthy Habits,” “Germ Stopper,” and “Covering
Your Cough.”
Information for Families
Additional Information
- www.pandemicflu.gov
– The official U.S. government Web site
for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Online: www.cdc.gov/flu/avian
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO or 888-232-6348 (TTY)
E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
- Indiana State Department of Health
Online: www.in.gov/isdh
Phone: 317-233-1325
E-mail: panfluquestion@isdh.in.gov
- Indiana Department of Education – School
Health Services
Online: www.doe.state.in.us/sservices/sn.htm
Phone: 317-232-9142
E-mail: plewis@doe.in.gov
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