FNFN Pandemic Plan
A pandemic is a worldwide event that happens everywhere at almost the same time. A pandemic is not restricted to influenza; many people in the world hope for pandemic peace one day! A pandemic of influenza results from a major change in the virus (virus shift) which results in a never seen before virus, not introduced into people before, once that virus manifests itself and meets the following 5 criteria, an influenza pandemic is likely to result. They are:
- Never seen before virus
- We have no immunity against it
- Spreads person to person
- Causes higher than usual rates of illness and death
- No developed vaccine
Why plan for a pandemic? Pandemics are unpredictable, but occur on average three or four times a century. Experts agree that another influenza pandemic is inevitable and possibly imminent (World Health Organizations, Jan 15 2004). Planning ahead for such a public health emergency can minimize serious illness and deaths. It is also important in order to minimize the social disruption that would probably result.
Specific objectives of pandemic planning in Aboriginal Communities:
- To minimize serious illness and overall deaths
- To minimize suffering
- To increase awareness
- To develop a plan that ensures readiness to respond appropriately to a pandemic
- To develop a plan that is consistent with out Health Authority
- To develop a plan that is a living document, changing to meet future needs
