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Swine Flu: Is the Oink Bigger Than the Bite?

Release Date: 5/5/2009

By Patrick Johnson, CBCP

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed this morning that the U.S. currently has 408 cases of H1N1 “swine flu” across 38 states – a very rapid spread from this same time last week. Fortunately, the seriousness of the illness may be much lower than initially thought. According to U.S. officials in statements released Monday, the H1N1 “swine flu” virus is no more dangerous than the regular seasonal flu viruses we’re used to. In fact, federal officials now recommend that schools stop closing when a case of swine flu is confirmed at a school in the U.S. In the meantime, constant media coverage has flooded many emergency rooms and hospitals with the “walking well.”

In my role as a pandemic planning practitioner, I feel it’s very important for those of us with this responsibility in our organizations to not cause a panic. Situations like the H1N1 outbreak provide an opportune time to communicate proactively with employees and customers and equip them with education instead of fear. And, because there’s still a very real possibility that some institutions may experience widespread employee absences, it’s also critical that you plan and be prepared to respond. Have you updated your business continuity plan? Are you considering policy changes to address a possible outbreak? Is your institution making hygiene supplies available? Spending a little time on your pandemic preparedness now will leave you well positioned to handle what might come your way.

Need a little help getting started? Be sure to attend tomorrow’s webinar: Pandemic Preparedness – Ask the Experts. Myself and Cliff Thomas, MBCP, will be providing information to consider in your pandemic planning and then we’ll be answering your questions. Click here for more information and to register.

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