Patient Care

Vaccine during a Pandemic
As with any flu virus, a vaccine is the most effective way to gain protection against the pandemic flu. But, for a flu virus to be considered a pandemic it must be a completely new strain of influenza. Therefore, until the actual strain of flu that causes the pandemic emerged, vaccine cannot be fully developed.

With this in mind, large-scale commercial vaccine production is not expected to begin until about three to six months into the pandemic, thus increasing our potential need for antivirals.

Since the outbreak of avian flu cases in humans (1997), the World Health Organization (WHO) has closely monitored the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus and its mutations. In their laboratories, WHO has developed prototype vaccine that may help create the actual pandemic flu vaccine more quickly once the virus emerges.

Home Care for Flu Patients
Every winter health care facilities experience an increase in patients due to the seasonal flu. During a pandemic, health care facilities will be overwhelmed and may not be able to attend to every person needing care. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to care for loved ones at home by having the appropriate supplies on hand.

For suggestions on what to store in your pandemic flu emergency kit visit:

• Ready in 3 publication for how to better prepare for all types of emergencies
  • Planning for Emergencies
  • Planeación para emergencias (Spanish)
  • Qorsheynta Hawl gal Degdegga SaddexTallaabo oo Diyaar garow ah (Somali)
• American Red Cross - Home Care for Pandemic Flu
• Cruz Roja Americana - Pandemia de gripe: como cuidarse en casa (Spanish)
• Ohio Department of Health’s Get Prepared publication

Antivirals during a Pandemic
Antivirals are expected to be used during a pandemic to help lessen complications caused by the flu virus. Two types of antivirals are commonly used, Tamiflu and Relenza. Antivirals should only be used once someone shows signs of the flu.

The current supply of antivirals would not be enough for everyone to receive the appropriate dosage during a pandemic; therefore resources would be prioritized based on national guidance.

Many organizations have begun to stockpile antiviral for use during a pandemic; some agencies include WHO and the federal government. Ohio will request a portion of the federal government’s supply of antivirals when it becomes necessary.

Actions during a Pandemic
During a pandemic you may be asked to do a variety of things to help contain the spread of germs. In general you should limit your contact with others when you are sick, do not send sick children to school and visit your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of the flu. But during a pandemic even greater precautions will be taken such as closing schools and cancelling sporting events, movies and festivals.

Isolation and Quarantine
Isolation and Quarantine are public health actions used to contain the spread of a contagious disease. If asked, it will be important to follow isolation and/or quarantine instructions.

Isolation is for people who are already ill. When someone is isolated, they are separated from people who are healthy. Having the sick person separated from others can help to slow or stop the spread of disease. People who are isolated can be cared for in their homes, in hospitals or in other health care facilities. Isolation is usually voluntary, but local, state and federal government have the power to require the isolation of sick people to protect the public.

Quarantine is for people who have been exposed to the disease but are not sick. When someone is placed in quarantine, they are also separated from others. Even though the person is not sick at the moment, they were exposed to the disease and may still become infectious and then spread the disease to others. Quarantine can help to slow or stop this spread from happening. States generally have the power to enforce quarantines within their borders.

For additional information on pandemic flu patient care visit:

• The Official Pandemic flu Web site's page on vaccine during a pandemic
• The Ohio Pandemic flu Web site's page on vaccine during a pandemic
• CDC's overview of Isolation and Quarantine