Pandemic Influenza
Franklin & Marshall College has developed specific Pandemic Emergency Response Plans as part of the overall Campus Emergency Response & Crisis Management Plan (The Plan). Please note: Franklin & Marshall authorization is required in order to view The Plan.
What is an Influenza Pandemic?
A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spreads rapidly and affects many people worldwide. This differs from an epidemic, which may be restricted to one locale. Examples of pandemics in history in history include:
- 1918-19 Spanish Flu
- 1968-69 Hong Kong Flu
- West Nile Virus
Types of Flu & How It Spreads
There are three different types of flu: Influenza A, B, and C, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The H5N1 (Bird Flu) virus falls into Category A. Wild birds are the natural hosts for an A virus. It spreads through contact with humans. Once in humans, it spreads by sneezing, coughing and touching contaminated objects.
Avoid Contamination - Some Practical Steps
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Wash with soap & water for 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner when you are not near soap & water.
- Avoid shaking hands or touching doorknobs and sink faucets.
- If you think you have the flu, seek medical advice early.
For more information:
- U.S. Government Avian and Pandemic flu information (Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services)
- World Health Organization
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
