FLU PANDEMIC PLANNING
Introduction
A pandemic is a unique exposure that could have considerable long term implications and therefore, requires additional consideration as part of OCAD’s Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity planning.
OCAD recognizes a duty of care to all members of our University community to protect them and keep them safe from harm while on campus. To support this OCAD is considering infectious disease outbreaks in this planning.
Quick Facts
What is influenza?
- Influenza, commonly known as “the flu”, is a highly contagious and common respiratory illness caused by a virus.
- There are three known types of influenza virus – A, B and C. Types A and B cause seasonal influenza. Only Type A is associated with pandemic.
- Approximately 30 to 50% of those who are infected by the influenza virus experience no symptoms at all. The remainder will experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
- The first symptoms are usually fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, physical exhaustion, and a dry cough.
- Later, the infected person may have a sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and a worsening cough.
- Influenza pandemic occurs when there is an abrupt and major change in the genetic structure of the influenza A virus.
- Since people have little or no immunity to the completed new strain of influenza A virus, it can spread quickly and in the beginning there will be no vaccine. When outbreaks occur in one or more countries worldwide, the event is called a pandemic.
How is influenza (flu) spread?
- Influenza is usually transmitted from person to person by droplet spread or direct contact.
- Droplet spread refers to spray with relatively large, short range droplets produced by sneezing, coughing, talking, etc. These droplets may spray up to one meter and can land directly in the eye or be breathed in through the nose or mouth.
- Direct contact occurs when there is immediate transfer of the virus through skin to skin contact or kissing. For example, an infected person may cough into his or her hands and then shake hands with another person who may then touch his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
What can I do to avoid the flu and reduce the spread of infection?
Prevention remains the best defence against the spread of influenza. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends the following prevention measures:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water (or use waterless hand sanitizers located at entrances to all OCAD buildings.)
- Cover your mouth and nose and sneeze or cough into a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.
- If you believe that you have a contagious infection, contact your health care provider. Stay at home to avoid transmitting illness to others. Do not come to campus until your health care provider advises that it is safe to do so.
- Do not share personal items like cups, straws, water bottles and towels.
- Get an annual flu vaccination, which helps protect against circulating strains of flu.
How will a flu pandemic affect me?
- PHAC estimates that 15 to 35% of the population will become ill during the course of a pandemic and will be unable to work for a period of time. Many people who are not ill may stay home to care for children, other family members or friends who are ill.
- The resulting high rates of absenteeism will likely impact all of those within the OCAD community, as well as our partners and third party suppliers.
How will I know what to do?
- You should not go to work or school if you have flu symptoms.
- You will be able to access up-to-date information, both general and specific to OCAD, via this website.
What is OCAD doing to prepare for a possible flu pandemic?
- At the present time according to reports from PHAC the risk of a pandemic is very low. OCAD continues to monitor the level of risk and will activate the Pandemic Preparedness Team if the situation warrants.
How will OCAD communicate with students, faculty and staff in the event of a pandemic?
- Information concerning any risk of a pandemic as declared by PHAC and/or the World Health Organization (WHO) will be provided on the OCAD website www.ocad.ca.
- Should it be necessary for the President, or designate, to formally declare a pandemic at OCAD, up to date information as to the impact on our community will be sent via email to students, faculty and staff. This information will also be posted on the OCAD website and signage will be prominently displayed on campus.
- While it is not anticipated, should it be required that OCAD close, this too will be included in any communications.
- Employees providing essential services will be given special instructions by their supervisor.
Resources
OCAD is taking the lead from official municipal, provincial and federal plans in preparing for a flu pandemic:
Toronto Pandemic Influenza Plan, Toronto Public Health
Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan, Public Health Agency of Canada
To obtain more information about pandemic influenza, see the following resources:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Emergency Management Ontario
World Health Organization (WHO)
Last Modified:1/24/2012 12:57:22 PM
