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Topics > Pandemic Flu
Pandemic FluFor swine flu questions, call our Health Emergency Information Line at 1-888-959-9911, or see our page about swine flu. The World Health Organization (WHO) has changed the phase of pandemic alert from Phase 5 to Phase 6. What does that mean for Contra Costa County residents? Pandemic influenza (flu) is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus for which there is little or no immunity (protection) in the human population. WHO rates new influenza pandemics into six phases. Phase 6 indicates that a global pandemic is underway, which means that a new flu virus has appeared or "emerged," it spreads easily from person-to-person, and the disease is found in many countries. This does NOT mean that the disease is more deadly. A Phase 6 designation is an indication to world leaders to implement strategies that reduce the spread of disease and the impact on society even if they have not yet identified any cases in their own countries. Because Contra Costa is already responding to local cases of H1N1, the change to Phase 6 does not affect our response. The change will primarily activate a response in countries that have not already begun preparing or responding to the situation. Contra Costa will continue to monitor the situation, perform laboratory tests for severe H1N1 infections, provide recommendations to the public, schools and clinicians, and take measures to protect the public's health. See other information on this website for ways you can protect yourself and your family and help prevent the spread of disease, such as staying home if sick, washing hands often, covering coughs, and contacting your health care provider if you or your family member has flu-like symptoms.
For more information Links
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Latest Pandemic Flu Information (California Health Services) Federal government's pandemicflu.gov website. Pandemic Flu PreparednessContra Costa County Pandemic Influenza Plan (Draft) FAQs for Schools about Pandemic Flu (California Department of Education)Preparedness Minute: How Pandemic Influenza Could Affect Your Work Place (125k PDF, 2pp.)(Monterey County Health Department) HHS Issues Interim Guidance for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators in Public Settings during an Influenza Pandemic: Facemasks and respirators could provide added value when used in combination with other preventive measures (Department of Health and Human Services) Video: Be Prepared for a Potential Influenza Pandemic (California Department of Health Services) English (Length - 0:30) | Spanish (Length - 0:31)
- Press Release (California Department of Health Services)
Pandemic Flu Preparation Checklists
Physicians who need to report a suspected public health emergency should contact the Public Health division immediately at 925-313-6740; or after hours, call the sheriff's dispatch at 925-646-2441 and ask for the Health Officer On Call. Health Emergency Information Line: 1-888-959-9911.
Content provided by the Public Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services.
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