Resource Sheet and other information

Quarantine: "People who have been exposed to an infectious disease and may be infected by are not yet ill may be quarantined. That is, they may be asked to remain at home or another location to prevent further spread of illness to others and to carefully monitor for the disease. During quarantine people are able to do most things they can do indoors within the constraints of the location they are at... They are given instructions on what they can do and not do around family members and are informed of other diseases precaution. If they are asked to stay in a place away from home they are provided with meals, sleeping accommodations, and other necessities. They would stay there until the risk of developing the disease or spreading the disease is over."
Isolation: "This is for individuals who are sick from the contagious disease. These individuals are kept separate from others-- or 'isolated'-- usually within a healthcare facility or at home. Typically, the ill person will have his or her own room, and caretakers will take certain precautions such as wearing protective clothing."
--Source: Webmd.com (http://www.webmd.com/content/article/63/71934.htm)

What is an Influenza Pandemic?
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new virus emerges for which there is little to no immunity in the human population causing serious illness that spreads from person to person worldwide. At PandemicFlu.gov, the main page gives information about the history of past pandemic, characteristics and challenges of a pandemic, and how communications and information are critical components of a pandemic response.

How does seasonal flu differ from pandemic flu?

Seasonal flu occurs usually in the winter and only the very young and old have increased risk of complications, while the healthy can usually build up immunity. There are also vaccines developed based on known flu strains along with antivirus available. On the other hand, pandemic flu occurs rarely and all people, including healthy people, can get the virus with no pre-existing immunity. Vaccines and antivirus will not be available in the early stages and while seasonal flu can cause approximately 36,000 deaths, the pandemic flu could possibly cause 675,000 which it did in 1918. More information can be found on the following sheet from PandemicFlu.gov (source: http://pandemicflu.gov/general/seasonal_or_pandemic.html , http://pandemicflu.gov/general/whatis.html )

Another thing to include on the media kit is with Southwestern Energy Matrix being located in Texas, it might be a good idea to have the media kit offered in both English and Spanish as Spanish might be an employee's first language. It would make sure that the employees really understand what the avian flu is and how best to prepare for it.