September 2009

Pandemic Influenza Alert

Hung Cheung, MD, MPH, FACOEM                         

Sherry Sood, MD, MPH                                                

Dr. Cheung/ OEM Advisor, LLC.

(888) 361-8882

panflu@drcheung-oemadvisor.com

We appreciate the feedback and further questions generated from our last publication on the H1N1 virus. This article will update the current case load from H1N1 as well as outline further practical measures that can be implemented to prevent health, home and business related consequences of H1N1 as flu season approaches. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or forward the attachment to those who may have questions about H1N1. We will monitor the situation and will have periodic updates for you. They will also be posted on our web site under the “In the News” tab.  We hope this helps as we strive to be your environmental, occupational and public health resource. 

 Are you ready?

Scientists and Public Health Professionals are impressed by the efforts underway across our government—including the breadth and depth of thinking, energy being devoted, and awareness of potential pitfalls. The response is probably the best effort ever mounted against a pandemic, reflecting learning from past preparedness efforts and the quality and commitment of the people involved.

However, we believe some aspects of the decision-making and preparation processes could be improved, even in the short time remaining before the seasonal flu epidemic period and likely second wave of the Swine flu. According to a recently published survey, the Harvard School of Public Health found that:

Four-Fifths of Businesses Foresee Severe Problems Maintaining Operations If Significant H1N1 Flu Outbreak.

Employees Will Face Challenges As Few Businesses Offer Paid Leave to Care for Sick Family Members. (For immediate release: Wednesday, September 9, 2009) In a national survey of businesses that looks at their preparations for a possible widespread H1N1 outbreak, Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that only one-third believe they could sustain their business without severe operational problems if half their workforce were absent for two weeks due to H1N1 (also known as "swine flu"). Just one-fifth believe they could avoid such problems for one month with half their employees out. If not already developed, business leaders should prepared for business specific type emergency preparations/ contingency plan in case the envisioned H1N1 scenario should materialize.