Novel H1N1 flu preparations for the fall Options

[darin letzring]

Novel H1N1 influenza (aka swine flu) continues to affect us in the U.S. even during these summer months, and it remains very similar to the seasonal flu. The novel flu virus is being watched carefully during the next few months to see if it changes at all to create more severe illnesses.

In the heat of the summer, the annual flu season seems a long way away, but it's not too early to do some initial planning. Businesses and government agencies should also look at this as a Continuity Of Operations Plan (COOP) review opportunity.

What Can The Community Be Doing Right Now?
1. Assume the H1N1 will return in the fall, beginning in October through December but could be September.
2. Government and Corporations should review Continuity Of Operations Plan (COOP).
a. Cross-train staff.
b. Review Orders of Succession.
c. Review supply chains for essential materials.
d. Review essential functions.
e. Review staffing lists to determine essential personnel.
3. Review Human Resource policies for sick time policies and possible work-from-home.
4. Schools review Pandemic Flu readiness and closing criteria.
5. Complete appropriate Pandemic Flu Checklists at http://flu.gov/plan/checklists.html

[ATWUSSD]

I hope people have checked out your checklist for the prevention of the flu. I still haven't gotten it yet, knock on wood! Anyways, this is a very handy list, thanks so much for the post.