Pandemic Preparedness:

One of the most important public health issues our nation and the world faces is the threat of a global disease outbreak, otherwise known as a pandemic.

In the last century, the world experienced three influenza pandemics in the years 1918, 1957 and 1968. The one in 1918 killed more than 50 million people worldwide. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Government have all recently issued plans, checklists and advisories regarding pandemic outbreaks.

Influenza viruses can affect birds and small animals as well as humans. It is believed that the 1918 flu strain underwent a process of mutation from birds to becoming highly contagious among humans. This is why health officials have been concerned lately with avian—or H5N1—influenza. Avian flu is a contagious disease primarily affecting certain bird populations of Asia. In very rare cases, humans have caught avian flu from close contact with sick birds or other infected people.

Today the swine, or H1N1 influenza, is getting much of the attention. While it has continued in the summer months it still has not mutated into a deadly disease. Health officials are expecting a vaccine in early October 2009.

North Dallas Bank's Business Continuance Planning Taskforce has reviewed, rehearsed and tested it's pandemic plan. We have learned how to mitigate the risks and ensure a coordinated response should such an event be triggered in the United States.

Because all influenzas are highly contagious, the role of personal hygiene is very important. Hand washing, cold etiquette, social distancing and even face masks are believed to assist in diminishing the opportunities for exposure to pandemic flu.

If a pandemic flu strikes, government health officials will issue information and warnings and work with the media to disseminate advice on how to avoid becoming ill. Government health officials may implement dramatic measures such as restricting travel, canceling public events, closing schools and possibly closing businesses.

North Dallas Bank believes that education, communication and planning are essential elements in preparing for such an event. To help ensure you are prepared, make sure you observe the following safeguards.

• Become educated. The World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, the Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services all provide comprehensive information on the Internet regarding pandemic flus.
• Exercise good health practices. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Clean your hands thoroughly and often. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Consider getting a flu shot.
• Become familiar with electronic banking. Enroll in online banking and bill pay. Obtain and use a debit or ATM card. These steps will allow you access to your funds should direct interaction become restricted or risky.

History has taught us that everything we do today to prepare for such events will have multiplied benefits in the future.