Health Emergency Information and Planning

Pandemic Flu 

Health experts are concerned that a worldwide epidemic of flu (called a pandemic) could happen with little warning.  A pandemic is caused by a brand new virus to which people have little or no immunity - meaning their bodies cannot fight it very well.  Because so many people would get sick at the same time, a pandemic could have a big effect on every part of our lives.  Many services we depend on might not be available, including some health care services, schools, day care, meal sites, and other programs that assist people with special needs.  It is important that we ALL know what we would do in the case of pandemic flu.  Federal, state and local officials are actively planning for pandemic flu, but all of us need to have our own plans, too.  

Cortland County Local Emergency Planning Committee has developed a brochure on pandemic flu and how to plan for it which contains:  (click here) 

• What You Should Know
• About Avian Flu
• Your Pandemic Flu Emergency Kit
• Seasonal Flu vs Pandemic Flu
• Preparing for Pandemic Flu
• What You Can Do
• During A Pandemic Flu
• Important Phone Numbers
• Getting Information
• Prevent the Spread of Disease at Home

On April 12, 2008 New York State Department of Health and local health departments held planning meetings in five counties across the state to hear from people about what they thought needed to be done to be ready for a pandemic flu.  Cortland County was one of the five hosting this Community Engagement Day.  Click here for a summary of what was learned from the five events.

For more information on planning for a pandemic flu go to www.pandemicflu.gov or www.nyhealth.gov

 This section is currently under development.  Please check back for more information.