BE PREPARED FOR A
NOVEL PANDEMIC
A novel (new) virus, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world. It is hard to predict when or where the next novel pandemic will emerge.
A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like COVID-19, which can easily spread from person to person
May be spread directly from person to person.
May be spread indirectly. Germs can pass from a non-living object to a person.
May be spread by person who are infected but don’t have any symptoms.
A vaccine, testing, or treatment for the disease may not exist right away. It may take months or years for the majority of the world to become immune to the disease.
IF A NOVEL PANDEMIC IS DECLARED
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
-
Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
-
Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
-
Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
-
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public.
-
Follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities.
Hazard Scope and Impact
The novel pandemic hazard scope focuses on the individual and community response to the outbreak of a new infectious disease. Novel pandemics can cause illness, long-term health issues, and death and can impact economies, healthcare systems, and cause shutdowns. Research provided in the validations covers day-to-day activities and guidance on how to prepare for a pandemic; what to do if you or someone in your household becomes sick; guidance on community organizations; and the impact in a high-risk community. This research is divided into protective actions that can be taken before, during, and after a pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of reducing the spread of disease.
Death and Injuries Impact
Mortality and infection rates of a virus is dependent on health detriments on an individual and community level. Historically, some viruses have had very high mortality rates but low rates of infection, such as viral hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola. In contrast, other viruses have had high rates of infection, but have not had high mortality rates, such as Influenza. Previously studied pandemics such as Ebola and Influenza provide insights for COVID-19 studies to further understand how persons with underlying health conditions may experience different rates of death or complications.
Effective Protective Action Timeframes
Key Protective Actions for saving lives and preventing injuries related to a novel pandemic can be undertaken in all three phases: before a disease becomes a novel pandemic, during a novel pandemic, and after a novel pandemic. Before a novel pandemic, individuals and communities can take steps to understand their risk level, to prepare, and to prevent the spread of disease. During a novel pandemic, the public can take steps to reduce the spread of disease by social distancing and maintaining good health and personal habits. After a pandemic, the public can evaluate the effectiveness of their household preparedness plans and work with community members to build resiliency in preparation for future pandemics. Protective Actions messaging is focused on actions that can be taken before and during a novel pandemic.