Pandemic Flu Planning for Schools

This webpage provides several resources to assist schools and individuals in their efforts to plan for a possible pandemic influenza outbreak. Resources include videos, planning checklists, posters, activities and guides, as well as links to helpful contacts and websites.

What is pandemic flu?  Pandemic flu is a rare, but recurring event that is much more virulent and widespread than the usual seasonal flu. It can occur during any time of the year, not just when seasonal flu is expected. No one can predict when the next pandemic flu outbreak will occur, but many public health officials worldwide concur that we are overdue. A pandemic influenza is an outbreak of a new flu virus to which people have no immunity and for which there is no vaccine, occurring on multiple continents at the same time. 

How would pandemic influenza impact schools?  When a pandemic hits the United States, as many as four in 10 school-age children would become sick, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Many teachers and staff members would also be ill or need to care for ill family members and not be able to report to work. The effects on our schools could be staggering. In some cases, schools may be required to close for an extended period of time.
 

School Planning
    and Preparation 

Key Contacts and
    Helpful Websites

Other Resources for
    Schools

Resources for
    Individuals and
    Families