Flu Information

There has been a lot of talk lately about avian flu (a.k.a. "bird flu"), and a lot of misconceptions. United Way is working with the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services, both city hospitals, community groups, and many others on developing messages that can help area residents get the facts they need to help them be prepared in the event of a flu pandemic, but also for other emergencies, such as a hurricane or other disaster.

Avian flu vs. regular flu

Although there have been numerous media accounts about the avian flu virus (H5N1) spreading among birds in Asia and Europe, it has not been reported in the United States. It is a strain of flu found in birds and almost all people who have died from the virus contracted it from infected birds or surfaces that had been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is watching the avian flu very closely. Check out their Web page on the difference among avian, pandemic, and seasonal flu at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/.

Be prepared, but don't panic

There are four simple things you can do to significantly limit the spread of a virus -- both the virus causing avian flu and the seasonal flu:
1. Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue and discard the tissue immediately.
2. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 10-15 seconds OR use a hand sanitizer after coughing or sneezing, caring for a sick person, using the bathroom, or handling garbage
3. Clean living and work areas with household detergents and sanitize surfaces with bleach or alcohol.
4. Keep your distance by avoiding crowds, limiting your travel, and working from home if possible.
If the avian flu is detected anywhere in the region, a Regional Response Plan to protect the public health will be enacted.

In the event that you need to stay home, you should have enough water, food, and household goods to last several days. The CDC has a checklist of items to have on hand for an extended stay at home, whether due to avian flu or other emergency: http://pandemicflu.gov/planguide/checklist.html.

The city of Nashua's Division of Public Health and Community Services lists its flu information on its website at www.gonashua.com.

Click here to access the city of Nashua's pandemic response plan.

INFO@unitedwaynashua.org