KU News Release

Most vulnerable populations must prepare for flu and other emergencies

LAWRENCE — Keeping people healthy during influenza outbreaks is an educational priority for the Research and Training Center on Independent Living at the University of Kansas.

Cathy “Cat” Howland develops training programs for people with disabilities on disaster preparedness, which includes preparing for seasonal and pandemic flu as well as for natural and man-made disasters.

“Preparedness saves lives,” said Howland. “It is especially important for people with disabilities or chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma; the elderly; and people with compromised health.”

These people are at greater risk of danger during a public health threat or other emergency because “survival of the fittest” policies leave many behind; systems designed in good faith to assist too often fail; and people have negative mindsets, such as, “It can never happen me” or “I can’t afford to get prepared.”

In the case of the flu, good hygiene remains the best prevention for all people, including frequent hand washing or use of an alcohol-based sanitizer; use of proper hand washing techniques; covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing; and getting an annual flu shot.

People with disabilities and chronic health conditions and their caregivers should take additional precautions during the flu season. Stockpiling food, water, medications and supplies that fit their specific needs can improve their quality of life, independence and chance of survival during any type of public health threat or emergency.

The American Red Cross recommends people have at least a three-day supply — preferably a seven- to 14-day supply — of food, water and medications. For more information on stockpiling, refer to the American Public Health Association’s “Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks” campaign at www.getreadyforflu.org/clocksstocks.

The Research and Training Center has also developed checklists to help individuals with disabilities prepare for disasters of all types. Steps include assembling a “to go” kit that includes a week’s supply of medicine; checking out the accessibility of local shelters and hotels; and learning how to turn off gas and water. Visit www.nobodyleftbehind2.org for more information.

Howland is creating a continuing education course on prevention and preparedness for seasonal and pandemic flu with an emphasis on people with disabilities. It will be available this fall free of charge on Kansas TRAIN (http://kstrain.org), an Internet training network administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Flu Prevention Techniques
The most common way to spread a virus, be it seasonal flu, swine flu or another form of flu, is through inhalation of another person’s sneeze or cough. Howland said, “You should wash your hands after touching items, equipment or surfaces that have come into contact with a sick person, before eating, after sneezing and coughing and after touching your eyes or mouth.”

People who use adaptive equipment such as canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs should regularly treat surfaces such as handles and handrims with soap and hot water or an antibacterial agent.

Another means of infection is through touching a nonporous surface such as a computer keyboard or mouse, doorknob or remote control within 48 hours of contact by a person with the virus. Howland recommends disinfecting shared equipment after use.

If you have the flu, you should limit contact with others by staying at home. Other precautions to prevent contracting and spreading any virus include wearing a surgical mask or high-efficiency particulate air mask when sick or when caring for the sick; wearing latex or latex-free gloves when caring for the sick; stockpiling water, food, medications and supplies; and living a healthy lifestyle. The masks are available through the Internet or your local pharmacy.

Tamiflu, the prescription drug used to treat the flu, only addresses the symptoms and duration of the flu. There is no cure for the flu. Treatment for the flu involves home care and over-the-counter medications for symptoms. Contact a physician if a fever is high and persistent, the flu recurs or it aggravates existing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma.

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