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Project Impact: Pandemic Flu

Photo: Doctors hands with hypodermic needle

Selected clips from the Pandemic Flu video

Project Impact LogoThe following video clips were selected from the Project Impact video: Pandemic Flu, jointly produced by the King and Pierce County Emergency Management Offices. Watch your local government channels in King and Pierce Counties to see this show in its entirety, as well as other Project Impact Shows featuring information on emergencies and disasters that happen right here in the Puget Sound region.

Featured in the video clips are Eric Holdeman, Director of the King County Office of Emergency Management, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Chief of Epidemiology, Public Health - Seattle & King County and Dr. Jim DeMayo, an infectious disease physician in practice in Pierce County.

To view the video clips you will need  RealPlayer. Text transcripts of the clips are also available below.

 
What is the flu?
Influenza (the "flu") is a severe, contagious viral respiratory disease, which spreads rapidly to others through sneezing, coughing, or direct contact with an infected individual or contaminated objects.
Photo: Eric Holdeman, Dr. Jeff Durchin, and Dr. Jim DeMayo
Participants in the Project Impact Pandemic Flu video: Eric Holdeman, Dr. Jeff Duchin, and Dr. Jim DeMayo
» Enlarged view, 234 K
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What is a 'pandemic' flu?
A world-wide flu epidemic involving the spread of a flu virus which human beings have previously been unexposed to. The most recent pandemic flu outbreak occured in 1918-19 and was called the Spanish Flu.
Photo: Dr. Jeff Duchin, Chief of Epidemiology Public Health - Seattle & King County
Dr. Jeff Duchin, Chief of Epidemiology, Public Health - Seattle & King County
» Enlarged view, 196 K
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When is the flu season?
In the Northwest, the majority of flu cases starting occuring in January and can run through Spring. If you didn't get your vaccine in November or December, it's not too late, it only takes about two weeks for the vaccine to begin protecting you.
Photo: Dr. Jim DeMayo, an infectious disease physician in practice in Pierce County
Dr. Jim DeMayo, an infectious disease physican in practice in Pierce County.
» Enlarged view, 201 K
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How contagious is the flu?
(Should someone who has the flu go in to work?)
The flu is very contagious. It is recommended that people who have symptoms of the flu not go in to work and put co-workers and others at risk.
Photo: Eric Holdeman, Manager of the King County Office of Emergency Management
Eric Holdeman, Manager of the King County Office of Emergency Management
» Enlarged view, 201 K
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Who should get a flu shot?
A flu shot should be given every year to:

  • People at high risk for complications.
  • People who live with or provide care to those at high-risk including doctors, nurses, therapists, etc.
  • Anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of influenza and its complications.

Persons at high risk:
  • Those with risk-related medical conditions.
  • Pregnant women.
  • Nursing home and long-term care facility residents.
  • Those over 65.
  • Infants 6-12 mos.
  • Those in contact with high-risk persons.
  • Otherwise healthy persons and children.
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What is the most important thing people should know about the flu?
Get vaccinated. Vaccination helps prevent getting the flu. People who are at high risk need to get vaccinated each year. Communities whose members have received regular vaccinations will fare better should a pandemic outbreak occur.
Do you know...
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About Project Impact
In June of 1998, King and Pierce Counties were designated "Project Impact" communities by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Project Impact disaster-preparation program is aimed at saving lives and property from natural catastrophes through civic participation and planning.

Project Impact Logo Get more information about Project Impact and view other videos in our "Streaming Educational Videos" section.

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  Updated: April 21, 2008