H1N1 and Pandemic Preparedness
The World Health Organization has declared that H1N1 Influenza has reached a full pandemic status based on the sustained worldwide spread, rather than the severity of the illness. However, do not be lulled into a false sense of security. The first phase of the 1918 flu in the spring and summer was relatively mild, but, perhaps due to mutation of the virus, the second phase in the late summer and fall was much more viscious, with most of the 40 million deaths occurring during that phase. Therefore, business and individuals that have not completed preparations should use this time to work out the details in case later phases of this current virus, or a completely different novel virus raises increased individual and institutional risks.
The over-riding question for business owners and managers: What do I do now? A quick search of available materials will surely result in overwhelming amounts of information. We have tried to boil it down to basics, and provide useful information to guide your preparation.
