SORM offers several resources for state agencies, including a training class about pandemic flu, assistance for agencies in developing plans for dealing with a pandemic flu outbreak, and informational articles on the subject.

The one-hour Pandemic Flu class discusses previous flu outbreaks, looks at what is being done today to reduce the impact on employees and agencies, and provides ways to prevent spreading the flu. You can view the course description at SORM's Training Course on Pandemic Flu.

A pandemic influenza plan template that state agencies can use in the preparation of agency plans is available in Word and Adobe PDF. SORM suggests that agencies read the plan and implement appropriate actions at agencies. After a plan is in place, don’t forget to train employees about the contents of the plan and annually test the plan to ensure employees are familiar with it and the contents are still valid.

SORM has also published two articles in Risk-Tex, SORM’s newsletter, about being prepared for a pandemic flu.

Tips on how to reduce the outbreak of flu is shown in this humorous SORM video under our Spotlight on Safety Series.

Prevention

Preventing the spread of swine flu is of great concern, especially in the workplace. These steps should be followed for all types of flu prevention.

• Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick: If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands: Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Alcohol-based hand cleaners/sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth: Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention website, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm.

Other Resources

The Texas Department of State Health Services offers information about swine flu for the public and for certain professions.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm