Emergency Management

Are Seasonal, Avian, and Swine (H1N1) Flu Different?

Seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person-to-person. Most people have some immunity and a vaccine is available.

H1N1 (Swine) flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Humans may not have a natural immunity. A vaccine is expected to be available to at-risk populations, such as people under the age of 24, in October 2009.

Avian (bird) flu is a respiratory illness among wild birds. The H5N1 variant is deadly to domestic fowl and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity. However, a vaccine was created in 2007.

Pandemic flu is a virulent flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic illness. Because there is little natural immunity, it spreads easily from human to human. The World Health Organization has declared the H1N1 flu outbreak a pandemic.

Pandemic Preparedness Plan

Goals

1. Preserve human life
2. Decrease the occurrence of illness among the PLU community
3. Maintain continuity of academics and essential operations during any period when students are sent home
4. Maintain educational and financial viability despite possible campus evacuation of students
5. Keep our community and families educated and informed

Policies

• PLU will consult with and follow the lead of local public health agencies and emergency response agencies.
  
• All PLU personnel are essential. Campus officers will communicate personnel needs before and during response activities. Personnel may be assigned duties during an emergency that are different than those for which they were hired.
  
• Depending on the circumstances, Pacific Lutheran University will consider whether it has resources (house, feed, or treat) for the larger community during any period when students are sent home. East Campus may be offered to the county or health department as a physical location to operate from.
  
• Pacific Lutheran University will follow the Educational Policies for Pandemic and Evacuation Emergencies regarding the completion of the academic term even when classes cannot physically meet.
  
• Consistent with the University Emergency Operations Plan, the President will retain policy leadership during a pandemic crisis. An EOC Manager will lead the operational response to the event.

PLU Pandemic Preparedness & Response Plan