Health emergencies and pandemics
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A health emergency, such as a flu outbreak or pandemic, can occur at anytime. The Canadian Red Cross works with government authorities and the public to prepare for and respond to health emergencies in Canada. What is a pandemic? If an influenza virus changes and becomes a new strain against which people have little or no immunity and can easily spread from person to person, many people in the world may become ill and possibly die. This is referred to as an influenza pandemic. What is the role of the Canadian Red Cross during a health emergency? The Canadian Red Cross helps communities prevent and prepare for health emergencies and works with public health authorities to support vulnerable people during a crisis. This support, based on agreements with public health authorities and the needs of communities impacted, may range from sharing public health messages to supporting Canadians confined to their homes. The Canadian Red Cross ensures business continues at the Society in order to support communities throughout the emergency and to respond to additional crises that may arise, such as natural disasters. Protect yourself and your family from illness The Canadian Red Cross encourages people to practice preventative health techniques to protect themselves from all forms of the flu and stop the spread of germs to others.
For more information on how to protect yourself from the flu, its symptoms and what to do if you become ill, visit Government of Canada’s Fight Flu website at www.fightflu.ca. What you can do to prepare for a pandemic Many people may be asked to remain in their homes during a pandemic. People should plan to have enough food, water and health supplies for themselves and their pets for a minimum of 72 hours and preferably up to two weeks. Families should also have a plan prepared with emergency contact numbers for family members. For more information about pandemic flu preparedness, click here (PDF, 39kb) to download the Family Preparedness Fact Sheet. For educational resources designed to help children, parents, teachers and caregivers learn about the importance of illness prevention and control, please click here. For other illness prevention material or further information about the role of the Canadian Red Cross during a health emergency, please contact your local Red Cross office. For further information on the flu, pandemics and health emergencies in Canada, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/. |
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