Pandemic Flu

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time. It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world is at risk. Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but cannot stop it. Learn more >

Stony Brook University has formed a Pandemic Flu Planning team to develop policies, procedures and other information to raise awareness and ensure an appropriate response to a pandemic influenza. The team is working with the State University of New York (SUNY) on the development and implementation of our plan. Some of the policies have been developed centrally by SUNY System Administration to address issues that need to be consistent across the SUNY system. The team is also working with New York State and Suffolk County department of health, and other emergency management agencies to ensure communications and integration with other response plans. The planning and response to a pandemic flu will require the awareness and involvement of all University Departments, students, faculty, and staff.

Guidance Document

The Pandemic Flu Planning Team is reviewing the new federal government guidance document (2/1/07) for prevention and mitigation steps that can be used on campus to protect us from the potential pandemic flu. The document is recommended reading for everyone to help them prepare for what will be occurring in the community.

The full document, Interim Pre-pandemic Planning Guidance: Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the United States - Early Targeted Layered use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions is available on the Pandemic Flu website.

Related Links

» Official U.S. Government website for Pandemic Flu and Avian Influenza

» Official New York State Department of Health website for Pandemic Influenza

» Stony Brook University Emergency Management website
   (Note: Emergency Status Bulletins related to Pandemic Flu
   conditions will be posted at this website.)

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