Pandemic Influenza Contingency Planning

Business Continuity and Pandemic Flu

Pandemic influenza bears a special challenge to the world of business continuity planning and risk management, in that unlike most of the threats we deal with, its target is not a specific location, nor does it damage any physical assets; yet its potential for destructiveness is almost unparalleled.

We probably don't need to tell you why you need to worry about pandemic influenza – it is doubtful that the recent outbreak of swine flu has escaped the concerns of many. But if you're feeling like the pandemic threat is cleared because of the relative mildness of swine flu, think again. In the words of Margaret Chan, Director of WHO, "Constant, random mutation is the survival mechanism of the microbial world. Like all influenza viruses, H1N1 has the advantage of surprise on its side." As long as the world's population increases, moving people closer and closer to livestock, wild animals, and one another, the risk for reassortment of an influenza virus – whether it's H1N1 or another strain – will remain high.

Pandemic planning for business continuity:

• Prepare the necessary resources for people to work from home.
• Establish a way of communicating to the group that doesn't require assembly.
• Cross-train 3 additional employees for all critical processes.
• Establish workarounds for any processes that would require travel.
• Encourage sick employees to stay at home; institute a non-punitive sick policy for pandemic situations.
• Encourage and track annual influenza vaccines.
• Consider purchasing an antiviral stockpile (Tamiflu or Relenza).
• Prepare for increase or decrease in demand for relevant products and services.
• Share your pandemic plan with business partners and encourage them to do the same.

Other ways to minimize pandemic risk:

• Wash hands or use antibacterial hand lotion regularly, especially after touching shared surfaces.
• Avoid crowded places and keep a meter's distance away from someone showing symptoms.
• Improve airflow by opening windows.
• If you feel sick, stay at home – avoid work, school and crowds.
• User the proper sneezing method.
• Use a mask if you are caring for a sick person or are sick and must be around others. Be sure to use it properly; improper use can increase the risk of transmission.
• Call a medical provider to see if your symptoms require a visit before making a doctor's appointment. General rest and recovery is likely sufficient.
• If you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, seek medical care. 
• Do not take antivirals unless directed by a doctor.

Swine flu outbreak in Mexico City; April 2009.

Pandemic Links

The World Health Organization (WHO) is the primary international source for pandemic status and news

WHO's H1N1 home page

WHO's H5N1 home page

US Government's pandemic influenza page includes tips on preparing for businesses

OSHA's Avian Flu page includes a guide to protecting employees from Avian Flu

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s swine flu page

FEMA's pandemic page – checklists, plan templates, etc. for COOP

FEMA's disaster assistance policy for Human Pandemic Influenza, including information on reimbursements for loss due to a pandemic situation

The Red Cross Pandemic Page includes tips for planning, keeping kids healthy and a safety checklist

The CDC's Pandemic Storybook shares personal stories about the pandemics of the 20^th century

NYTimes article on swine flu parties

Australia's Department of Health and Ageing's Avian Flu page

Public Health Agency of Canada's Influenza page includes updates about H1N1 and Bird flu

Food and Agriculture Organization portal on Animal Health and Avian Flu

New Zealand Ministry of Health portal for information on Pandemic Influenza

Singapore's Ministry of Health Swine Flu page