New APHA Web site features influenza facts: Resources include influenza fact sheets, news, resources
APHA has created a new Web site that serves as a one-stop resource for influenza information, including material on flu types, symptoms, complications and prevention.
The site, online at , answers common questions about influenza — such as the difference between avian flu, seasonal flu and pandemic flu — and offers links to news, resources, publications and other influenza information.
| | APHA new influenza Web site, online at www.apha.org/flu , explains the difference between seasonal, avian and pandemic flu as well as ways to prevent infections. |
The influenza site is aimed at public health professionals, policy-makers and the media, although some information is also directed at the public. For example, the site offers an easy-to-understand fact sheet on flu that is written for average Americans. But it also includes an influenza fact sheet written for a more technical audience, and a “Q&A” on influenza.
APHA members can take action on influenza preparedness by sending a message from the site to their legislators on the need for funding for such efforts.
One of the site’s big draws will be its new influenza blog, which is scheduled to debut this month. The blog will include regular entries with flu news and commentary and an option for people to submit their questions on influenza.
In the future, APHA is planning to offer downloadable audio files — also known as “podcasts” — on the flu Web site. While Web users will be able to download the files to their iPod or other portable MP3 player, they will also be able to listen to the podcasts on their computers.
Site complements ‘Get Ready’ campaign
The influenza Web site is a complement to the Association’s new “Get Ready” campaign that will help Americans become prepared for pandemic influenza and other emerging infectious diseases. Plans for the “Get Ready” campaign, which is awaiting funding, include training, grassroots activities, toolkits and a calculator that will help people determine what supplies they need.
In response to a call from APHA earlier this year, individual members and APHA member groups provided their ideas for the “Get Ready” campaign and offered ways they could play a role in the effort. APHA member groups — such as Sections and Special Primary Interest Groups — offered to help by providing technical expertise, working with the public and advocating for resources and policies on influenza, while APHA’s affiliated state and regional public health associations offered assistance with reaching the media and bringing collaborators into the effort, among other ideas.
APHA member involvement will be crucial to the success of the “Get Ready” campaign, and the Association will be calling on members as the campaign develops.
The multi-year “Get Ready” campaign on pandemic influenza and other emerging infectious diseases is part of APHA’s larger “Protect, Prevent, Live Well” movement that will enable Americans to protect themselves, their families and their communities from preventable, serious health threats. Future campaigns will focus on other pressing health issues.
Pandemic flu and emerging infectious diseases was chosen by APHA’s Executive Board in January as the first focus of the “Protect, Prevent, Live Well” movement. The focus was chosen because it is one that is of urgent health concern and resonates with the public.
For more information on the new APHA influenza Web site, visit www.apha.org/flu .
For more on APHA’s “Get Ready” campaign on pandemic flu and other emerging infectious diseases, call (202) 777-2441 or e-mail pandemicflu@apha.org .
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