Pandemic preparation talks set

Over the next few months, the village of Algonquin, Seneca Township, and two local school districts will be hosting informational meetings on community and family preparedness for an influenza pandemic. A flu pandemic is a severe, global outbreak of a new influenza virus to which people have no immunity.

Even though there is not a pandemic right now, experts are concerned that the current "bird flu" virus, H5N1, could develop into a pandemic which would affect us all.

The meeting schedule includes:

• Cary District 26: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Cary Junior High School

• Special Education District of McHenry County (SEDOM): 6 p.m. April 15 at SEDOM Center.

• Seneca Township: 7:30 p.m. April 8 at Township Office.

• Village of Algonquin, 6:30 p.m. April 23 at village hall.

The agencies hosting these meetings were recipients of pandemic planning grants from the McHenry County Department of Health. As part of the grants, recipients are providing pandemic education to their community.

At each meeting, the department of health will offer an overview of what pandemic influenza is, and each grant recipient will speak about its specific plan.

No one knows when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be, but we do know that pandemics historically occur every 20 to 30 years -- and we are long overdue. During a pandemic, resources will be stretched thin and residents will need to take care of themselves.

By taking a proactive approach, McHenry County is ensuring that its citizens are educated and prepared.

Families who are prepared will reduce the demand on strained community resources.

For details on the informational meetings or pandemic flu, call MCDH at (815) 334-4510 or visit the emergency response Web site at www.mcdhprepare.info.