BYU-Idaho prepares for possible avian flu pandemic

Brigham Young University-Idaho has developed a prevention plan to prepare for a possible avian flu pandemic.  The preparations come out of a shared concern for students, employees, and members of the community.

"The plan was developed to prepare for any kind of communicable disease, not just the avian flu," said Eric Harmston, BYU-Idaho Safety Officer.  "We are among a few universities who have prepared for a pandemic."  BYU-Idaho officials want students and employees to be educated and prepared for a possible pandemic. 

"Within a few months, hopefully all students will know how to protect themselves," said Dr. Jud Miller, Student Health Center Medical Director.  "Education is a personal responsibility.  We can not do anything to stop the avian flu from coming, we can only prepare ourselves."

Officials have gone to great lengths to prepare BYU-Idaho for a possible pandemic. "We are quite prepared as a university", said Harmston.  "We have food storage in case the campus needs to be used as a temporary shelter and masks for those who don't have them."

Officials have also made plans for a Self Imposed Reverse Quarantine (SIRQ) incase the avian flu mutates and can be transferred from human to human, something many experts believe will never happen.  Under the SIRQ, people quarantine themselves until they can be immunized against the flu. Experts remind students it is essential to prepare themselves.

"It would not take much to for a student to get prepared," said Harmston.  "A basic 72-hour kit can be assembled easily for under $20." Items to include in personal 72-hour kit can be found at www.byui.edu/safety.  "It is important to wash your hands often and to stay healthy," said Miller.

A twenty-minute video has been produced detailing the steps to prevention and preparation and is available for checkout in the Safety Office, located in Rigby Hall 162. 

While there is a possibility of a pandemic, leaders at BYU-Idaho feel well prepared. "The chance is there, but there is no reason to fear if we are prepared," said Harmston.