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Professional News
Published Online: 4 September 2009

Flu Outbreak Could Lead to Community Stress

Publication: Psychiatric News
Volume 44, Number 17
https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.44.17.0006a
The mental health effects of natural disasters like floods or earthquakes are fairly well documented, but there are almost no data on the mental health consequences of infectious disease outbreaks, according to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress. The center is part of the Department of Psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md.
Nevertheless, from existing research and experience stemming from past disasters, the center offers a number of guidelines for clinicians and the public in preparing for the outcomes of a severe outbreak of novel influenza A (H1N1) flu.
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Public health and government officials must inform the public in advance about the science of influenza and ways to prepare for an outbreak and reduce the risk of infection.
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Public officials must understand who are the most vulnerable members of society and will need the most health services, including mental health services—people with psychiatric illness, children, the elderly, homeless people, and people who suffer losses during the pandemic.
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Community medical capacity may be overwhelmed by the sick and those who fear real or imagined exposure. Planning for such behavioral response is critical.
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Community social supports, even if hampered by the necessities of social distancing, are important. Engaging in regular activities like school or work as much as possible can lessen distress.
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Planning for mass fatalities, including stress not only on survivors, but on medical staff, funeral homes, and religious institutions, is essential.
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Good risk and safety communication must inform the public about health-protective behaviors.
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Poor material support for prevention, response, and recovery may lead to disenchantment with systems that help communities respond to disaster.
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First responders will need help assuring the safety of their families while they work and coping with the inevitable stress they will face on the job.
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Finally, mental health surveillance should track levels of PTSD, depression, and substance use, in parallel with changes in the social environment—school or work closings, housing, or transportation problems.
More information is posted at<www.centerforthestudyoftraumaticstress.org/pandemicflu.shtml>.▪

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Psychiatric News
Volume 44 • Number 17 • September 4, 2009
Pages: 6

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Published online: 4 September 2009
Published in print: September 4, 2009

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