KDHE to Conduct Public Forums on Pandemic Influenza/Avian Flu and Seasonal Influenza

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has scheduled seven public forums across Kansas to discuss influenza, including pandemic influenza, avian flu and the state’s pandemic preparedness plan.

Dr. Howard Rodenberg, KDHE Division of Health Director and State Health Officer; and Dr. Gail Hansen, KDHE State Epidemiologist, will discuss what to expect if avian and/or pandemic influenza appears in the U.S., ways to limit the spread of avian and/or pandemic influenza, and the Kansas Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan.

In addition, Rodenberg and Hansen will discuss guidelines on seeking medical care if one experiences influenza symptoms, the importance of vaccinations, the products available for treatment (antivirals), and the differences between various types of influenza. The upcoming flu season will also be discussed. A question and answer session will follow each presentation.

KDHE conducted 11 public flu forums last year. The forums, held between Nov. 7 and December 13, 2005, were presented in: Kansas City, Topeka, Salina, Pittsburg, Chanute, Wichita, Garden City, Dodge City, Hays, Lawrence and Manhattan.

All interested members of the general public, including business owners, chambers of commerce, community organizations, local school and government officials are encouraged to attend.

Local media are also encouraged to attend the forum in the area they serve.

The date, time and location of each of the seven influenza public forums are as follows:

October 18, 6 p.m. – Thomas County Conference Center, 350 S. Range Ave, Colby.

October 19, 6 p.m. – Cook Theater, Cloud County Community College, 2221 Campus Drive, Concordia.

October 24, 6 p.m. – Shears Technology Center, Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson.

October 25, 6 p.m. – Seward County Event Center, 8th & Stadium, Liberal.

October 26, 6 p.m. – Liberty Middle School, 300 S. Iuka, Pratt.

October 30, 6 p.m. – Lyon County Courthouse, 3 rd Floor Jury Room, 430 S. Commercial, Emporia.

November 13, 6 p.m. – Riverfront Community Center, 123 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth.

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