Acute Respiratory Illness Pandemics: Prevention & Response

For most healthy adults, seasonal viruses are not generally life-threatening. But as you’ve seen in the news, acute respiratory illness pandemics, such as those caused by coronaviruses (including COVID-19) or influenza, can spread quickly and widely, and pose a major global health threat.

The main objective of this course is to make non-healthcare workers aware of the risks of pandemics and the precautions to take to keep themselves safe. By the time the session is over, you will be able to describe what a pandemic is; identify types of viruses that can cause acute respiratory illness pandemics and recognize their symptoms; appreciate the risks of infection; prevent the spread of infection; prepare for and address a pandemic at work and at home; and react responsibly if you get sick.