Three avian flu forums planned, more likely on the way

Plan now to attend one of the following forums: Wednesday, Dec. 13 — noon to 1 p.m., Durham Research Center Auditorium Tuesday, Dec. 19 — 8 to 9 a.m., Durham Research Center Auditorium Wednesday, Dec. 20 — 10 to 11 a.m., Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater

The popularity of last month’s avian flu forums has led to the scheduling of three additional presentations this month with more likely coming in January.

The forums — which are for medical center students and employees — describe avian flu, how it spreads, the difference between avian and pandemic flu, how Americans could be affected, the status of the disease around the world and steps that can be taken to be prepared at home.

Forums will be presented by Sharon Medcalf of the Center for Biopreparedness Education. Light refreshments will be served.

For those who can’t attend one of the forums, which each last about an hour, video of the presentation is archived and available on the Internet in Real Player at www.unmc.edu/avianflu. A 16-week Household Stockpiling Tool — which helps in home preparation for a pandemic — will be available at the forums and also is on the Web site.

Departments and units that would like a DVD copy of the forum can place orders by e-mailing Bill O’Neill of UNMC Public Affairs at woneill@unmc.edu.