Pennsylvania provides assistance for people to prepare for the possibility of a pandemic influenza with the new Pennsylvania Pandemic Preparedness Web site, www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us.

The Web site features answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about avian and pandemic influenza on every page, such as why there is concern about H5N1 avian flu, what Pennsylvania is doing to prepare and what individuals can do to prepare. You also will find fact sheets and planning checklists that you can print and distribute in your community.

The launch of this Web site was just in time for the national broadcast of the ABC movie “ Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America,” a fictional story about what happens when an influenza pandemic reaches the United States. The movie aired on May 9 and had the potential to raise questions and concerns from students and parents. To help ease their concerns and provide them with the facts, here are some things you can tell them:

•  The movie “Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America” is entertainment, not fact. The events in the movie should not be taken as fact or a true prediction of what a flu pandemic would look like.

•  If people have concerns, they can call the Department of Health's toll-free hotline, (877) PA-HEALTH. The hotline is staffed 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

•  People can be able to find answers to many of their questions on the new Pennsylvania Pandemic Preparedness Web site at www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us.

Pennsylvanians should be assured that state agencies are working very closely with schools, local governments, healthcare providers, the agricultural community, businesses and community organizations to plan and prepare for a flu pandemic. However, citizens should think about what they can do to prepare themselves and their family. Together, we can make Pennsylvania safer, healthier and more prepared for a pandemic.