Most schools unprepared for pandemics

A new study says many U.S. schools are not prepared for another pandemic.  Researchers at Saint Louis University analyzed about 2,000 school nurses at primary, elementary, middle and high schools in 26 states and found that less than half of the schools include pandemic preparedness in their school plan.

According to Health Day News, only about 30 percent of schools stockpile any personal protective equipment, 1.5 percent stockpile medication in anticipation of another pandemic, and nearly 34 percent of schools train students on infection prevention.

Researchers say this new finding highlights the need for U.S. schools to continue to address gaps in infectious disease emergency planning, and the preparedness for all types of disasters, including pandemics.