All educational institutions need to be properly prepared for the myriad of possible infectious diseases that can spread. While these diseases are naturally occurring human conditions, they can be avoided, controlled and managed. Educational institutions have a responsibility to influence behavior changes to reduce the offensive pathogens. This is accomplished through an infectious disease plan tailored for your environment. Effective plans will include instruction for monitoring, mitigation, communications and responses using internal resources that are coordinated with your local, state, federal and international agencies when required. This time of year, we all worry about influenza. Visit the CDC site to learn more about emerging infectious diseases and view the sample pandemic influenza planning checklists.