Avian Flu---Time's A-Tickin'...Part 4

This is our fourth posting in a series to help share information about Avian flu. Information provided is taken from international and national experts from the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and US Department of Health and Human Services. Some information may be concern provoking.

Excerpts from:

Pandemic Influenza Planning

A Guide for Individuals and Families
US Department of Health and Human Services
January 2006

As you plan, it is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. It may take time to find the answers to these challenges. Below are some situations that could be caused by a severe pandemic and possible ways to address them.

Schools May Be Closed for an Extended Period of Time
If you have children at home, plan home learning activities and exercises. Have materials, such as books, on hand. Also plan recreational activities that your children can do at home.

During a Pandemic You May Not Be Able to Get to a Store.
Stock a supply of water and food. Even if you can get to a store, it may be out of supplies. Public waterworks services may also be interrupted. Stocking supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.

Store foods that:

• Are nonperishable (will keep for a long time) and don't require refrigeration. Most canned/boxed grocery items have an expiration date on the container. Look for this date and purchase those things that have the longest shelf life. Plan to rotate those supplies into your everyday grocery use as the expiration date nears. But, remember to resupply your emergency stock.

• Are easy to prepare in case you are unable to cook

• Require little or no water, so you can conserve water for drinking

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now.
You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

To plan for a pandemic:

• Store a supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.

• Ask your doctor and insurance company if you can get an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs.

• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.

• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

• Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.

• Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for influenza pandemic.

To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:

• Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior.

• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior.

• Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick.

Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:

Examples of food and non-perishables

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups
Protein or fruit bars
Dry cereal or granola
Peanut butter or nuts
Dried fruit
Crackers
Canned juices
Bottled water
Canned or jarred baby food and formula
Pet food

Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies

Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand wash
Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Thermometer
Anti-diarrheal medication
Vitamins
Fluids with electrolytes
Cleansing agent/soap
Flashlight
Batteries
Portable radio
Manual can opener
Garbage bags
Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers



Next week: How Does Seasonal Flu Differ From Pandemic Flu?


Be Informed. Be Prepared.