How to Prepare for Swine Flu Pandemic

Pandemic flu, like swine flu, affect the world and could affect you and your family as people grow sick in your community. How can you prepare for the swine flu and keep your family safe?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. DON'T PANIC!!!
   
   Pandemic flu, including strains of swine flu, have swept across the world before and pandemic flu will sweep the world again. Most notable in modern times is the Spanish Flu, but there's no reason to assume the swine flu or any other flu is like the deadly virus that killed so many in 1918.
   
   Keep abreast of swine flu events on the news or by following the links below, but don't make it your focus in life.
   
   Be aware and prepared.
   
   Don't be afraid.

2. PREPARE AT ALERT PHASES 3 and 4.
   
   The World Health Organization (see resources below) issue pandemic alerts phases 1 through 6. During alert phases 1-3, there are isolated incidents of human infection, but sustained human-to-human transmission of disease has not yet occurred. At alert phase 4, sustained human-to-human transmission is occuring, but may not yet have reached your community.
   
   Do you want to prepare when the swine flu virus is being passed around your town? Don't wait until everyone makes a run on local stores. Make your preparations during pandemic alert phase 4 or lower. If you wait until the alert phase goes higher, you may be too late.

3. CONFIRM CHILD CARE
   
   Schools may be closed or your child may fall ill. Are you going to stay at home with your kids? Your spouse? A grandparent? What if your babysitter becomes ill? Discuss this and make arrangements now.

4. CHECK INTO TELE-COMMUTING/WORKING AT HOME
   
   If your job allows it, check into working from home if swine flu hits your community.

5. IF YOU WORK IN A SERVICE INDUSTRY...
   
   Put extra money back now. If people are sick, they won't be visiting the local steakhouse or having their tires rotated. You may be sent home from work if business is slow or authorities shut down your employer as a public safety precaution. Save a little money now so you can weather through any cuts in your paycheck.

6. CHECK YOUR MEDICINE CABINET
   
   Do you already have over-the-counter flu medicines and pain-relievers for you and your children? Check the expiration dates. Replace your supply, as needed. Be sure to have both acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Gatorade or other electrolyte drinks that replenish fluids and prevent dehyrdration aren't a bad idea, either.

7. STOCK UP GROCERIES
   
   No, I don't think the stores are going to run out of food, but once pandemic alert phase 5 or higher is announced, you'll want to spend as little time in public spaces as possible. Do your grocery shopping and run your errands now. Be sure to buy disposable tissues, canned chicken noodle soup and comfort foods you and your family like to have when you're not feeling well.

8. KEEP YOUR GAS TANK FULL
   
   Again, you want to avoid public spaces. If your gas tank is full, you won't need to go out if swine flu hits your community.

9. WASH YOUR HANDS
   
   Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your eyes and mouth. Keep hand santizer in your pocket and use it when you've been in public spaces. Sneeze/cough into the crook of your elbow rather than into your hand.

10. LISTEN TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES.
    
    And do what they tell you. Your local authorities will alert you if swine flu appears in your community and let you know what you should do. See the resource link to PandemicFlu.gov for an interactive map linking you to your state's pandemic planning information.

Tips & Warnings

• DO NOT PANIC

Resources

• CDC on Swine Flu
• WHO Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR)
• Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
• WHO Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response (PDF)
• WHO Swine Flu FAQ (PDF)
• PandemicFlu.gov - pandemic planning by state
• eHow Health & Fitness Guide

[JeannieKerns]

on 4/27/2009 This is like the fifth Swine article I have commented on tonite.. Great information !