Individuals and Family Preparedness
| Currently there is no influenza
pandemic, and globally we are in the pre-pandemic preparation
phase. |
As in other emergencies, pandemic influenza could affect everyday
life. Schools and businesses might be closed during pandemic
influenza. Travel could be limited during a pandemic. Preparing
now can limit the effects of pandemic influenza.
EVERYONE HAS A ROLE IN PREPARING FOR
AN INFLUENZA PANDEMIC!
Key Activities
While the thought of a global disease outbreak may seem overwhelming,
there are many things you can do to prepare for pandemic influenza
and reduce your risk. Fortunately, these actions are similar
to those recommended for any potential public health emergency
and include the following steps:
- Get educated
- Protect your health
- Develop preparedness plans
Get educated. Read about pandemic influenza
and avian influenza from official sources and
pay attention to stories in the media. Local officials will
work with the media to deliver important messages to the public
about any local health issues.
Protect your health. To defend yourself
against illness, implement the following practices:
1. Wash your hands often with soap
and warm water;
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose
or mouth as much as possible;
3. Stay away from people who are sick;
4. Cover your mouth and nose with
a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing;
5. Get regular exercise, enough rest
and eat healthy, balanced meals.
The CDC offers additional information on Stopping the
Spread of Germs at Home, Work & School.
Develop preparedness plans. According to
the federal government, "A pandemic is likely to be a prolonged
and widespread outbreak that could require temporary changes
in many areas of society, such as schools, work, transportation,
and other public services." (Source: PandemicFlu.gov, Accessed on June 29, 2006)
It is important to stock a supply of water and food. During
a pandemic you may not be able to get to a store. 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;
- are easy to prepare in case you are unable to cook;
- require little or no water, so you can conserve water
for drinking;
See a checklist of items to have on hand for an
extended stay at home.
Public inquiries to the CDC:
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
888-232-6348 (TTY)
e-mail : cdcinfo@cdc.gov
This service is offered in English and Spanish, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
PandemicFlu.gov is the official U.S. government Web site
for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza. Visit
the PandemicFlu.gov Health & Safety page to
access detailed information and preparedness tips for the
following audiences:
For more information about pandemic influenza, send us an email at fluinfo@sbcphd.org or phone 888-SBCoFlu (888-722-6358).
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