Pandemic Flu: What You Should Know
Pandemic influenza (flu) is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus for which there is little or no immunity (protection) in the human population. Scientists and health professionals are concerned that the current virus in birds (avian flu) may develop into the next human pandemic.
Pandemic flu can spread easily from person-to-person, causing serious illness and death. When new pandemic flu spreads it creates a public health emergency. A pandemic will last longer, make more people seriously ill and may cause more deaths than any other health crisis in our time. It is very important to plan ahead. Federal, state and local governments are taking steps to better prepare for and respond to a pandemic. Individuals also need to take action to be better prepared.
What You Can Do
Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, getting enough rest and drinking fluids. Get your seasonal flu shot. Stay informed by keeping up-to-date on a possible pandemic by listening to radio and television, reading news stories and checking out the Internet. These common-sense steps can help stop the spread of influenza germs:
- Wash hands frequently using soap and water or alcoholbased hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Put used tissues in the trash and then wash your hands.
- If you get sick, stay home and away from others as much as possible.
- Don't send sick children to school.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Prevent The Spread Of Disease At Home
- Isolate the ill person within your home. The person who is ill should not leave the house unless they are being taken to a medical appointment. The sick person will have to stay home for two weeks after their symptoms begin, even if they feel better. Do not have visitors while the person is ill.
- Designate a room only for the ill person so they are separated from other household members. The room should have a door that can be closed. The ill person should wear a protective mask when anyone is in the same room or car. People in the room or car with the ill person should also wear a protective mask. Disposable gloves should be used when cleaning or disinfecting any room or area where the sick person has been.
- Everyone in the household should wash their hands with soap between contacts with others, before preparing food and before eating. Wash hands after touching tissues or surfaces soiled with saliva or nose drainage.
- Keep the household clean on a daily basis by cleaning surfaces and commonly shared items like microwaves, refrigerator handles, phones, remote controls, doorknobs, handles, toilet seats and handles, faucets, light switches and toys. Use a labeled disinfectant or chlorine bleach mixture. Store brand chlorine bleach can be used as a disinfectant by mixing 1/4 cup chlorine bleach with one gallon of cool water.
- Keep supplies of masks, gloves, soap, tissues, paper towels and cleaning products on hand. Make sure all sinks and restrooms are stocked with soap and paper towels, and make sure tissues are available in all bedrooms and common areas like living, dining, family and computer rooms.