Here is some info to get you started courtesy of our Infection Prevention Department. The CDC’s Web site is also a great resource (www.cdc.gov).
Tips on how to prevent the spread of flu:
Your best protection against seasonal and H1N1 influenza is vaccination.
On a day-to-day basis, practice consistent thorough and frequent hand washing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective as well.
Adopt good cough and sneeze practices, such as coughing or sneezing into your sleeve at the elbow or shoulder instead of into your hand. If you cough or sneeze into a tissue, discard it immediately and wash your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. This is the most common route of infection.
Know the symptoms of flu, which can include the following: (Nearly all persons with flu will have at least TWO of the symptoms listed):
Fever
Headache
Tiredness
Cough
Sore throat
Runny/stuffy nose
Body aches
Diarrhea
Vomiting
If you think you have the flu, seek treatment from your primary care physician within the first 48 hours. Your physician can assess whether or not you are a candidate for Tamiflu, an antiviral medication that has proven effective against this virus strain.
Everyone should have a personal plan in place for dealing with pandemic influenza. Preparing in advance for a pandemic will help bring PEACE of mind and confidence. Your personal planning efforts should include:
Prepare your plan
A personal plan should include written information on how you and your loved ones will communicate with each other during a disaster, as well as any special family and pet care needs to be met during the disaster.
Emergency disaster kit
You should have an emergency disaster kit that includes enough food and water for two weeks for a pandemic and three days for any other type of disaster. Be sure to add any special supplies you may need, such as medications and baby and pet supplies.
Arrange for care of loved ones
Make contingency plans now for child care in the event your child is out sick with the flu. Be sure to include alternative elder care plans if you have older adults in your family.
Contact numbers
Each family member should have a written list of family members along with their contact information. Be sure to assign one centralized number to call into so that all family members can be accounted for during an emergency
Exercise and evaluate
Test your personal plan, including your communication plan, and make sure to review it every six months. You should also update your disaster kit in case items have expired.
Following these tips will help to bring you and your family PEACE during any emergency, including pandemic influenza.
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