Know What to Do
Preventive measures for you and your family
There are many things you can do before and during an outbreak that may help lessen the impact of a pandemic flu on you and your family. For example, the U.S. Government’s Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families recommends having a two-week supply of water and food on hand in the event that you are asked not to go to stores or the stores are out of supplies. They also stress the importance of good personal hygiene to help limit the spread of germs.
Knowing what to do and preparing yourself for a possible outbreak now may help reduce the possible number of cases and slow the spread of the virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an antiseptic alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Throw used tissues in a waste basket. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.
- Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. At least 6 feet away is the usual recommendation in crowded settings.
- Stay home from work and school if you are sick.
- Don’t shake hands with anyone who appears to be sick.
Practice good health habits
- Eat a balanced diet. Include a variety of foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grain items. Also, include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, and beans.
- Drink lots of water.
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get plenty of rest.
How should individuals prepare?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), CDC, and health experts ask individuals to stock up on foods and other necessities, improve health, and plan ahead for how they will care for themselves and family members during a flu pandemic.
Stock up
- Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies, and other necessities.
- HHS recommends having a two-week supply, but stocking up can take place over time.
- These supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages.
Improve health
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Plan ahead
Plan for what you will do in the following cases:
- if schools are dismissed;
- if you cannot go to work;
- if you or a family member becomes sick and needs care.
How do I learn more?
For more information, visit www.pandemicflu.gov.
Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home
Examples of food and nonperishables |
Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies |
- ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups
- protein or fruit bars
- dry cereal or granola
- peanut butter
- dried fruit
- crackers
- canned juices
- bottled water
- canned or jarred baby food and formula
- pet food
- other nonperishable foods
|
- prescribed medical supplies, such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
- soap and water, or alcohol-based (60%–95%) hand wash
- medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- thermometer
- antidiarrheal medication
- vitamins
- fluids with electrolytes
- cleansing agent/soap
- flashlight
- batteries
- portable radio
- manual can opener
|
General advice about contact with poultry and eggs
H1N1 (Swine Flu)
There is no risk for exposure to H1N1 (Swine Flu) from eating or preparing pork. You should always prepare pork to 160 degrees F or 70 degrees C.
Avian Influenza
To date, avian influenza cannot be caught from eating well-cooked poultry or eggs. However, it can be caught from raw or undercooked poultry or eggs if the bird is infected. The primary mode of transmission from birds to humans is through direct contact with infected bird feces. Other, more common infections, such as Salmonella bacteria, can also be caught from undercooked or raw poultry or raw eggs. So, it is always a good idea to wash any surface that is in contact with raw poultry with hot, soapy water and avoid ingesting raw eggs.
According to the CDC, as of April 2006, the rare cases of H5N1 infection in humans are thought to have occurred from direct contact with infected poultry in affected countries. Therefore, when possible, care should be taken to avoid contact with live, well-appearing, sick, or dead poultry and with any surfaces that may have been contaminated by poultry or their feces or secretions. Uncooked poultry or poultry products, including blood, should not be consumed.
Information for Travelers*
Travel information related to H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Travel information related to avian flu
Additional Resources
Individual & Family Planning — Family Guide, checklists and information sheets.
PandemicFlu.gov — The U.S. Government’s avian and pandemic flu website.
Health Updates on Influenza — Recommendations for enhanced surveillance, diagnostic evaluation, and infection control precautions for avian influenza A.
H1N1 (Swine Flu)
World Health Organization: H1N1 (Swine Flu) – latest news, country activities, general information, and regional information
CDC: H1N1 (Swine Flu) - Key facts, Q&A, prevention, outbreaks, and information for specific audiences from the CDC.
Avian Influenza
World Health Organization: Avian Influenza — Latest news, country activities, general information, and regional information.
CDC: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) — Key facts, Q&A, prevention, outbreaks, and information for specific audiences from the CDC.
* Source: CDC Travelers’ Health website, www.cdc.gov/travel
Important information about links to other sites
