An influenza pandemic could strike your community at any time. It is important to be prepared in order to lessen the impact a pandemic may have on you and your family. The following tips can help you prepare for a possible pandemic and limit the spread of infection should a pandemic occur.

Prepare Your Home

• Always have a two-week supply of food and water on hand, in case you are unable to get to the store or if the stores are short on supplies.
• Monitor your prescription drugs so that you always have a continuous supply in your home.
• Have applicable nonprescription drugs and health supplies on hand, such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, vitamins, etc.

Prepare Your Family and Community

• Communicate with family and loved ones about the type of care someone will need if sick with the flu, so everyone is prepared to care for each other.
• Volunteer with local community groups to prepare for a pandemic and assist with emergency response needs.

Prevent Infection

The following tactics can often prevent infection – don’t forget to share them with family and loved ones as well.

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer often.
  
• Disinfect commonly touched surfaces in your home, workplace and car.
• If your doctor recommends it, get yourself and your family vaccinated against the flu.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid spreading germs you may have come into contact with.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods. Observing these general health habits can help you keep your immune system strong and less prone to illness.

If You Become Sick

Sometimes, sickness is unavoidable, especially during a pandemic. However, there are strategies you can take to limit its spread to others.

• Continue to observe the above recommendations, including washing hands, avoiding close contact with others, getting plenty of sleep and drinking plenty of fluids.
• Stay home from work, school and public places, to avoid spreading illness to others (it is recommending by the CDC that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone).
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Talk to your doctor about taking a prescription antiviral medication.