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During a major pandemic, many ordinary people will find themselves responsible for providing medical care to loved ones and friends. Under usual circumstances patients this sick would be hospitalized
− but during a major pandemic, that option is not likely to be available. To assist you........To continue click here and open a small guide to help you take care of someone with Influenza
click here to download a 2 page American Red Cross Guide for Home Care for the Flu
click here to read about potential Social Disruption during a Pandemic
•Participate in and promote public health efforts in your state and community.
•Talk to local public health officials and health care providers who can supply information about the signs and symptoms of an outbreak.
•Anticipate how to function if a large part of the workforce or school population is absent because of illness.
•Practice good health habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting enough rest. Wash hands frequently; cover coughs and sneezes with tissues; stay away from others if you're sick.
•Stock a "survival kit" with prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen, antihistamines and cough syrup, and medical supplies, including a thermometer and blood pressure monitor.
•Learn basic medical skills, such as how to check temperature, pulse and respiratory rate and blood pressure.
•Make sure you have a will and life insurance.
•Get a flu shot and pneumococcal vaccination. Though a flu shot won't prevent a pandemic strain, it will reduce the risk of being infected with two flu strains in the same year. The pneumococcal vaccine can prevent pneumococcal pneumonia, a complication of flu.
•Know how to identify and treat dehydration, which can result from fever or diarrhea. Symptoms include weakness, headache, fainting, dry mouth, decreased urine that is dark and highly concentrated, loss of skin elasticity, low blood pressure, fast pulse when lying down or sitting still. "Preventing dehydration in flu victims will save more lives than all the other treatments combined," Dr G. Woodson writes. An "oral rehydration solution" is more effective than plain water because it replaces lost salt and includes sugar, which helps water enter and stay in the body. To make it, mix 4 cups of clean water with 3 tablespoons of sugar or honey and1/4 teaspoon of table salt.
click here to download a one page handout on what you can do about pandemic flu
Click here to watch a 10 minute film on Pandemic Flu
Click here to a FAQ on Pandemic Flu