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Whether the current Swine Flu scare exacerbates into a global health crisis or not, it is imperative that every family (and business) prepare to deal with a pandemic.
If it isn’t swine flu today, it may be bird flu tomorrow.
The rapidity with which this latest crisis has erupted should be ample evidence that once a pandemic begins, there may be precious little time left to prepare.
Below are 7 things you can begin doing now to prepare for the next pandemic. Some of these items may take weeks to get accomplished. Some will require seeing your doctor.
The time to begin is now.
1. Become Informed. Visit www.pandemicflu.gov and plan to spend some time reading the information there. Particularly the page on personal preparedness for a pandemic.
Additionally, the CDC has a new Swine Flu information page. Just click on the image below, or go to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy) is another reputable source for pandemic information and news. You should also check your local or State's Health Department webpage on pandemic influenza.
And of course, I can heartily recommend a short list of flu bloggers, including SophiaZoe, Crof, Scott McPherson, and the Reveres at Effect Measure, and DemFromCt at the Daily Kos.
2. Get your flu shot every year. They aren't expected to be effective against a pandemic flu strain, but some studies suggest they may confer some slight immunity.
Not enough, perhaps, to keep you from catching pandemic flu, but hopefully enough to help blunt its effects a bit.
Besides, a pandemic strain will likely be spreading at the same time as seasonal flu. It would be helpful to know that, if you got sick, it was likely to be the pandemic strain and not seasonal flu.
3. Talk to your Doctor about the PPV shot. The Adult-dose 23-valent Pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPV) provides protection against 23 of the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Bacterial pneumonia, secondary to an influenza virus infection, is believed to have been the cause of a large portion of the high mortality rate during the 1918 pandemic. While not 100% effective, the PPV vaccine will reduce the odds of acquiring secondary pneumonia.
Normally this vaccine is given to those over the age of 50, or those with chronic health problems.
You should talk to your doctor to see if this vaccination is appropriate for you. Often these shots are available at pharmacies and supermarkets that hold flu vaccination clinics.
4. Make a written pandemic plan for your family and/or your business. To get you started, the HHS has a series of checklists for families, businesses, and schools. The ones listed below are just a small sample of those available.
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist [PDF - 151KB] [En Español (PDF) (276KB)]
- Family Emergency Health Information Sheet [PDF - 122KB]
5. Follow the advice of the HHS and stockpile at least 2-weeks of food, water, and essential supplies.
And don't forget the first aid kit!
Americans are urged to do so, not only for a pandemic, but for any other disaster that might occur.
Here is part of the government's advice:
Stock a supply of water and food. During a pandemic you may not be able to get to a store. Even if you can get to a store, it may be out of supplies. Public waterworks services may also be interrupted. Stocking supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters. Store foods that:
- are nonperishable (will keep for a long time) and don't require refrigeration
- are easy to prepare in case you are unable to cook
- require little or no water, so you can conserve water for drinking
See a checklist of items to have on hand for an extended stay at home.
While 2-weeks is a good start, many agencies and organizations are suggesting up to 3 months of supplies.
A good source of information for preparing for a pandemic can be found at Get Pandemic Ready. This website has dozens of easy-to-follow guides on how to stockpile food, and handle emergency lighting, heating, and cooking . . . among other things.
6. Talk to your doctor about getting at least a month's extra supply of any critical prescriptions you, or your family, may rely on. The AMA has recently endorsed the idea that people should have extra meds on hand in case of a disaster.
Personal medication supply in times of disaster:
Earthquakes, hurricanes and floods have headlined recent news reports. This new policy supports allowing all patients with chronic medical conditions to maintain an emergency reserve of prescription medications
7. Talk to your friends and neighbors, local government leaders, your local PTA, and anyone else you know and encourage them to become educated and prepare as well. If you belong to a civic organization, private club, neighborhood watch, or a church, consider enlisting their help in preparing your community.
The HHS has provided toolkits for communities to do just that.
Talking Points
Pandemic Flu Preparedness (PDF - 53.05 KB)
How to Get Your Peers Involved (PDF - 58.56 KB)
Fact Sheets
Pandemic Flu Basics (PDF - 59.75 KB)
Community-Based Interventions (PDF - 51.42 KB)
Checklists
Pandemic Flu Preparedness (PDF - 64.29 KB)
Stocking Food and Supplies (PDF - 65.27 KB)
Food and Supplies Drive (PDF - 66.72 KB)
Sample Newsletter Articles
Pandemic Flu Preparedness (PDF - 44.54 KB)
Stocking Food and Supplies (PDF - 67.04 KB)
Good Health Habits (PDF - 55.05 KB)
How to Get Involved (PDF - 45.5 KB)
Sample E-mails
Pandemic Flu Preparedness (PDF - 46.71 KB)
Stocking Food and Supplies (PDF - 65.27 KB)
Good Health Habits (PDF - 46.96 KB
How to Get Involved (PDF - 45.15 KB)
'Chain' E-mail (PDF - 50.39 KB)
Posters
Cover Your Cough (PDF - 90.72 KB)
Food Drive Template (PDF - 51.8 KB)
Resources
Incentive Ideas (PDF - 49.2 KB)
Links to Internet Resources (PDF - 47.93 KB)
Complete 'Take the Lead' Toolkit (PDF - 377.34 KB)
We are each only as prepared as the community that we live in.
By taking these 7 steps now, you will be well ahead of the crowds once a pandemic begins. You can then take additional steps to protect you, your family, your community, and your business once a pandemic outbreak is announced.
But the important thing is to begin now.
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