A flu epidemic is an outbreak of a new flu virus that spreads from person to person, mostly through coughing and sneezing.The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, but what makes it dangerous is that it can spread quickly and make it difficult to treat.Life would be disrupted because so many people would get sick at the same time.There can be impacts from school closings to the interruption of basic services.It's not possible to predict when the next flu epidemic will occur or how bad it will be.Everyone in the world will be at risk regardless of where the Pandemic begins.It will be harder for you to follow important health advice if you don't take steps to prepare for a pandemic.
Step 1: When you cough or sneeze, keep your mouth and nose closed.
Don't put disposable tissue down on any surface, flush it down the toilet or throw it in a trash can.You can wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.If you don't have anything to cough or sneeze into, you can use the inside of your elbow.If you were wearing long sleeves, you should wash your arm as soon as possible.Carry tissues with you.
Step 2: Keep your hands clean.
After touching other people or any surface that others have touched, wash your hands.Carry alcohol-based sanitizer with you.Offer it to other people.Unless your hands are clean, don't touch your face.
Step 3: Don't drink or share utensils.
In cafeteria settings, it's not uncommon for people to casually share utensils.If there is a chance of a flu epidemic, this should be avoided.
Step 4: The authorities tell you to wear a face mask.
If used correctly, face masks and respirators can help prevent exposure to the flu.Frequent hand washing is one of the preventive measures that face masks should be used for.
Step 5: Stay hydrated.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy food.The more healthy you are, the better your immune system will be.
Step 6: Know what to expect
After a flu outbreak, a vaccine may only be available in limited quantities.Pandemic flu is a new virus to humans and people will have little or no immunity to it.People with previous exposure to the flu have immunity.Pandemic flu may be more severe than seasonal flu.Pandemic flu is more likely to kill people than seasonal flu.
Step 7: Make sure to stock up.
Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies, and other necessities.A 2-week supply is recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.These supplies can be useful in other emergencies.Basic over-the-counter health supplies include a thermometer, facemasks, tissues, soap, hand sanitizers and medicine.
Step 8: You should plan ahead.
In the following cases, plan for what you will do.Plan home learning activities.There are books on hand.Your children can do recreational activities at home.Make plans for how to care for people with special needs if the services they rely on are not available when a family member becomes sick.If you are sick with the flu, stay home for at least 10 days.Staying at home will keep you from giving it away.Everyone in your household should stay home when they are sick.If someone in your household is sick with the flu, stay home.The transportation networks were disrupted.Think about how you can reduce your reliance on public transportation.You can make fewer trips to the store if you store food and other essential supplies.Take care of loved ones who are far away if you have backup plans.If you can, consider other ways to get to work.
Step 9: You should talk to your employer.
Discuss with your employer how business will go on during a Pandemic.A risk management plan can be developed to account for the possibility of a flu epidemic.Find out if your employer will consider virtualizing the workforce or if you can work from home.If your place of employment is closed, you need to plan for the possibility of a reduction or loss of income.You should check with your employer or union about leave policies.
Step 10: Stay current.
Reliable information can be found from reliable sources.Having accurate and reliable information will be important in the event of a Pandemic.Reliable, accurate, and timely information can be found at http://www.pandemicflu.gov.The CDC Hotline can be reached at: 1-800-CDC-INFO.24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this line is available in English and Spanish.There is aTTY that you can use.If you don't live in the U.S., you should check for an equivalent hotline in your area.You can find information on your local and state government Web sites.Your local public health and emergency preparedness officials should be reviewed.You can listen to local and national radio, watch news reports on television, and read your newspaper.