Pandemics cover a wide geographic area and affect a large proportion of the population. When a new virus emerges it can easily be spread person-to-person, causing serious illness for which there is little or no immunity in the human population worldwide.
To protect yourself and others during a pandemic:
- Practice frequent hand washing; wash thoroughly for 15-20 seconds.
- Use a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Carry a small bottle of antibacterial hand sanitizer to use when hand washing is not accessible.
- If ill, stay home from work, avoid public activities and keep your distance from family members.
- Keep your distance from others who appear to be ill.
- Avoid travel to areas with known outbreaks whenever possible.
- Listen to local media and Public Health Department officials for detailed information and updates on a pandemic including symptoms, treatments, course of treatment action, and known cases existing in your area.
- Create and maintain a family preparedness kit with water, food and medical prescriptions sufficient for a two-week period.
Click here for current information and guidance on the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) provided by the Center for Disease Control.
Click here for a Faith-Based & Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Click here to get a kit & make a plan