Monday, 31 August 2009 20:53

An influenza, or flu, pandemic happens when a new flu virus appears that easily spreads from person-to-person and around the world.  Experts cannot predict when the next flu pandemic may occur, or how severe it will be, but there are several things that you can do now to prepare for a flu pandemic.  (Information provided by READY Colorado)

MAKE A READY KIT
Get your complete READYColorado Pack A Kit list at www.readycolorado.com

• Medications and equipment.  Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, and ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, are useful for bringing down a fever and reducing aches and pains.

• Tissues and trash bags.  Have plenty of tissues on hand for sneezing and blowing your nose.  Garbage service could be disrupted or postponed.  Keep garbage bags on hand to store used tissues safely.

• Masks.  The use of surgical masks by sick or coughing people in your household may help reduce, but not eliminate, the spread of flu germs.  Masks do not replace hand washing and should never be reused or shared.  You can buy masks at your local pharmacy or hardware store.  Masks should be changed every 4-to-6 hours, or earlier if the mask becomes wet from sneezing and coughing.  Throw used masks in a garbage bag.

MAKE A PLAN

During a pandemic, you and your family may need to stay at home for several days or weeks.  Make a plan for how you can communicate with family and friends outside of your home and get assistance should you need additional supplies or resources.

STAY HEALTHY

The flu spreads from person-to-person directly through coughing and sneezing, and indirectly from touching the germs from the mouth or nose of an infected person.  You can help stop the spread of germs by following this list:

• Wash your hands.  Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Use an alcohol-based hand rub if you cannot wash your hands.  Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.

• Cover your cough.  Always use a tissue to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze—do not use your hands.  Throw used tissues in the trash.  Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if you do not have a tissue.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Get a flu shot.  The best way to prevent “seasonal” or regular flu is to get an annual flu shot.  The virus changes over time, so you need to get a flu shot every year.  Remember the flu shot cannot give someone the flu.

• Clean surfaces.  Clean commonly used surfaces with a household disinfectant or a mix of ¼ cup chlorine bleach and one gallon of cool water.  Clean anything that you touch with your mouth or hands, like your telephone.

For more information on pandemic flu, visit the following web sites or call the telephone numbers provided.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
www.cdphe.state.co.us
1-800-886-7689
303-691-7700

Colorado Help Line
1-877-462-2911
303-739-1127

Colorado Influenza and Pneumococcal Alert Coalition
www.immunizecolorado.com

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