Know What to Do
Preventive measures for you and your family
There are many things you can do before and during an outbreak that may help lessen the impact of a pandemic flu on you and your family. For example, the U.S. government’s Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families recommends having a two-week supply of water and food on hand in the event that you are asked not to go to stores or the stores are out of supplies. They also stress the importance of good personal hygiene to help limit the spread of germs.
Knowing what to do and preparing yourself for a possible outbreak now may help reduce the possible number of cases and slow the spread of the virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an antiseptic alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Throw used tissues in a waste basket. Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.
- Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. At least six feet away is the usual recommendation in crowded settings.
- Stay home from work and school if you are sick.
- Don’t shake hands with anyone who appears to be sick.
Practice good health habits
- Eat a balanced diet. Include a variety of foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grain items. Also, include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, and beans.
- Drink lots of water.
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get plenty of rest.
How should individuals prepare?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), CDC, and health experts ask individuals to stock up on foods and other necessities, improve health, and plan ahead for how they will care for themselves and family members during a flu pandemic.
Stock up
- Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies, and other necessities.
- HHS recommends having a two-week supply, but stocking up can take place over time.
- These supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages.
Improve health
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Plan ahead
Plan for what you will do in the following cases:- if schools are dismissed;
- if you cannot go to work;
- if you or a family member becomes sick and needs care.
How do I learn more?
For more information, visit www.pandemicflu.gov.
Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home
Examples of food and nonperishables |
Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies |
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Additional Resources
Individual & Family Planning — Family Guide, checklists and information sheets.
PandemicFlu.gov — The U.S. government’s pandemic flu website.
World Health Organization: H1N1 (Swine Flu) — Latest news, country activities, general information, and regional information.
CDC: H1N1 (Swine Flu) — Key facts, Q&A, prevention, outbreaks, and information for specific audiences from the CDC.
Important information about links to other sites