The Pandemic Flu: Be Prepared - 04.25.07
Unlike a common flu outbreak, a pandemic flu occurs when a new, highly infectious strain of the virus develops, for which people have little or no immunity and there is no vaccine. The disease quickly spreads around the world, infecting millions of people and disrupting travel and business. Pandemics have occurred periodically throughout human history. At present, health professionals are most concerned about "bird flu", or avian flu, a new strain of influenza A virus. The avian flu virus can be transmitted from birds to mammals and has been known to infect humans. There has been no sustained human-to-human transmission to date; however the virus is continually mutating. The concern is that human-to-human infection would result in a pandemic. Among the 300 humans affected with the avian flu so far, the death rate has been about 60 percent. According to a federal estimate, such a pandemic flu could infect nearly 300,000 people in Hawaii. It is important for everyone to plan for this kind of serious global threat.

What Can You Do To Prevent the Flu?

  • Get vaccinated – Although there may not be a vaccine for a particular strain of flu, being immunized may reduce the severity of any flu virus. Consult a doctor or clinic for more information.
  • Always cover your cough – Flu is spread through airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing, even talking), so it's important to contain these droplets. Rather than using your hands, use a tissue to cover your cough or sneeze instead. If none is available, cough into your elbow or sleeve.
  • Keep your hands clean – Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have soap, use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer.
  • Keep surfaces clean – Clean surfaces with soap and water at home and work. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are also recommended.
  • Take care of your pets – Take pets to a vet regularly and wash hands thoroughly after touching pets or pet’s waste.
  • Stay home when sick – Don’t expose others to germs. Get plenty of rest. Consult a doctor or clinic if necessary.
  • Get healthy, stay healthy – Eat well and exercise regularly. Get regular physical check-ups. Stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Prepare for Emergencies

According to the American Red Cross, only 20 percent of Americans say they are prepared for an emergency. A pandemic flu may result in a state of emergency, with disrupted transportation, business closings, and delays in delivery of goods and services. It's smart to be prepared for any such emergency. Each household should prepare an emergency survival pack that is readily accessible and easy to transport. It should contain only the essentials:

  • Water – One gallon of bottled water, per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation. Water should be refreshed every six months.
  • Food – A supply of 3-5 days of food per person. Nonperishable, ready-to-eat canned food and drinks and/or boxed juices are best.
  • Radio – A battery-powered radio is necessary for up-to-the-minute news and weather reports. Don’t forget extra batteries!
  • Medications – Collect three days worth of any prescription medicines you are taking. Be sure to check the expiration date.
  • Clothes – Collect one change of clothes and footwear per person. Include blankets, rain gear, and outwear. Pack a spare pair of glasses if necessary.
  • Flashlight – In case there’s no electric power, flashlights will come in handy. Avoid using candles since they are a fire hazard and may be hard to light.
  • Hygiene Items – Pack only the basics like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Moist towelettes can be useful for quick sanitation.
  • First Aid – Most stores/pharmacies sell pre-made first aid kits containing supplies such as rubbing alcohol, gloves, bandages, and non-prescription medications.
  • Can Opener – A manual can opener will come in handy if your canned food items aren’t equipped with pull-top lids.

Being prepared is key and may ultimately save your life.

Sources: Hawaii State Department of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


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Last Updated: 03.01.2008