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What You Should Do To Prepare For An Epidemic (DHHS)
ABC News ^ | 3-12-2006 | Lara Setrakian

Posted on 03/13/2006 10:10:32 AM PST by blam

What You Should Do to Prepare for an Epidemic

Stock Up on Essentials and Have an 'Outbreak Plan'

How To Protect Yourself

Bird Flu

How Would You Know If You Had Avian Flu?
A Bit of Context on the Bird Flu Threat
How To Protect Yourself

By LARA SETRAKIAN

March 12, 2006 — Will there be an outbreak of avian flu that threatens humans? Many experts disagree on when or if a human pandemic will occur, but do say there is a chance that the virus could mutate, leading to widespread infection. In that case, the best thing you and your family can do right now is to prepare for that possibility.

Here's what you need to know to help keep yourself healthy.

Stock up on Essentials

If there is an avian flu pandemic, you'll want to minimize your chance of catching it by staying indoors; you might even be required to stay home if the government asks that people remain in quarantine or "shelter in place." Stocking up today on at least seven days' worth of essentials such as water, nonperishable food, emergency and medical supplies will help you get through an extended time at home if an outbreak happens. Once you've purchased these items, store them in a place where you will not be tempted to dip into them for everyday use. See the checklist below for guidelines on what and how much you need.

Have an Outbreak Plan

It may feel odd or uncomfortable to talk to family members and loved ones about the worst-case pandemic scenario. But if that scenario strikes, you'll all be much better off if you have a plan decided on and ready. Talk with your friends and family about how you'd respond to an epidemic. Figure out how you would care for them and what your first response and responsibilities would be; this is an especially important conversation to have with those with special care needs. Get involved with local groups and community efforts aimed at preparing for a pandemic. If your community has no program in place yet, find out how you and your neighbors can get one started.

Pick up the Habits of Healthy Behavior

The habits that can help keep you healthy in an outbreak are the same good health habits that can keep you from catching the common cold: maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get sufficient rest. Particularly in a flu outbreak situation, it will be important to wash your hands thoroughly and often, reminding loved ones — especially children — to do the same. Be diligent about covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, teaching any children in your family to do the same. Also teach children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick and stay home from work or school if you are sick.

Know Your Emergency Contacts and Information Compile the phone numbers you'd need in case of the emergency, keeping the list somewhere safe and visible. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to find it. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, you should include information for:

Local and out-of-town personal emergency contacts

Hospitals near your work, home and school

Family physician

Your state public health department (full list at www.cdc.gov/other.htm#states)

Pharmacy

Employer contact and emergency information

School contact and emergency information

Religious/spiritual organization

Also, know your essential health information such as blood type, allergies, past or current medical conditions, and current medications and their dosages. Make a list of that essential information for all the members of your household. Keep that list safe and make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.

HHS has sample sheets that you can print out and fill in with all your essential contact and health information.

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/InformationSheet.pdf

What Else Will I Need

Make sure you have:

Food and nonperishable items, such as ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter or nuts, dried fruit, crackers, canned juices, bottled water, canned or jarred baby food and formula, and pet food.

Medical and practical items, such as prescriptions drugs and medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment, soap and water, or alcohol-based hand wash, medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, thermometer, anti-diarrheal medication, vitamins, fluids with electrolytes, cleansing agent/soap, flashlight, batteries, portable radio, manual can opener, garbage bags and tissues, toilet paper, and disposable diapers.

Source: the Department of Health and Human Services


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 157; an; avianflu; bird; birdflu; dhhs; do; emergencyprep; epidemic; flu; for; h5n1; influenza; pandemic; prep; preparation; prepare; preparedness; preps; publichealth; should; to; what; you
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To: texpat72
"Check the link below. Pay close attention to the part about schools. When the government is telling you to be prepared to homeschool your kids, you need to pay attention. http://pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab3.html

Thanks, good link...very detailed.

61 posted on 03/13/2006 10:57:51 AM PST by blam
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To: crv16

all kidding & mockery aside, I believe that advice is spot on.

Ramifications of the economy grinding to a halt for several weeks will make 9/11 pale. Biblical proportions.


62 posted on 03/13/2006 10:59:37 AM PST by zek157
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To: bunches
"I plan to watch all episodes of American Idol over and over and over."

============================================

Me too. I bet this time Clay wins...

63 posted on 03/13/2006 11:00:20 AM PST by wtc911 (You can't get there from here)
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To: blam

Heh..heh..all these jokers in jogging outfits and riding mountain bikes will drop like flies while us couch potatoes might get the sniffles. 's what I hear.


64 posted on 03/13/2006 11:05:18 AM PST by bkepley
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To: digger48

Yeah, these touchy, feely morons are now getting themselves elected into positions of power, I mentioned that on another thread. Can you imagine the impact on our country when a majority of these dingbats are entrenched in our gummn'it? Hell, they will hold a ticker tape parade for the incoming Muzzies!


65 posted on 03/13/2006 11:08:32 AM PST by Eighth Square
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To: Dont_Tread_On_Me_888
"Incredible weapons and ammo not mentioned."


I thought the same thing.

With guns and ammo you can "barter" (Bwahahahahahaha) for everything else you need.






66 posted on 03/13/2006 11:10:24 AM PST by G.Mason (Duty, Honor, Country)
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To: G.Mason

helpful hints from CDC. Imagine not working for a few weeks with just in time inventory. Startup might take awhile.

Social Disruption May Be Widespread

Plan for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals and other health care facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices, and post offices.

Prepare backup plans in case public gatherings, such as volunteer meetings and worship services, are canceled.

Consider how to care for people with special needs in case the services they rely on are not available.

Being Able to Work May Be Difficult or Impossible

Find out if you can work from home.

Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic. (A Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist is available at www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab4.html.)

Plan for the possible reduction or loss of income if you are unable to work or your place of employment is closed.

Check with your employer or union about leave policies.

Schools May Be Closed for an Extended Period of Time

Help schools plan for pandemic influenza. Talk to the school nurse or the health center. Talk to your teachers, administrators, and parent-teacher organizations.

Plan home learning activities and exercises. Have materials, such as books, on hand. Also plan recreational activities that your children can do at home.

Consider childcare needs.

Transportation Services May Be Disrupted

Think about how you can rely less on public transportation during a pandemic. For example, store food and other essential supplies so you can make fewer trips to the store.

Prepare backup plans for taking care of loved ones who are far away.

Consider other ways to get to work, or, if you can, work at home.


67 posted on 03/13/2006 11:14:53 AM PST by zek157
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To: little jeremiah
That's a relief. So if it does go H2H, it'll all be over in one week. Whew!

The flu of 1918 would swoop into a town, kill many and be gone in a short period of time. This one probably won't kill that many or that fast -- so it'll be more than seven days...

68 posted on 03/13/2006 11:15:35 AM PST by GOPJ (Only Muslims defend beliefs by burning churches, killing people, and destroying embassies.WafaSultan)
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To: bkepley
The rest of the world will fair worse than us.....this could be the answer to the global warming problem....

My understanding on the vaccines is a vaccine is made to a certain Virus...say its called 12345.....and it has those characteristics if the mutation is 45678..the previous virus doesn't work....so you hear people yelling that we should have more vaccines...the problem is what kind? and unfortunately they take 6 months or so to produce...so don't rely on them....the best option is to isolate yourself...but be prepared to do so for at least a flu season....IE a winter...or maybe two....scary stuff...yes ..has it happened before..yes....will it happen again...yes...you make the call...can and do you want to live in seclusion for two years...or do you give up...I liked the dog food requirement...don't worry about that..you will either eat them..or they will eat you....
69 posted on 03/13/2006 11:15:45 AM PST by Youngman442002
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To: blam

A hand powered TV? Any idea on the name of it or where they got it?

I might be interested in picking up one for myself.


70 posted on 03/13/2006 11:16:12 AM PST by NYorkerInHouston
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To: b4its2late

The powers that be need to lift the ban on killing those odious Canadian geese! Get rid of those filthy things, and our chances of getting the bird flu diminish.


71 posted on 03/13/2006 11:18:14 AM PST by Polyxene (For where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel - Martin Luther)
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To: steveo
No duck tape? You gotta have duck tape!

Since duck tape is actually made from pureed duck (thus the name), it is perhaps the worst thing to have in your house in the event of an Avian Flu outbreak. The virus has been shown to survive the process of making tape from ducks, and is released when the tape is applied...

72 posted on 03/13/2006 11:19:02 AM PST by bondjamesbond (RICE '08)
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To: bondjamesbond

Its going to put a big hurt on chicken ranches/farms...

and yes the bird population is going to drop also...

buy pork belly futures and cattle futures


73 posted on 03/13/2006 11:21:29 AM PST by Youngman442002
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To: blam

When you see your yard littered with dead birds, place head between knees and kiss your ass good bye.


74 posted on 03/13/2006 11:22:34 AM PST by The Great RJ ("Mir wölle bleiwen wat mir sin" or "We want to remain what we are." ..Luxembourg motto)
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To: blam
The FDA-approved dose of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)is too low.

150 mg. BID for 10 days, begining immediately with symptoms, is the way to go.

75 posted on 03/13/2006 11:22:35 AM PST by Jim Noble (And you know what I'm talkin' 'bout!)
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To: Polyxene
They do crap anywhere and everywhere, that's for sure.
76 posted on 03/13/2006 11:24:16 AM PST by b4its2late (There are good terrorists.............. DEAD ONES.)
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To: Dont_Tread_On_Me_888
Incredible weapons and ammo not mentioned.

Why would there be any more need for weapons and ammo? If anything, the streets will be safer as sick people stay indoors and other people decide to hole up at home until the problem passes.

77 posted on 03/13/2006 11:25:43 AM PST by Potowmack ("Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government")
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To: zek157

I would urge people to go to Dr. Robert Cathcart's site and see his information. He was famous in the 80s for treating aids patients.


http://www.orthomed.com/flu.htm


78 posted on 03/13/2006 11:26:30 AM PST by Chuckulator
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To: pabianice

Gotta love the 'ol Simonov. Now, if I could actually get my hands on any volume of 7.62x39 Wolf ammo these days. 8^(


79 posted on 03/13/2006 11:28:28 AM PST by AngryJawa ("Sure'd be nice if we had some grenades, dontcha think?" - Jayne Cobb... [NRA])
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To: steveo

I already have duck tape. How about chicken tape. Will I need that?


80 posted on 03/13/2006 11:31:41 AM PST by Malesherbes
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