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Important weblink:

Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs

See Also:

• Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work and School (CDC)
• Hand Hygiene (AAP)
• Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Other Infectious Disease Emergencies (AAP)

Be Red Cross Ready for Influenza

The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. In the United States, flu season begins every fall and ends every spring. The flu people get during this season is called seasonal flu. Sometimes, a new type of flu virus may emerge to which people have no resistance. When this happens, it can spread more easily fromperson to person around the world in a very short time, causing serious illness and death. This is pandemic flu.

The symptoms of pandemic flu are likely to be similar to those of seasonal flu, which are:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Extreme tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle aches and pains
• Stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

 

Flu Pandemic: Prepareness
During a flu pandemic, government officials may impose activity, movement or travel restrictions to prevent the flu virus from spreading. You may be asked to stay home for an extended period of time even if you are not sick. Schools, workplaces and public gatherings, such as sporting events or worship services, may close temporarily. You and your family and friends may need to rely on each other.

Think about how you handle stress and know your strengths. Take steps to plan for, get through and re-cover from a flu pandemic.

• Store a two-week supply of food that does not require refrigeration, preparation or cooking. Ensure that formula for infants and any child’s or older person’s special nutritional needs are a part of your planning. Plan for your pets as well.
• Store a two-week supply of water, 1 gallon of water per person per day, in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
• Ask your health care provider and health insurance company if you can get an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs and medical supplies, such as glucose monitoring supplies.

For more information, go to the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.