Pandemic Preparation Basics

• Some examples of medicines you may need: cold and flu medicines, diarrhea remedies, especially oral rehydration salts, or at least electrolyte drinks.
• Stock up on comfort foods which may include: soups and broths.
• Stockpiling of antiviral drugs is not recommended. The prescription only antiviral medicines oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu“) produced by Roche and zanamivir (Relenza“) produced by GlaxoSmithKline may have some effect in preventing bird flu or reducing its severity. The FDA reports that these drugs have shown to inhibit bird flu in laboratory tests, but there is still little evidence as to how effective it will be in people.
• Have a thermometer
• Get a seasonal flu vaccine. The regular flu shot will not prevent you from getting the pandemic flu. The flu shot may prevent you from getting a common flu and it also helps prevent the pandemic virus from reassorting with an ordinary flu virus, an event that could strengthen the pandemic virus.
• While Internet and ordinary mail service may be disrupted, research the possibility of receiving medicine by mail.
• Check with your doctor if he/she has an emergency policy in place that would allow him/her to make medical consultations by phone or Internet.
• Stay informed of any new flu vaccines that come out so you may protect yourself as soon as they become available.

Index: Pandemic Preparation Basics

1. Make a Pandemic Plan and Prepare Checklists
2. Stay Informed and Communicated
3. Prepare for Transmission Control
4. Storing and Treating Drinking Water
5. First Aid and Medicine
6. Prepare for Disruptions in Transportation
7. Socializing and Entertainment
8. Prepare for School Closures
9. Community Outreach