Pandemic Flu George Pettit, M.D. Medical Director Portsmouth City Health Department

Social Disruption Plan for service disruption –Hospitals, banks, stores, restaurants, post offices, government offices Prepare backup plan in case public gatherings, such as 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

Ability to Work May Be Difficult Find out if you can work from home Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic Plan for a possible reduction or loss of income if you are unable to work or if your workplace is closed Check with your employer or union about leave policies

Schools May be Closed for Extended Periods of Time Help schools plan for pandemic influenza –Talk to administrators, educators, school nurses, parent-teacher organizations Plan home learning activities and exercises Consider childcare needs

Transportation Services May be Disrupted Think about how you can rely less on public transportation Prepare backup plans for taking care of loved ones who live far away Consider other ways to get to work

People Will Need Advice and Help Think about the informational needs of employees –Insurance, leave policies, etc… Make list with colleagues about plan of action Find volunteers who will assist people in need Identify other resources in your community Find support systems and share ideas

Be Prepared Stock supplies –Food, water –Non-perishables –Easy to prepare food in case you are unable to cook –Food that requires little or no water

Stay Healthy Wash hands frequently with soap and water Cover you mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze Put used tissue in waste basket Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you do not have a tissue Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing with soap and water or an alcohol based hand cleaner Stay at home if you are sick

To Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection Teach your children to wash their hands frequently Teach your children to cover coughs and sneeze into tissues Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick

Get Informed Centers For Disease Control –1-800-CDC-INFO ( ) Listen to local and national radio, watch news reports, read your local newspaper Talk to your local health care provider and public health officials

Checklist Store 2 week supply of food and water Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand Talk with family members and loved ones about care procedures Volunteer with local organizations to prepare and assist Get involved with your community as it prepares for the influenza pandemic

Items to Have On Hand for an Extended Stay Ready to eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups Protein or fruit bars Dry cereal or granola Peanut butter or nuts Dried fruits Crackers Canned juices Bottled water Canned or jarred baby foods and formula Pet food Other non-perishable items

Examples of Medical, Health, and Emergency Supplies Prescribed medical supplies Soap, water, or alcohol based hand wash Medicines for fever Thermometer Anti-diarrhea medication Vitamins Fluids with electrolytes Cleansing agent Flashlight Batteries Portable radio Manual can opener Garbage bags Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers