1. Prevention and Preparation
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Prevention and Preparation
This presentation covers how germs spread, simple steps for prevention, and information preparation for a possible flu outbreak
Health tips are useful for seasonal flu, as well as pandemic flu
Preparation tips are useful to prepare for any health or natural emergency, such as earthquake
Content courtesy of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department

2. Overview
How germs are spread
Tips to avoid spreading germs

3. How Flu Germs Are Spread
Through the air in droplets from sneezes and coughs
From hand to hand
From hand to eyes, nose, and mouth
Flu germs are present before symptoms appear
A person infected with the flu may transmit the flu for one to two days before they have symptoms, and for five to seven days after symptoms begin.
Prevention steps directly target transmission routes

4. Social Distancing to Avoid Germs
Stay at least three feet away from people who are sick
Avoid places where large groups gather, like theaters or malls
Avoid shaking hands. Air kisses are definitely out!
During an outbreak, it is difficult to know if people are ill, especially during the time before symptoms appear, so keeping your distance is prudent

5. Cover Your Cough! Cover mouth and nose with a tissue
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if no tissue is handy
Put used tissue in the waste basket
Wearing a surgical mask can help protect others
These steps stop airborne and hand transmitted germs

6. Wash Your Hands!
Wash with liquid soap and warm water for 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing
Dry hands thoroughly with a paper towel and use it to turn off the faucet. A shared towel will spread germs.
Always throw paper towels into the waste paper basket
Alcohol-based hand cleaner works, too
Also wash hands after using the bathroom, before touching eyes, nose, mouth, after touching dirty tissues, before preparing food
Liquid soap does not harbor germs
Proper disposal of tissues and towels cannot be stressed too much. It is amazing how often these simple things are neglected!

7. Keep Clean!
Disinfect door knobs, switches, handles, and other surfaces
Wash cleaning cloths in hot water
Throw paper towels into waste paper basket
Disinfectant: 1 gallon water 1⁄4 cup bleach Mix up a fresh batch every time you use it.
Following these steps in the classroom will help stop spread of disease among students and teachers.
Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. (Ansari, 1988; Scott and Bloomfield, 1989)
Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone. (CDC, 1996)
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8. Emergency Supplies Two weeks worth of food for each family member
One gallon water per day per family member
Two weeks worth of medicine
Tylenol and cough medicine
Prescription medicines
Rehydration solution
Tissues, paper towels, face masks and plastic gloves
Disinfectants and chlorine bleach
Cell phone and charger
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Food should not need refrigeration
Water should be in sealed, unbreakable containers. Allow 1 gallon per day per family member
Pedialite or other store-bought solution is recommended for infants, toddlers and children
These will help prevent spread of disease at home