Planning - Individuals & Families

You should start preparing for an influenza pandemic right now. The actions you take in advance of the pandemic will lessen the impact pandemic flu might have on you and your family.

When pandemic flu does strike, considerable pressure will be put on supermarkets as shoppers all over the country will rush to stock up with essential supplies. Make sure you stock up before the rush.

Food Supplies

When the pandemic strikes you may be ill and you might not be able to get to your local supermarket or it may be closed because of staff absences. It, therefore, will be important to have extra supplies to hand.

Power cuts must be anticipated during a pandemic so don’t rely too much on your freezer.

Items to have for an extended stay at home will include –

• Canned soup, meat, vegetables, fruits etc.
• Dry pasta & cereal.
• Protein or fruit bars.
• Nuts & dried fruit.
  
• Cheese.
• Crackers.
• Long-life milk.
• Long-life fruit juices.
• Bottled water.
• Jars of baby food – if appropriate.

Finally, don’t forget about your pets – get in dried and canned supplies for them too.

Medical & Other Essentials

It is essential you don’t get caught short when it comes to prescribed medicines so speak to your doctor and ask for an extra prescription.

Other items you should stock include –

• Aspirin and pain killers.
• Medicines for fever such as ibuprofen.
  
• Anti-diarrhoea medication.
• Vitamins.
• Fluids with electrolytes.
• Disinfectant and cleaning materials.
• Soap.
• Tissues, toilet paper and disposable nappies if you have a baby.
• Alcohol-based hand rub.
• Batteries.
• Torch.
• Manual tin opener.

Germ Control

It will be essential to limit the spread of germs and prevent infection, so look at improving family hygiene habits now.

• Teach you children to really wash their hands. They need to know that a quick dip under the tap is not good enough. They need to wash their hands frequently with soap and hot water.
  
• Teach your children to cover their mouths when coughing and sneeze into tissues which should be disposed of in a bin with a lid.
• Teach your children to stay away from others if they are sick and stay off school if necessary

The best way to encourage best hygiene practice among children is to ensure you follow these guidelines yourself. Lead by example.

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