Are you prepared for the predicted flu pandemic? This article will help you understand the different flu types and how to protect yourself (when possible).

Influenza Term Definitions:

Seasonal (or Common) Flu - A respiratory illness which can be transmitted to other people. Most individuals have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.

Avian (or Bird) Flu (AI - Influenza virus which occurs naturally among wild birds. Low pathogenic AI is commonly found in birds, and causes few problems.

H5N1 - Highly pathogenic flu which is deadly to domestic fowl, and can be transmitted from birds to humans. Currently, there is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.

Pandemic Flu -Virulent human flu which causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can easily spread from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.

A fine government Web site on this subject is: Pandemicflu.gov. Especially good is the Individuals & family planning page. Most of the information from this article can be found at this site.

The best forms of protection against a pandemic are community strategies which delay or reduce its impact. Often called non-pharmaceutical interventions, such strategies may help reduce the pandemic until a vaccine is available.

As you plan, it is important to think about the challenges which you may face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. Below we cover some situations which may be caused by a severe pandemic, and ways to address them.


Possible Social Disruption

— Plan for the possibility that regular services--such as those provided by hospitals and other health care facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices, and post offices--may be disrupted.

— Prepare backup plans in case regular public gatherings are canceled.

— Consider how to care for people with special needs, in case the services they require are no longer available.


Disruption of Work Routine

— Ask your employer if you may work from home.

— Ask your employer how business may continue during a pandemic. (See Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist.

— Plan for a possible reduction--or temporary loss--of income if you are unable to work, or the business you work for is closed.

— Ask your employer or union about leave policies during a pandemic.


Hygiene

Another matter which may seem a bit of "common sense", but deserves mention: Take steps to limit the spread of germs by making good hygiene a habit.

— Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

— Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.

— Put used tissues in a waste basket.

— Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.

— Don't be a hero; stay at home if you are sick.


Prepare!

Stock supplies of water, as well as food that doesn't easily spoil; during a pandemic you may not be able to find an open store with supplies. Also, remember that public waterworks services may be interrupted.

Make sure to store foods that:

— are non-perishable (will keep for a long time) and don't require refrigeration

— do not require cooking, in case you are unable to cook

— require little or no water, so you can conserve water for drinking

Stocking supplies can also be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters. Make a checklist of items to have on hand for a long forced stay at home.


Stay Informed

Knowing the facts is the best preparation for any pandemic. Identify trustworthy sources for reliable information.

— Reliable, accurate, and up-to-date information is available at www.pandemicflu.gov.

— Another source for information on pandemics is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. Questions can be e-mailed to cdcinfo@cdc.gov.

— Also look for information on your local and state government Web sites. Find available links to each state's public health department at www.cdc.gov/other.htm#states

— Listen to local and national radio, watch news reports on television, and check your newspaper and other reliable sources of printed and Web-based information.