How to Prepare for a Pandemic Flu

A pandemic flu is a new flu that affects many people at one time. New influenza viruses appear each year, but not all of them are harmful enough to spread and affect people globally. The most well-known flu pandemic occurred in 1918 when the Spanish Flu killed more than 20 million people worldwide.

Things You'll Need

• 1 gallon of water per day per person; sealed in a plastic container.
• Canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Peanut butter
• Evaporated milk
• Dried fruit
• Granola
• Pet food
• Supply of prescription drugs

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Instructions

• 1

  Plan in advance. You will want to make sure you have steps in place in case a pandemic flu sweeps across the world. Doctors' offices will be very busy, and if enough people are affected, schools and even stores and businesses could be closed. Keep emergency contact info in a place where you and the rest of the people in your household can find it easily. You will want to include a local and an out-of-town emergency contact. Also, make note of any drug allergies and medical conditions, as well as blood type, of family members. Check with your boss about how you can get time off from work if you are called upon to care for family members.

• 2

  Stock up. Get to a store immediately if you know in advance that a flu is spreading worldwide. You will want a two-week supply of food and water for each person and pet in your house.

  Also, make sure you have enough of your daily-use prescription medicine, as well as over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen, cough medicine and medicine to treat stomach ailments.

• 3

  Gather all the facts you can. Visit Flu.gov to keep abreast of what the government is doing to control the spread of the flu. Also, make sure to follow local happenings-- school closings, business closings--by watching the local news and reading your town's newspaper.