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H1N1/Swine Flu

Are You Prepared?

Public health professionals are predicting a strong resurgence of H1N1/swine flu in the fall of 2009. Although it is impossible to know exactly how H1N1 will reemerge and effect our community, it is important to prepare yourself and your family in the event H1N1 outbreak or illness disrupts your lives.

Are you ready to do your part?

1. Ensure you have the proper supplies.

  • Plenty of clear fluids such as broth, clear juice or water
  • Tissues
  • Disposable gloves
  • Bleach
  • Batteries
  • Thermometer
  • Soap
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
  • Paper towels
  • Garbage bags
  • Over-the-counter or prescribed medicines you take every day

 

2. Talk to your employer now about your options.

  • Ask if you can work from home if you are ill and/or taking care of an ill family member.
  • Ask them for their sick policy specific to H1N1 - it won't do anyone any good if you infect the entire office.

 

3. Know the best way to reach your health care provider by phone, including after hours.

  •  The health department recommends ill persons CALL their health care provider with questions before seeking medical care, unless severely ill.

When H1N1 is active in our community, health care providers are overwhelmed by mildly ill patients who generally do not require any medical treatment.

Severely ill: difficulty breathing, high fever that doesn't respond to over-the-counter drugs, difficulty keeping liquids down, dehydration, extreme weakness.

  • Some physicians will prescribe medication over the phone, eliminating a trip to the clinic.
  • Know what symptoms to look out for and when your health care provider will want you to seek treatment.

4. Determine how a sick loved one would be cared for now. Make plans for alternate childcare, if applicable.

  • Talk with family members and loved ones now about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
  • Ensure you have a plan for alternate childcare, in case their primary caregiver becomes ill or schools temporarily close.

5. Know how to limit the spread of H1N1 in your home.

  • Keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible.
  • Ensure the sick person covers their coughs and washes their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer - especially after coughing or sneezing.
  • Have everyone in the household clean their hands often.
  • Ask your health care provider if household contacts of the sick person - particularly those with chronic conditions - should take antiviral medications to prevent flu.
  • Learn more about caring for yourself or a sick person in the home at www.slvhealth.org/h1h1.

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