General Ways to Prepare for Pandemic Flu

Talk to groups you’re involved with, such as religious organizations, parent groups, clubs, and other social group about their level of preparedness. Exchange notes and ideas. Talk to your neighbors and consider creating "block teams" to organize neighborhood preparation and response. Do your best to help form a cohesive group that you could rely on in the event of a pandemic.

Talk to your family about where family members and loved ones will go in an emergency and how they will receive care, in case you cannot communicate with them.

For family members living far away, consider preparing an emergency travel bag that would include an open-round-trip bus, train, or airline ticket, money, a change of clothes and essential toiletries, along with a picture ID.

Also involve your children in the planning process and make it a family activity. Remember, children model your behavior. Be sure to include games and activities for yourself and your children should you be required to stay at home for long periods of time.

Be up to date on the current happenings in the world of pandemic flu. Check your favorite news source frequently so that you stay knowledgeable about current events relating to the flu.

www.who.int
www.pandemicflu.gov
www.fluwikie.com

Even though the influenza vaccine does not include protection against avian influenza, be sure to get an influenza shot anyway. If you have the influenza shot, it will protect you against the seasonal influenza and prevent you from developing it during the same time that pandemic influenza may be circulating in your community. Talk to your doctor about how to get the pneumonia vaccination – this could help prevent secondary infections that can occur from having the flu.

According to estimates, 1 in 40 people will not survive a severe pandemic. You should get your estate in order and make sure your will and life insurance are up to date so that your family will be looked after. If you need to, buy more life insurance now since it takes time to get a policy. You may wish to consider buying a life insurance policy for your spouse and children. It would be prudent to select only the bluest of blue chip insurers, as the economic impact of a major pandemic will not be predictable.