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Posted:  June 26, 2008

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Pandemic Flu Prevention

Dear Parents,

This letter will help your family prepare for a flu pandemic that could make many people sick.

It is important to know that at this time, there is no pandemic flu of any kind in the United States. There is also no bird/avian flu in the United States at this time.

Public health officials are worried the avian/bird flu virus may change so that it can infect people and spread easily from person-to-person.  This would cause a worldwide flu outbreak, called a pandemic.

Public health officials want people to protect themselves against pandemic flu. 

Here are some ways to protect your family:

• Keep children who are sick at home.  Do not send them to school.

• Teach your children to wash hands a lot with soap and water for 20 seconds. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.

• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow. Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself.

• Teach your children to stay at least three feet away from people who are sick.

• People who are sick should stay home from work or school and avoid other people until they are better.

In addition to this information, please note the checklist to help families cope with a pandemic flu outbreak. This information can also help your family get ready for any kind of emergency.

If you have questions, please contact your school nurse or healthcare provider.

The federal government website with information on planning for individuals and families: http://www.pandemicflu.gov

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org
June 2008

http://www.cchealth.org/topics/pandemic_flu/pdf/individuals_and_families_checklist.pdf
http://www.cchealth.org/topics/pandemic_flu/school_action_kit/pandemic_home_care.pdf
http://www.cchealth.org/topics/pandemic_flu/school_action_kit/

Tips for Parents on Coping with Pandemic Flu

Plan for an extended stay at home during a flu pandemic.

• Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic.

• Ask your employer if you can work from home during a flu pandemic.

• Plan for a possible reduction or loss of income, if you are unable to work or your place of employment is closed.

• Check with your employer or union about leave policies.

• Check with your school district for home learning activities. Have materials, such as books, on hand.

• Plan recreational activities that your children can do at home.

Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:

Non-perishable foods

Ready to eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups

Protein or fruit bars

Dry cereal or granola

Peanut butter and jelly

Dried fruit, nuts, trail mix

Crackers

Canned juices

Bottled water

Canned or jarred baby food

Baby formula

Pet food

Health and emergency supplies

Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring

Soap and water or alcohol-based hand wash

Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin)

Thermometer

Vitamins

Fluids with electrolytes, such as Pedialyte®

Flashlight with extra batteries

Portable radio with extra batteries

Manual can opener

Garbage bags

Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers

If someone in your home develops flu symptoms (fever, cough, muscle aches):

• Encourage the ill person to drink plenty of fluids.

• Keep the ill person as comfortable as possible. Rest is important.

• For adults with fever, sore throat and muscle aches, use ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

• Do not use aspirin in children or teenagers; it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a life-threatening illness.

• Sponging with tepid (wrist-temperature) water lowers fever only during the period of sponging. Do not sponge with alcohol.

• Keep tissues and a trash bag for their disposal within reach of the patient.

• All members of the household should wash their hands frequently.

• Keep other family members and visitors away from the person who is ill.

• Contact a healthcare provider for further advice. If the ill person is having difficulty breathing or is getting worse, contact the healthcare provider right away.

If you have questions, please contact your school nurse or healthcare provider.

The federal government website with information on planning for individuals and families: http://www.pandemicflu.gov

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org
June 2008