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A Pandemic
is a disease that spreads all over the world and affects a
large number of people. Caring for persons in your household
who are ill may become necessary.
INFECTION CAN BE PASSED BEFORE A SICK
PERSON HAS SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS
A person can have the flu and symptoms
may not show up for a day or so. He or she can still pass the
virus to others. Avoid these invisible germs.
* Try to stay at least 3 feet
from a person who is coughing or sneezing
* Don't touch your eyes, nose
or mouth
* Wash your
hands often or use alcohol based hand sanitizer
FLU GERMS SPREAD MAINLY THROUGH COUGHS
& SNEEZES
Coughs
and sneezes can spray droplets through the air and,
* Into the mouths or noses of
people nearby
* Onto
surfaces that people touch before touching their nose, mouth
or eyes
* People with
the flu can also leave the flu virus on things they touch if
they have flu germs on their hands
HOME CARE DURING PANDEMIC FLU
* Stay home from
work, school, or other outings
* As much as possible,
distance ill persons from healthy family members
* Spend most of the time
resting
* Drink plenty of
fluids
* Contact your
health care professional if the person is not urinating in
good amounts, urine is concentrated, or if they
develope
diarrhea
* Check their temperature
every 4 hours during the day and when awake
* Give medications* to relieve
symptoms as prescribed by your health care provider
(antivirals, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen).
Antibiotics don't cure the
flu. * NEVER give aspirin or salicylates to
anyone under age 20 unless directed by a physician
* A cool vaporizer may
relieve symptoms of congestion and fever
* Avoid alcohol and
tobacco
* Persons
with chronic disease should be monitored closely by a health
care professional
* Every
home should have a thermometer, disposable gloves, and over
the counter medications on hand. Consider purchasing a cool
mist vaporizer and protective masks also.
PREVENTING
THE SPREAD OF FLU IN THE HOME
* Keep everyone's
personal items separate. Avoid sharing clothing, towels,
sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils.
* Disinfect door knobs and
handles, switches, toys, computers, pens, and books
* Wear disposable gloves when
in contact with or cleaning up body fluids
* If possible, one person
should be the designated care giver
* Use detergent and hot water
to wash clothes and bedding. Wash your hands after handling
laundry.
* Dishes may be
washed in the dishwasher on sanitary setting. If you are
washing dishes by hand, use hot water and disinfecting
solution.*
* Disinfecting solution :
1 gallon water, 1/4 cup household
bleach. Mix a fresh batch every day. Use on hard surfaces or
to rinse dishes.
COUGH &
SNEEZE ETIQUETTE
* Try to stay at least 3 feet
away from other people
* Cover your mouth and nose
with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
* Use your upper sleeve, not
your hand
* Always wash
your hands as soon as you cough or sneeze.
HAND HYGIENE
* Wet hands with warm water
* Lather both hands with
soap
* Scrub hands together
for 20 seconds or approximately the time it takes to sing
happy birthday twice. Scrub wrists, palms between fingers,
under nails, and backs of hands
* Rinse hands thoroughly. Use
towel to shut off faucet
* Dry hands completely with a
clean towel
* Alcohol based
hand sanitizer can substitute for soap and water. Rub gel or
wipe over both hands. Rub hands together until they feel
dry.
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