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Flu Checklist

Know the Difference

Seasonal Flu—A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza (flu) viruses occurring every year. It affects an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population by causing mild to severe illness, and in some instances can lead to death

Epidemic—The rapid spread of a disease that affects some or many people in a community or region at the same time.

Pandemic—An outbreak of a disease that affects large numbers of people throughout the world and spreads rapidly.

H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)—H1N1 influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 influenza, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 influenza viruses have been reported to spread from person-toperson.

Avian Influenza—Commonly known as bird flu, this strain of influenza virus is naturally occurring in birds. Wild birds can carry the virus and may not get sick from it; however, domestic birds may become infected by the virus and often die from it.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. In the United States, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends every spring. The type of flu people get during this season is called seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from person to person when
people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting
symptoms and as long as 5 days after getting sick.

A flu vaccine is available in the U.S. every year. Get your flu shot as soon as it is available for the best chance of protection. Always practice good health habits to maintain your body’s resistance to infection.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Exercise daily.
• Manage stress.
• Get enough rest and sleep.

Take these common sense steps to stop the spread of germs:
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid or minimize contact with sick people (a minimum three feet distancing is recommended).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick. Adopt business/school practices that
encourage employees/students to stay home when sick. Get a flu shot every year. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to minimize illness and death.

Be aware of common flu symptoms:
• High fever
• Severe body aches
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea (more common in children than in adults)
• NOTE: Having all of these symptoms doesn’t always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses have similar symptoms.

Diagnosing the flu:
• It may be difficult to tell if you are suffering from the flu or another illness.
• Your health care provider may be able to tell you if you have the flu.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about possible complications, consult your health care provider.

Potential risks and serious complications of the flu:
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Dehydration
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions
• Ear infections
• Sinus problems

What to do if somebody has the flu: Designate one person as the caregiver. Keep everyone’s personal items separate.All household members should avoid sharing pens, papers, clothes, towels, sheets, blankets, food or eating utensils unless cleaned between uses.

Disinfect doorknobs, switches, handles,computers, telephones, toys and other surfaces that are commonly touched around the home or workplace.

Wash everyone’s dishes in the dishwasher or by hand using very hot water and soap.

Wash everyone’s clothes in a standard washing machine as you normally would. Use detergent and very hot water and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.

Wear disposable gloves when in contact with or cleaning up body fluids.

1 Get A Kit

Have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry evacuation kit, with additional supplies on hand.

Remember to check your kit and replace the stock every six months.

If you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, check that it includes:

Water. Have at least one gallon per person per day.

Food. Pack non-perishable, high protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.

Flashlight. hand-crank and alternative energy options are available. Include extra batteries, if applicable.

First aid kit. Include a reference guide for injuries.

Medications. Don't forget prescription and non-prescription items.

Radio. Include extra batteries or use a hand-crank radio.

Tools. Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting and garbage bags with ties.

Clothing. Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.

Personal items. Remember copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.; eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution, and comfort items such as toys, books, and games.

Sanitary supplies. You may need toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.

Money. Have cash. (ATMs and credit cards may not work if power is out.)

Contact information. Carry a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.

Pet supplies. For each pet, include food, water, a collar, a leash / cage / carrying case, litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medication and vaccination information.

Map. Consider marking an evacuation route on it from your local area.

Store your disaster supplies in sturdy yet easy-to-use carry containers, in a place that is easily accessible. Keep a smaller but similar kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having some items with you will help you be more comfortable until help arrives.

Remember that what you have on hand when a disaster strikes may be the only things you have available to you and your family for quite some time. Plan to store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at least three days time. For additional information, print either of these Family Disaster Supplies or Personal Workplace Disaster Supplies Kit brochures.

Should you find that you do not want to assemble your own First Aid Kit or Disaster Supplies Kit, you can purchase them directly from the Lebanon County Chapter. Either type of kit makes a great holiday, birthday, or house warming gift.

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