Take 5 ways to plan
You and your family can start preparing now for a flu pandemic in 5-steps.

Take 5 days to rest
If you get the flu during a pandemic, health officials estimate it will take about 5 - 7 days to recover.

Download the Take 5 brochure. (espanol)

1. Store food and water
Store one gallon of water per person per day to cover at least three days. Keep kitchen stocked with canned meats, fruits, vegetables and soups, as well as nonperishable food like granola bars, peanut butter and dried fruit. If there is an infant to care for, be sure to have baby food, formula and other supplies on hand. Store extra pet food for animals.

2. Limit the spread of disease
Stay at home when you are sick. Use a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Most importantly, practice good handwashing. Be sure to teach these good habits to children.

3. Medication
Have a supply of any prescription drugs you have on hand. Also, have nonprescription drugs and other health supplies available (stomach remedies, medicines for fever, cough and cold medicines and fluids with electrolytes.)

4. Communicate and stay informed
Listen for health reports on the radio or television. Go to health.jocogov.org for information. Keep an emergency contact list for family, friends, or others that might need you care.

5. Emergency kit
Keep an emergency kit in case other emergencies arise, like a power outage. Items to include, in addition to items already mentioned, are batteries, flashlight, batter-powered radio, first aid kit, prescription medicine, extra money, credit card(s) and sturdy trash bags. Put items in a container you can easily carry.

Visit the Johnson County Health Department's website at health.jocogov.org for information on schools and businesses.

 


Go to the CDC website.
Go to the Johnson County Public Health website. Go to the Pandemic Flu website.
Go to the Public Health website.
this page last updated: January 9, 2007 2:32 PM