Getting Ready for a Swine Flu Pandemic
Prevention and Preparation for H1N1 Influenza Outbreak
Apr 30, 2009
With schools closing all across the United States, the number of infected people rising (including one reported death of a 23 month old in Houston, TX), and the World Health Organization elevating the pandemic level to the second highest it's ever been, America is preparing for what may be one of its worst outbreak of influenza yet. Because our culture makes it so easy to travel from one place to another, including other countries, the possibility of the virus spreading to every country in the world is quickly becoming a probability. "All countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans, and remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks," said WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan at a news conference in Geneva on April 29, 2009.
Because Swine Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus, the "Herd" has yet to develop any immunity to it, leaving its attack rate very high. What can be done to prevent and prepare for a national if not global pandemic?
Swine Flu Prevention Steps
- Personal Hygiene - Because this virus is easily spread by sneezing and coughing, have tissues at hand. Always wash hands afterwards as well as after touching others. Have a stockpile of antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer. Try not to handshake or kiss, even on the cheek.
- Social Distancing - a term used by epidemiologists, doing this will help slow or stop the chain of transmission to others. This includes not visiting the ER if possible.
- Medical Masks - Wearing one of these can lessen the chances of getting infected, but cannot be completely relied on for prevention. If traveling in highly populated areas, including buses, trains, and even grocery shopping, this is just another step of protection.
- Nutritional Supplement to Help Prevent Influenza - N-Acetyl L-Cysteine, better known as NAC, can be taken daily to help fight against the flu. 1200mg twice daily are suggested for adults, 600mg twice daily for children over 12, for children under 12, 300-600mg twice daily for 40 pounds and higher. It's been suggested to break the capsules and mix in yogurt or applesauce for younger children. NAC is found in most whole food stores or general health stores like GNC.
Swine Flu Preparation Steps
Stockpile for Two Weeks - If this strand of influenza gets to the point of a pandemic, families may want to quarantine themselves and should be prepared with enough food that will last them. Some ideal items to put on the shopping list are:
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial soap
- Powdered milk
- Bread (and store in freezer)
- Cheese
- Flour
- Butter
- Yeast
- Salt (ingredients to make bread, worst case scenario)
- Dry packaged noodles
- Canned meals like Spaghetti O's, ravioli, and soups
- Canned Vegetables and fruit
- Rice
- Any frozen items
- Extra formula and baby food for infants and toddlers
For more information and a detailed list on preparation and taking preventative measures for a flu pandemic, visit Pandemic Flu, a government site.
The most memorable swine flu outbreak hit the US in 1976 at Fort Dix, New Jersey. The CDC believes because the transmission was limited outside of the basic training grounds, the virus circulated (infecting at least 4 soldiers and killing 1) before disappearing. But with this new strain given the ability to transmit through air, bus and train travel, our world has given it infinite opportunities to infect. Be aware of symptoms and cautious of highly populated areas during the next several days and possibly weeks. Consider quarantining as an option to have a better outcome of health in this global situation.
Sources:
CDC
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