The possibility of the bird flu assuming pandemic proportions can not be ruled out. Many measures have been taken at the government level like the US government to lessen the chances of it happening. But it is equally important that it is fought at the individual or family level. Many steps can be taken at home while facing possible out break of bird flu. Proper supplies should be stocked at home to gear up for such an eventuality.

Keeping enough stock of food and water when there is an outbreak of bird flu is the first step. It may not be possible to travel to the store during a pandemic and even otherwise the store may have run out of supplies. The public water supply also may get affected and hence storing drinking water will be useful. Non perishable foods that don’t require refrigeration like canned food, dry fruit, fruit or protein bars, bottled water, dry cereal, baby food, etc. are the best items to stock up. Sickness food like crackers, Gatorade etc. are also recommended.

OTC medicines such as pain killers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Advil, Tylenol etc.), and anti diarrheal medicines should be stocked at home. Hospitalization may not be possible in case of pandemic as there may be shortage of beds at the hospital. Medicines for coughs and nasal decongestion will also be useful. Tissues and gloves to handle soiled tissues would also be required during a pandemic. Detergents, cleansers and sanitizers would prevent spreading of contamination. There may be power interruptions during a pandemic and hence flashlights, portable radio, batteries etc. would be necessary. A few other important items would be manual can opener, diapers, toilet paper and garbage bags.

Keeping extra supplies of the above items would be useful in donating them to neighbors who may be short of them, if necessary. People may have to work together and share medicines that may be in short supply when a pandemic strikes. Quarantining the person who has been hit by the avian flu virus in a separate room in the house would help in containing the spread of the virus. This room should be sanitized and kept clean so that the patient can quickly recover. A separate room will also make the job of a caretaker easy.

Anti bacterial products should also be kept ready in case of a pandemic. They would help in slowing down the spread of the virus. The house should be cleaned regularly during as well as after an infection. Certain items like tobacco and alcohol should be avoided during a pandemic. As a general precaution, aspirin should not be given to children under eighteen years of age without consulting a doctor.

Popularity: 100% [?]

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!