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Here is a link to the King County Department of Public Health’s website with information on how to prepare for a flu pandemic.

They’ve got lots of useful articles on topics like a “Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families” and “Ten Things You Should Know About Pandemic Flu”.

It lists medical and health supplies that you should have at home:

• Prescribed medicines and supplies such as glucose meters and blood pressure monitoring equipment.
• Soap and water
• Alcohol based hand cleaner
• Medicines that lower fever and pain, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• Diarrhea remedy, such as Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate
• Throat lozenges
• Cough syrup containing Dextromethorphan
• Thermometers
• Vitamins
• Fluids with electrolytes, like Gatorade and Pedialyte.

Examples of Nonperishable Food

• Canned meats
• Canned beans, fruits, vegetables and soups.
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Dried fruit
• Peanut butter
• Nuts and trail mix
• Crackers
• Comfort food, including cookies, candy, instant coffee, tea bags
• Canned juices
• Bottled water
• Baby formula and baby food

Examples of Other Emergency Supplies

• Pet food, cat litter
• Disposable diapers
• Feminine supplies
• Flashlight
• Portable radio
• Batteries
• Manual can opener
• Plastic garbage bags
• Tissues and toilet paper
• Entertainment - games, crafts, books, movies, etc.
• Supplies for persons with special needs - the elderly or disabled
• Some extra cash

Know the symptoms of influenza, which may include:

• Sudden onset of illness
• Fever higher than 100.4 F
• Chills
• Cough
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Feeling weakness and/or exhaustion
• Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Ten Things You Should Know About Pandemic Flu

1. Pandemic flu is much more serious than seasonal flu.
2. A pandemic flu will be global.
3. The single best thing you can do to avoid getting any flu virus is to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. A vaccination will not be available for several months after the flu virus is identified.
5. Pandemic flu and bird flu are not the same thing.
6. A pandemic may cause widespread social and economic disruption.
7. It may be difficult or impossible to work during a flu pandemic.
8. A pandemic could overwhelm the health care system.
9. We will need to pull together as communities during a pandemic.
10. There are simple steps you can take to prepare for a flu pandemic.