WHAT CAN I DO NOW TO PREPARE MY FAMILY FOR PANDEMIC INFLUENZA?

(from the CDC Pandemic newsletter at www.cdc.gov)

The world"s public health community is on alert and watching the avian influenza type A H5N1 virus (known as the bird flu) carefully. Right now no influenza virus qualifies as a pandemic virus, including H5N1. While scientists are watching the H5N1 virus, they must also look for other influenza viruses that could change to become a threat to human health, and possibly qualify as a pandemic influenza virus.

Still, it"s good to be concerned about emergency preparedness. If a pandemic influenza outbreak were to occur in your community, schools and business could be closed. Plan ahead for situations in which you might have to take care of yourself and your family without leaving home. Think about essential supplies like food and medicine.

Influenza viruses spread easily, including seasonal influenza. Hand washing and cough etiquette reduce the chances of becoming ill. Teach your children how to wash their hands to protect them from viruses that cause influenza and colds.

For more on hand washing and cough etiquette, check http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands and http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm.

The more you know about pandemic influenza the more you can help your family and community to prepare. To find out more and keep updated, check http://www.pandemicflu.gov.