FLU Preparedness & Prevention

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. In the United States, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends every spring. The type of flu people get during this season is called seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze. Adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and as long as 5 days after getting sick.

The flu and you: practice prevention and preparedness

The American Red Cross is encouraging the public to practice prevention and preparedness during flu season and throughout the year. The American Red Cross and partner agencies continually work with communities to ensure that they are prepared for any type of disaster, including health emergencies.

We recommend that everyone take precautionary measures to protect themselves from influenza and update their emergency preparedness plan for all types of disasters, including health emergencies. Washing your hands regularly with plenty of soap and warm water and covering your mouth by coughing into your shirt sleeve at the elbow are two of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself to stop the spread of germs. People should also prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water and medication for a minimum of 72 hours and up to two weeks.

Additional prevention recommendations are:

Wash your hands with plenty of soap and warm water
Cover your mouth when you cough (using your arm rather than your hand)
Use a tissue or handkerchief when you sneeze
Stay home from work if you are feeling ill
Consult your health care provider immediately if you become sick or to discuss other preventative health care measures
Update your emergency contact list so that you can reach family members
Store health and cleaning supplies, such as disinfectants, tissues, a thermometer, disposable gloves, soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizers
Talk to your employer regarding possible alternate work arrangements if needed
Talk to your child’s school or daycare regarding their plan for health emergencies.

Please follow the links to more Flu information :

Flu Checklist

Scrub Club & Flu Prevention tips for kids

Know the Difference

Seasonal Flu—A contagious
respiratory illness caused by influenza
(flu) viruses occurring every year. It
affects an average of 5 percent to 20
percent of the U.S. population by
causing mild to severe illness, and in
some instances can lead to death.
Epidemic—The rapid spread of a
disease that affects some or many
people in a community or region at the
same time.

Pandemic—An outbreak of a disease
that affects large numbers of people
throughout the world and spreads
rapidly.

Avian Influenza—Commonly known
as bird flu, this strain of influenza virus
is naturally occurring in birds. Wild birds
can carry the virus and may not get sick
from it; however, domestic birds may
become infected by the virus and often
die from it.

H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)—H1N1
influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs
caused by type A influenza viruses that
cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People
do not normally get H1N1 influenza, but

human infections can and do happen.
H1N1 influenza viruses have been
reported to spread from person-toperson.

** For more H1N1 (swine flu) information, please click HERE

Flu Alert Now at Highest Level — Phase 6