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<br /> <br />+ <br /> <br />American <br />Red Cross <br /> <br />What is Pandemic Flu? <br /> <br />A "pandemic" is a disease that spreads all <br />over the world and affects a large number <br />of people. If you are caring for a loved <br />one during a pandemic, it's important to <br />take steps to protect yourself and others. <br />Always follow the most current advice of <br />the U.S. Department of Health and Human <br />Services and your local health department. <br /> <br />Prevent the Spread of Pandemic Flu <br />These healthy habits will help keep you <br />and others from getting and passing <br />on the virus. <br />> Clean your hands often with <br />soap and water or alcohol-based <br />hand sanitizer. <br />> Cover your mouth and nose <br />with a tissue when you cough <br />or sneeze and clean your hands <br />afterward. Put used tissues <br />in a wastebasket. <br />> Cough or sneeze into your <br />upper sleeve if you don't have <br />a tissue. <br />> Keep your hands away from <br />your eyes, nose and mouth <br />to prevent germs from entering <br />your body. <br /> <br />Also, a person with signs of the flu should: <br />> Stay home from work, school <br />and errands and avoid contact <br />with others. <br />> Consider wearing a surgical <br />mask when around others. <br />There may be benefits. <br /> <br />Horne Care for Pandemic Flu <br /> <br />When a Household Member Is Sick <br /> <br />The flu virus is spread when contaminated <br />droplets exit the mouth and nose of an <br />infected person and the virus comes in <br />contact with others. So, follow these <br />tips to protect yourself and others <br />in your home: <br /> <br />> Keep everyone's personal <br />items separate. All household <br />members should avoid sharing <br />computers, pens, papers, clothes, <br />towels, sheets, blankets, food <br />or eating utensils. <br />> Disinfect door knobs, switches, <br />handles, toys and other surfaces <br />that are commonly touched <br />around the home or workplace. <br /> <br />Disinfectant: <br />1 gallon water <br />~ cup bleach <br />Mix up a fresh <br />batch every time <br />you use it. <br /> <br />> It is okay to wash everyone's <br />dishes and clothes together. <br />Use detergent and very hot <br />water. Wash your hands after <br />handling dirty laundry. <br />> Wear disposable gloves when <br />in contact with or cleaning up <br />body fluids. <br />> One person should be the <br />caregiver. He or she may <br />benefit by wearing a mask <br />when giving care. <br /> <br />Practice Hand Hygiene <br />Caregivers should always wash their <br />hands before providing care. Afterward, <br />wash again and apply alcohol-based <br />hand sanitizer as well. Follow these steps <br />for proper hand hygiene: <br />1. Wet hands with warm, running <br />water and apply liquid soap. <br />2. Rub hands vigorously for at <br />least 15 seconds, covering all <br />surfaces and fingers. <br />3. Scrub nails by rubbing them <br />against the palms of your hands. <br />4. Rinse your hands with water. <br />5. Dry your hands thoroughly <br />with a paper towel and use it to <br />turn off the faucet. A shared <br />towel will spread germs. <br /> <br />Recognize Pandemic Flu Symptoms <br /> <br />Watch for these symptoms: <br /> <br />> Fever <br />> Cough <br />> Runny nose <br />> Muscle pain <br /> <br />Call your health-care professional at <br />the first sign of the flu. Many symptoms <br />can be treated by the health-care <br />professional over the telephone. <br /> <br />Care for a Loved One with the Flu <br />A person recovering from flu should have: <br />> Rest and plenty of liquids <br />> No alcohol or tobacco <br />> Medications to relieve flu <br />symptoms <br />In some cases, a health-care professional <br />may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat the <br />flu. Antibiotics (like penicillin) don't cure it. <br /> <br />