Resolve to be ready in 2008
2008 Preparedness Article Series - Two

In the last article, we discussed general preparedness steps. We should now begin to look at preparing for specific incidents. Let's start with disease prevention.

Diseases aren't usually thought of as disasters and many people may think that they can't prepare for them. A disease outbreak may be harder to prepare for than some other disasters, but there are many steps you can take that could be helpful. Learning how different viruses and bacteria spread and taking steps to eliminate behaviors that spread them is important.

To help reduce the spread of illness, begin practicing good health hygiene and make it a part of your everyday life. This includes good hand washing practices, covering your coughs and sneezes and getting immunizations against vaccinepreventable diseases. The better your overall health, the better chance you have of fighting off a disease. Begin now to eat healthy, get plenty of exercise and get plenty of rest.

Cleaning with products that disinfect surfaces and kill germs is a good practice that can help prevent the spread of illnesses. Also, keeping your distance from others when you are sick or when they are sick can be helpful in limiting the spread of germs.

Taking appropriate medications - either over-the-counter or prescription drugs - can shorten the time that you are ill. It is very important to take medicines as directed and for the length of time prescribed.

There is no vaccine for some illnesses such as pandemic influenza, and it could take months to develop and administer a new vaccine to a large number of people. However, supportive therapy can reduce the effects of the symptoms of illnesses for which there are no specific medications. Medicines such as fever reducers (acetaminophen), cough syrup, anti-diarrhea medicines and others could be helpful. These types of medicines should be included in your emergency kit.

It is estimated that a disease like pandemic influenza could affect up to fifty percent of the population. If this is the case, many people will be unable to work, including health care workers. In-home care will become important and you may be caring for sick family members.

Preparing now will make it easier for you and your family during a pandemic. Take some simple steps such as stocking up on non-perishable food items, medicines and other essential items. Practice good health habits and make yourself and your family aware of the importance of minimizing confusion and disruption during an emergency. Develop a plan of what your family will do in certain situations such as if schools or daycares are not open, or if you need to stay at home for a long period of time due to illness or avoiding others that are sick. Get a kit of items that you might need and keep it handy.

Here are some things you should consider having on hand:

• Two weeks worth of food and water

• Extra prescription medications

• Over-the-counter medicines for cold and flu symptoms

• Cash, because banks may be unable to open.

More preparedness information is available at your local health department, Emergency Management Agency office or these websites:www.ready.gov, www.phdistrict2.org, www.health.state.ga.us, www.pandemicflu.gov, www.fema.gov, www.redcross. org