We have heard a lot in the past few months about bird flu and the possibility of a flu pandemic. Is that going to happen? No one knows at this point.
However, there are measures we can take to prepare ourselves in the event influenza comes to call.
First, follow good health habits to help prevent the spread of the flu and other diseases. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay at home or avoid close contact with others. When you cough, cover your mouth and nose. One way is to cough into the bend of your arm. Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
Second, if you have not already had the flu vaccine, be immunized as soon as you can. Not all varities of influenza are covered by the vaccine each year; however, it provides protection from the most likely strains.
Next, recognize flu symptoms. Fever, cough, runny nose and muscle pain are the common symptoms of influenza. Call your health-care provider at the first sign of the flu. Many symptoms can be treated by your provider over the telephone.
Dallas County Health and Human Services recommends that families be prepared for an influenza pandemic. A two week supply of water, non-perishable food, juices and other drinks, snacks, personal items, medications and pet food should be kept in the home.
Will avian flu be the cause of a pandemic in the future? At this point no one knows. So far there has not been a case of human-to-human transfer of the avian flu. The virus is not spread easily from birds to humans. Poultry and poultry products can be safely consumed if prepared properly. The current risk for bird flu in this country is low. Health departments across the country have developed emergency response plans in case the avian flu does spread to humans and to this country.
Information on avian flu, home care for flu, and personal/home preparedness for pandemic flu, including a complete list of necessities, is available in the parish nurse office, currently located in Fellowship Hall.
(214) 452-3100