Tips if Bird Flu Mutates into Pandemic

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[i wonder if my company would let me telecommute?]

Worried about bird flu? Stock up, U.S. advises

Reuters Health

Friday, January 6, 2006

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - There is no vaccine and drugs are in short

supply but Americans may be able to ride out any bird flu pandemic if

they stock up on supplies and keep their children clean, the U.S.

government said on Friday.

The Health and Human Services Department's checklist illustrates just

how little can be done to prevent widespread illness and disruption

if H5N1 avian influenza causes a pandemic - a global epidemic - this

year.

The virus still mostly affects birds, but the deaths of three

children in Turkey, if confirmed to have been caused by H5N1, means

the virus has now infected people in six countries. The World Health

Organization has confirmed 142 cases and 74 deaths from bird flu

since 2003.

Experts fear it could mutate into a form that passes easily from

person to person, sparking a pandemic that could kill millions. It

would cost billions and HHS says it could kill 2 million Americans,

close schools for days or weeks on end and disrupt industry and

commerce.

Experts say the best way to wait out a pandemic, which could last for

months, is to stay away from other people and keep close to home.

" During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are

out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies

on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as

power outages and disasters, " the HHS guide says.

HHS's " Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families " ,

available on the agency's Web site at

www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/checklist.html, advises:

-- Teaching children to wash hands frequently and appropriately,

covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, and modeling the correct

behavior

-- Having ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups,

bottled water and cleaning supplies on-hand for an extended stay at

home.

-- Having any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on

hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold

medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.

-- Talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be

cared for if they got sick or what will be needed to care for them in

another home.

Copyright © 2006 Reuters