Family Planning for Pandemic Flu

Plans for individuals and families from the Center For Disease Control (CDC)

1. Store a supply of water and food. You may not be able to get to a store and this is also useful in other emergencies.

2. Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, vitamins, and stomach remedies.

3. Talk 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 your home.

4. Volunteer with your church and/or other groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.

5. Review the PNW Conference Disaster Plan for local church actions.
www.gbgm-umc.org/disasterteam/pnwplan.htm

6. Get involved with your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.

Swine Flu Alert

Currently there is no cause for alarm over the Swine Flu epidemic.
Please seek to calm your congregations.

Prevention is the best course of action at this time. The steps in prevention are:

1. Wash hands frequently --- particularly after being in public areas where you might touch door knobs, railings, etc. Wash long enough to sing Happy Birthday once through.

2. Cover face when coughing or sneezing. The flu is spread by droplets of water from your breath.

3. Stay home if you are sick.

4. If there is a flu outbreak in your neighborhood, you may wish to stay at least 6 feet from other people.

5. Consider using intinction for Eucharist rather than the common cup during this time.

Common symptoms of Swine Flu:
1. fever
2. lethargy
3. lack of appetite
4. coughing

Some people also report the symptoms of:
1. runny nose
2. sore throat
3. nausea
4. Vomiting

Refer to your conference disaster plan for general disaster response information.
www.gbgm-umc.org/disasterteam/pnwplan.htm