Public health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak of swine flu that has struck Mexico, the United States, and other parts of the world.  Whether this outbreak spreads widely or not, it is an occasion for individuals, families, and congregations to take basic steps of preparedness.  Individuals and families should visit the Centers for Disease Control’s Web site for helpful information about swine flu including steps to safeguard against it.

Tools to help congregations prepare to be resources to their communities and members include:

• Pandemic Flu Influenza Checklist (pdf file) – Both this Faith-Based & Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist and the one below were distributed by the Department of Health and Human Services after collaboration of public health agencies and Faith-Based and Community Organizations
• Lista de Prepacion para una Pademia de Gripe (pdf file)
• Read reports from partner organizations in Mexico on the ELCA World Hunger blog

From the American Red Cross:

Stay Healthy
The Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are offering the following tips to ensure you stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective when soap and water aren’t available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Influenza (flu) is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Consult your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of the flu, such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Extreme tiredness
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Prepare for Potential Flu Outbreak
Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need to go out should swine flu become more widespread, thereby limiting potential for exposure to the virus. If a person does get sick and has extra supplies on hand, they will help reduce the spread of the flu by staying home.

• Store a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities (such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc.). Select foods that are easy to prepare and store. 
• Store one gallon of water per person per day in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
• Insure that formula for infants and any child’s or older person’s special nutritional needs are a part of your planning. Store an extra supply of food for your pets.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and medical items for all family members.

An Opportunity to Get Prepared

The Red Cross recommends you take this opportunity to prepare your family for any disaster by getting a preparedness kit, making a plan and being informed.

Disaster preparedness resources from the ELCA can be found here.