January 7, 2006
With bird flu being blamed for the deaths of three children in Turkey, the disease has infected humans in six countries, killing 74. There's no vaccine and medication is in short supply but, says the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, there are some steps every family can take.
While perhaps useful, the HHS checklist also illustrates how little can be done to prevent widespread illness if the bird flu becomes a global epidemic.
HHS' suggestions include:
• 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;
• Teaching children to wash hands frequently and appropriately, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues, and modeling the correct behavior;
Skeptics compared the suggestions to the "cover, duck and roll" H-bomb defense maneuvers practiced by earlier generations of schoolchildren but HHS insists its guidelines are worthwhile.
"This new guide is important reading in every household. It explains the challenges posed by a pandemic outbreak and identifies common-sense steps Americans should take in their homes now to prepare for a pandemic," said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt.
The department's new www.pandemicflu.govflu handbook includes a "Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families" and "Family Emergency Health Information Sheet to help people gather information and resources they may need.
The bird flu is still largely confined to birds but experts fear that genetic changes could enable it to be passed from human to human. If that happens, HHS estimates it could kill 2 million Americans, close schools for weeks and disrupt industry and commerce.
Public health experts agree that the best way for individuals to survive is to wait out the pandemic by holing up at home -- staying away from other people, in other words.
"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.
