Steps you can take to Prepare for a Potential Flu Pandemic The American Red Cross and its chapters are monitoring the developing situation with the H1N1 flu and is in close contact with federal, state and local public health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security.  Cough into your elbow - not your hand. With the increasing news coverage of a potential flu pandemic, the American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter urges all families, businesses and organizations to take precautionary measure and Be Red Cross Ready: - Common sense basic public health practices should be followed:
- Remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
 Wash your hands frequently. - If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stock extra food, water and supplies at home, reducing the need to go out should this swine flu strain become more widespread and schools or businesses temporarily close.
- Store a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities such as laundry detergent and toilet paper. A gallon of water per person per day should be stored in clean plastic containers. Family preparation steps should also include storing formula for infants, food for special nutritional needs, essential medicines and medical items, and extra food for pets.
- If you or someone in your household becomes sick, decide how the person will be cared for ahead of time. Talk about how giving care during the swine flu outbreak will be different from other times when a family member gets sick. Talk about how you or someone else in the household would handle staying home from work, school, or other activities to give or receive care.
The latest updates on the HINI flu outbreak in Santa Clara County can be found at: Santa Clara County Public Health (in English, Spanish and Vietnamese) or call 408-885-3980
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