The following information can be found on the US State Department's website:
http://tinyurl.com/l5omx
10 March 2006
Health Services Could Be Overwhelmed in a Pandemic, Experts Say
Communities urged to plan for meeting populations' health care needs
This fact sheet was compiled from various Internet sources as well as from presentations made at a February conference, held in Minnesota, on business planning for a pandemic.
Following information applies to pandemic influenza generally:
Families should stock cupboards with enough nonperishable and prepackaged food products to last four weeks to five weeks. Supplies should include bottled water, canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal, granola and fruit bars, crackers, peanut butter or nuts, canned juices, canned or jarred baby food and formula, and pet food.
To avoid opportunities for exposure, shoppers should consolidate trips to the grocery store by purchasing larger quantities than normally and avoid dining outside the home during the initial months of a pandemic.
Other important precautions include stockpiling prescription drugs, if possible, as well as medical supplies like insulin and blood-pressure monitoring equipment, soap and water or alcohol-based hand wash, anti-diarrheal medication and fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.
Folks, this is an important document. I recommend you read it. When you talk to others about pandemic flu, send them to this website, and www.pandemicflu.gov.
