Bird Flu -- What You Can Do to Be Prepared

Brian Handwerk
for National Geographic News

May 10, 2006

A bird flu pandemic preparation plan for the United States issued by the White House contains some sobering warnings.

The H5N1 strain of bird flu, which is not yet easily transmissible among humans, to date has killed 114 people worldwide.

But if the virus mutates and a pandemic occurs, one-third of the U.S. population could become infected and two million people may die, the plan estimates.

Workplaces could suffer up to 40 percent staff reductions—which may cripple essential services like public transportation, hospitals, and grocery stores.

The plan also contains a strong message to the public: Individuals need to take action to protect themselves. (Related news: "Family Quarantine Is a Key to Fighting Bird Flu, Study Says.")

Fran Townsend is the U.S. president's Homeland Security Advisor and is responsible for coordinating the government's pandemic planning.

She wrote in an online forum that she hopes to change the mindset that the federal government will always be able to take care of people in the event of a pandemic or other disaster.

"Citizen and community preparedness is very important, perhaps most important, when it comes to pandemic planning," Townsend wrote.

"There are concrete steps that can be taken to protect you and your families during a pandemic, and to prepare you and your communities beforehand."

Here are some recommendations:

Take Your Shots

A generally healthy person may stand a better chance of survival during a pandemic. While a standard flu shot won't protect you from bird flu, it can keep you safe from seasonal flu.

If you're over the age of 65, or have a chronic illness like diabetes or asthma, get a pneumonia shot to prevent secondary infections. The entire family should have up-to-date immunizations.

Stay Fit

Eat a balanced diet, exercise, and get plenty of rest. Don't smoke—it can increase the severity of flu-related health problems.

Stockpile Food and Water

The government recommends that you stockpile at least two weeks worth of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare foodstuffs. Be sure to include infant foods or formulas and account for any special dietary needs of the elderly or ill—and don't forget pet food.

Also stockpile water, because supplies may be disrupted. One gallon a person a day should be enough for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

Store Regular Medications

If you take medications or require regular treatments, such as chemotherapy or dialysis, talk to your health care provider about how you can continue treatment in the event of a pandemic.

Keep supplies of medicines on hand, because they may become difficult to get.

"You don't want to go out and go to a pharmacy or a hospital where a lot of sick people are," said Christian Sandrock, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California, Davis. "Talk to your doctor and see if you can get an extra supply."

It's also a good idea to stockpile items such as vitamins, rehydrating fluids with electrolytes, antidiarrheal medications, a thermometer, soap, batteries, flashlights, a radio, garbage bags, tissues, toilet paper, and diapers.

Practice Aggressive Hand Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of disease—especially after you cough or sneeze.

"[Consider] going out and buying the alcohol-based hand gels and sanitizers. When you're at a business meeting and you shake hands with a number of people and then sit down to eat lunch, it's nice to be able to [clean your hands]," Sandrock, of UC Davis, said.

Use Respiratory Etiquette

Cover your mouth and nose when you are ill, or when you sneeze or cough.

"Make sure that you have tissues, so that you can sneeze or cough into them and then [immediately] throw them away," Sandrock said. Teach your children to do the same.

Avoid High-Risk Environments

If bird flu mutates to pass easily from person to person, you'll want to avoid high concentrations of people or contact with the sick whenever possible. If you become sick, don't go to school or work and limit your contact with others.

Mask Up?

The issue of surgical masks has spurred some lively debate. Conventional paper masks aren't likely to offer great protection against bird flu and may create a false sense of security.

More substantial respirator-style masks may be more effective but are already in short supply.

Take Sick Leave

Talk with your employer about plans to continue business during a flu pandemic. Explore options in case you are unable to work, such as telecommuting or extended leave policies.

Think Dollars and Cents

If possible, make a financial plan to cope with reductions or loss of salary in case you are ill or your workplace is closed. Keep a reasonable amount of cash in small denominations on hand, because banks and ATM services could be unavailable.

Anticipate School Closures

Schools may be closed, so many parents will need to organize childcare options. You may also want to stockpile books and other learning supplies for home-based education.

Expect Delays

Public transport systems may be disrupted, so plan other ways to make essential trips and try to reduce travel. Stockpiling essentials, for example, lessens the need for trips outside the home.

Create a Family Plan

Before a pandemic occurs, talk to loved ones about what will happen if they get sick. Consider who will care for children or the ill and where infected members of the family will go to receive help.

Get Involved

Take action to help make sure that local institutions will be ready in the event of a pandemic. Ask if your workplace has a plan to deal with absenteeism, and if your children's school has a plan for closures. Offer assistance with such plans to your community institutions.

Stay Informed

Stay up to date on the latest pandemic flu developments by listening to the radio and watching television broadcasts. Reliable Web sites, such as those run by the federal government or the World Health Organization, are valuable information clearinghouses.

The Centers for Disease Control operates an information hotline in both English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Grade Your Government

"One thing that's really important is interacting with decision-makers and staying involved," said Laura Segal, spokesperson for Trust for America's Health, a nonprofit public health organization in Washington, D.C.

"A plan is only as good as its implementation. Time will tell [how well the government does on some 300 action items outlined in the plan], but the public can stay vigilant. How is Congress doing? How is the government doing?

"[The federal government has] been really direct in stating that people and communities need to realize that they'll be pretty much on their own, which is a scary message," Segal continued.

"There's more that we believe the government can and should do, but there is an individual responsibility message that's important to get out to people."

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