Flu Pandemic: Are You Ready?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 25-50 million cases of the flu are currently reported each year in the U.S., leading to 150,000 hospitalizations and 30,000-40,000 deaths annually.

You'll be best prepared if you follow the three steps below:

• Be Informed about the latest flu, where it is going, what to do if you or a family member becomes infected, what resources are available, what your school and/or business is doing to address it as far as rules of when to return, etc
• Be Prepared. Have a plan, and have an emergency safety kit.
• Be Involved. Your state's web site can link you to local organizations to help you and your neighbors learn more about how to cope with a pandemic and other emergencies. 

The CDC's web site. www.CDC.gov is your best source of information about each of these steps. 

Most importantly - get vaccinated! Supplies of the vaccine are robust this year, so there are no age or health restrictions on receiving the dose. Also, the H1N1 strain has been incorporated into this year's vaccine, so just one dose is required. Your primary physician is a good place to start, since it is often free of charge. Local pharmacies and supermarkets are also running flu vaccine clinics at the cost of about $30 per vaccine. 

Be safe, 
Julie