The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles continues to monitor the H1N1 (swine) flu both locally and nationally and encourages individuals and families to take this time to prepare.

Gather supplies:

• Assemble or refresh your preparedness kit.
• Store a two-week supply of food, water (one gallon of water per person per day) and household necessities.  Make sure to include an extra supply for your pets.
• Remember essential medications and medical items, as well as infant and elderly nutritional needs.

Make plans:

• Talk with your family and friends about how they will be cared for if they become ill.
• Find out your employer’s plans to keep the business open if key staff can’t come to work.
• Ask your child’s school or day care if there are plans to encourage sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
• Stay informed, whether through radio, television or internet. Please check the Los Angeles county Health Department site  http://www.lapublichealth.org

Stay healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread that way.  Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Consult your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of the flu, such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills

For more Red Cross influenza information, please click here. Included is a great informational page directed to young children to help them with proper hand washing procedures. For information about purchasing a Red Cross Personal Safety kit, which include emergency supplies such as a mask and gloves, please call your nearest American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles district office.

Tags: flu tips, H1N1 flu, swine flu