A flu pandemic would test us all. It would push our health system to the limit and disrupt the services we take for granted. Daily life would change.
While there is no pandemic, this is the time to think about your daily life and routines. This is the time to plan for how you would cope in a pandemic.
Across Canada, government officials, health care workers, and employers are planning for a flu pandemic. To be prepared, we all need to do our share. There are some simple steps we can take now.
Learn about the risk of a pandemic and what you can do to prepare. Most of us fear the unknown. Learning and taking action can help reduce our fears.
What do you do in a normal day? What services do you use? What would you do if they were reduced or had to close? What do you really need to do in a day? Think of a backup plan to get your main tasks done.
This will help you if food stores and drug stores have low supplies during a flu pandemic. It will also help if you or someone in your house gets sick with pandemic flu. You'll have the supplies you need to get through the sickness.
During a pandemic you might need to call for medical advice or help. Make a list of useful phone numbers. Fill out a health sheet for your household. That way you'll have everything you need if you have to call for advice or help.
Talk to your family, friends, neighbours, people at work, and in your local area about pandemic flu and how to prepare for it. Share ideas, make plans, and find ways to help each other out.
No one knows when the next flu pandemic will be. By being informed, planning ahead, and having supplies at home we can prepare for a pandemic. These steps will help us cope in other emergencies too.
For more information, go to www.pandemie.cpha.ca or call 1-800-454-8302.
A message from the Canadian Public Health Association.