Q: What are the symptoms of the flu (influenza)?

A: The flu is contagious and can be mild or severe. Symptoms include: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (which are more common in children than adults).

Q: What kinds of things should I be prepared to face if an emergency situation like a pandemic flu outbreak occurs?

A: You may have heard such catch phrases like “plan ahead”, “expect the unexpected”, or “plan for a change in routines” when discussing extreme situations like a pandemic flu outbreak. These are good words to remember, but what specifically do they mean? During a pandemic, the normal routines of life may change completely. Expect the following to occur:

• Food shortages at supermarkets
• Outages of electricity and water
• Hospitals and clinics overwhelmed
• Possible delays in medical treatment
• Disrupted service from government offices, post offices, banks, and telephone companies
• Workplace and school closures
• Cancellation of worship services and entertainment events
• Breakdowns of transportation networks
• Travel restrictions

Q: What steps should I take to prepare for such an event?

A: Remember that no one knows for certain if or when an emergency will occur. The best advice is to be ready. Here are steps you can take to prepare for a pandemic or any crisis:

1. Always be informed. Identify reliable sources that you can count on for information about the disease and its spread.
   • Know how you’ll be notified of developments. You’ll probably hear updates through a local radio or television broadcast.
   • Know how your business will operate during the emergency. Establish whether it’s possible to work from home. Consider plans for an extended leave of absence.
   • If you have children, be aware of plans for school closings.
2. Stay in Touch. Designate the home of a friend or relative to be an emergency contact headquarters. No matter where family members are—including extended family—everyone should know how to stay in touch during emergencies.
   • When there are major disruptions, it’s often easier to contact someone far away than someone nearby.
   • It’s advisable to designate an additional location as backup.
3. Plan for quarantine. To limit spread of disease in a pandemic, there may be restrictions on travel. Don’t flee—you may spread the disease. Instead, be prepared for an extended stay at home.
   
   But your plans need to be flexible. In another kind of crisis, you may need to evacuate. Know recommended routes and the location of emergency shelters. Designate where your family can meet, within and outside the community. In addition:
• Know how to turn off your household utilities including water, electricity, and gas.
• Be prepared to take pets with you. Have ID tags on collars.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half-full.

Be able to recognize flu symptoms. Pandemic flu symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu but may be more severe. Be suspicious if anyone shows symptoms. Regularly monitor your health during a pandemic. Take temperatures often and treat symptoms early.