H1N1 Pandemic Response:  Getting Prepared

 

 

Rarely do we have the luxury of having several weeks notice before an emergency occurs, but with the potentially bad flu season on the horizon, we know we need to prepare.

 

Back in June, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 flu virus a pandemic.  As cases of the H1N1 virus continue to emerge around the world, it is more important than ever that we take additional steps to help protect ourselves this cold and flu season.   

 

Over the next several months, my office will be sending out H1N1 preparedness emails.  These emails will provide a verity of information ranging from the current status of the H1N1 virus, what we as a state are doing to prepare,  and precautionary measures which you can take at home and at work to greatly lower your chances of catching or transmitting the H1N1 virus.

 

I hope you will find this information useful to you and your family.

 

 

Chris

 

 

 

Things to take into consideration prior to flu season:

• Transportation. Could the flu interrupt your transportation to work? What’s the plan if you or your carpool buddy gets sick?
• Childcare. Account for various scenarios (you get sick, your child gets sick, your caregiver gets sick, etc.). Make a plan that works for you and your family.
• Schools. Stay in touch with your children’s schools so you can understand their emergency procedures and the way they communicate with parents if an emergency occurs.
• Caring for family and pets. Who counts on you to check on them regularly? Parents? Aging relatives or neighbors? If you become sick and can’t follow up with these people, who will serve as backup? Also consider the needs of pets.
• Food. Keep some easy meals on hand to feed your family in case the flu makes it difficult to get to the grocery store. Find out what delivery options exist through local grocery stores.
• Prescriptions. Ensure you have a few extra days supply of critical prescriptions. Understand the emergency options at your pharmacy, and look into home delivery options.
• Emergency contacts. Ensure that family members know whom to call in a given situation. Update phone directories and cell phones.

Web resources:

 

Oregon’s main flu site: http://www.flu.oregon.gov/

Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Frequently Asked Questions regarding H1N1 in Oregon: http://oregon.gov/DAS/HR/flu.shtml

 

 

Please feel free to contact my office at 503.986.1707 or email me at sen.chrisedwards@state.or.us