Thursday, June 25, 2009

Your Personal Pandemic Plan

By David Shaw

Introduction

Nobody knows if the H1N1 influenza pandemic will be slight or serious in the number of people sick and killed. It is most likely to affect children and young adults, who have not had a lifetime of exposure to flu, and those with a predisposing condition.

Some recent background is available here:

Toronto Star -- Swine Flu Outbreak

Globe & Mail -- Ottawa prepares for pandemic with new rules for treatment

Globe & Mail -- Swine flu fears spur Canada to stock up on ventilators

Globe & Mail -- Time to draw up a better plan of attack against H1N1

Ottawa Citizen -- Prepare for Pandemic

New Scientist -- Revealed: How pandemic swine flu kills

Don’t panic.

Be informed and prepared to help you manage any situations.

Don’t be stupid.

Like the folks who went vacationing in Mexico even when it was obvious there was something new brewing.

Be prepared.

Develop a personal pandemic plan and discuss it with your family. Some guidelines are given below.

Avoid Contact

  • Don’t travel unnecessarily.
  • Avoid crowds:
    • Buses, trains, airplanes.
    • Conferences, seminars, workshops, church.
    • Office meetings.
  • Avoid hand-shaking.
  • Increase your social distance from other people to at least 1 metre to avoid airborne transmission. Airborne transmission is the primary means of infection.
    • (Most official documentation persists in saying it’s handshakes and doorknobs, perhaps because officials are preoccupied with the first 1-2 days of infection when a carrier doesn’t show symptoms.)
  • Wash your hands frequently in hot water for at least 15 seconds to reduce physical transmission. Physical contact is the secondary means of infection.
  • Wash before touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Get a family pack of N95 masks at your local hardware or health store.
  • Dispose of tissues in an appropriate receptacle.

At Work & School

  • Ask the health & occupational safety manager at your company:
  • Does the company have a pandemic plan?
  • Does the ventilation system (HVAC) have ultraviolet (UV) filters?
  • Does the company have an emergency communications plan?
  • Does the company have a business-continuity plan in the event large numbers of employees are sick?
  • Does the company have the means for people to work at home?
  • Does the office layout represent a health risk through proximity?
  • Ask your at children’s school if it has an infection-control plan.

Prevention & Preparation

  • Identify special needs in your family, and consult your doctor.
  • Review your health plan and sick benefits.
  • Have an emergency first-aid kit at home.
  • Stock your pantry with two weeks supply of basic foods.
  • Get lots of rest and exercise.
  • Maintain a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. Key ones are:
    • Peppers, oranges, lettuce (vitamin C)
    • Red apples (Red Delicious, Spy, Ida Red or Courtland)
    • Bananas, Jacketed potatoes (potassium)
    • Vital crucifer group of kale, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, spring greens and turnips.
    • Carrots, broccoli, spinach (vitamin A)
    • Oatmeal, brown rice (parboiled)
  • Get vaccinated at an early clinic.
  • In the warm months, get at least one hour of sun exposure every day on your arms and legs.
    • This will maintain your level of vitamin D, enhancing your body’s defences.
    • (Adult dosages.) Starting in the Fall, take 4,000 mg/day of vitamin D supplement. Also take 1000 mg/day of vitamin C, cod liver oil, and 0.4mg/day of Folic Acid.

If You’re Sick

  • If you’re sick, stay home.
  • Don’t punish your co-workers.
  • Learn the difference between cold and flu symptoms:
    • Flu has rapid onset in a few hours.
    • Flu is accompanied by fever.
    • Flu makes you feel exhausted. Usually you can still function with a cold.
  • If your mucus is green, see a doctor immediately.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or handkerchief. Keep one handy. Wash your hands afterwards.

Resources

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