Emergency Preparation Kit

Preparing a pandemic of swine flu emergency kit has very little differences from any other emergency/disaster kit. The most notable differences are that it needs to be expanded to include the foods, over the counter medications and natural products that your family will need.

The kit should last for two weeks and, in addition to daily food items, should include the following:

Extra fluids, including those with electrolytes
Lots of soft tissues
Extra garbage bags for the disposal of tissues, vomit and feces
Hand Sanitizers and antiviral solutions to wipe down surfaces
Gloves and masks for caretakers
Extra roll of plastic (and tape) to separate ill persons from others
Include over–the–counter medications for children and adults for the different symptoms, such as headache, fever, body aches, sore throats, diarrhea, and nausea to help keep the patient as comfortable as possible until health care providers arrive.
A brief word about over the counter preparations. They are not a cure or prevention for any type of flu. They do relieve certain symptoms of the flu, and they can also mask the severity of your symptoms which could lead to your Cold/Flu turning into Pneumonia. They might even mask the severity of your Swine Flu symptoms, causing you or your health care provider to believe you do not have the H1N1 virus. This could allow the spread of the virus to others. So use some common sense and act quickly if you think you have the swine flu.

Flu foods that you and your family will need depend on your Swine flu symptoms, which have a broad range. That’s why it is best to be prepared if and when the flu knocks on your door.

For upper respiratory symptoms – Chicken soup, teas, broths, and spicy foods like horseradish, chilies and peppers are great for congestion and sinuses.
For nausea and diarrhea remember the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast and drink lots of fluids, diluted juices and herbal teas.
Stocking up on some basics, and even frozen meals, is a good idea in case you are unable to get to the store for several days. Having an extra casserole or chicken dinner in the freezer is a wonderful relief when you are too busy or ill to cook for the family.

Be a good Neighbor

There is nothing worst than being sick and all alone, or being sick when you have a house full of kids. And there is nothing like the special feeling when you can help someone with a simple errand. In thinking ahead for the flu season, we hope that it doesn’t become sever but incase it does it’s important to plan. Think about what you would do if there was a flood or hurricane coming to your area. That is when everyone knows the value of knowing our neighbors and working together.

This might be a good time, if you haven't already, to set up a buddy system with your neighbors. Offer to swap errands, watch kids and be a back–up in the case of emergency. Also, don’t forget the seniors or those who live alone in your area – make a habit of checking in with each other. They might appreciate a chance to help you and your family out. Having the neighborhood watch in place when the flu hits your area is a great way to love others and could even save someone’s life.

So now is a good time to update your emergency/disaster kit, stock the pantry, and connect with your neighbors. Keep updated on the pandemic, and follow the “Common Sense” methods of prevention.

You can find the latest information and symptoms at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website Opens in a new window

Statements made have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products can not be presented as intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a physician or other health care professional. You should consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication or supplement, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.