Influenza A (H1N1) also Known as "Swine Flu" is a new Influenza virus not seen before. It does cause flu like symptoms and can cause serious illness in children and some adults and there is a general fear that this will become a pandemic during this winter. Not all things you hear about this in the media are true. The main purpose of this article is to bring out awareness and address the rumors & misinformation surrounding this virus, learn what precautions to take and to assemble a Swine Flu Kit for safety.
For more info check the Swine Flu Slide show or if you prefer text see Swine Flu FAQ:
Educate yourself from reliable resources like CDC, WHO and other organization.
World Health Organization (WHO) | Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
Emory univ. Swine Flu Information
Various organizations and medical professional advice assembling a kit to get prepared for a possible pandemic. Most notably Consumer Reports in a recent article provided a list. You could go through this and assemble a quick kit for any possible emergency. Even if we don’t use it this winter, we can always keep this for any emergencies.
1. Food: 7 days worth of canned and other non perishable foods (Dry Cereal, Raisins, Powdered milk etc.)
Suggested buys:
Heinz Beans in Tomato Sauce, 13.7-Ounce Cans (Pack of 12)
Mountain House #10 Can Freeze-Dried Food
McCANN'S Steel Cut Oatmeal, Quick & Easy, 16-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)
Nutri-Grain-Kellogg's Cereal Bars Variety Pack, 48/1.3 oz
Nutri-Grain-Kellogg's Cereal Bars Variety Pack, 48/1.3 oz
2. Water. 1-2 Gallons per person per day. Preferably Bottled water which can be stored for a long time.
Generally Warehouses have the best prices on water. Local groceries sometimes have it on sale for super low price.
4. Cough and cold medications containing chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, oxymetazoline, and pseudoephedrine and lozenges with dyclonine, glycerin, or honey.
Suggested buys:
5. Electrolyte drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, to keep you hydrated.
Suggested buys:
7. Surgical masks with FDA rating of N-95 or above:
Suggested buys:
8. Misc. Medications.
Antihistamines: diphenhydramine, loratadine for allergic reactionsAntidiarrhea: loperamide
Antacids: Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta
Suggested buys:
Imodium A-D Anti-Diarrhea, 72-Count Caplets
9. General First Aid Kit.
See First Aid Kit
Suggested buy:
GI SPEC General Purpose First Aid Kit
10. Humidifier if you have small kids.
Suggested buy:
11. Any special medication your family members might need.
Swine flu: 10 things you need to know - Yahoo! News
Swine Flu Stories and Video From ABC News - ABC News
SafetyFirstGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. This site's materials are for information purpose only and provided on an "as is" basis. For professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment please contact a qualified doctor. For any medical emergencies (in the U.S) call 911.
