Preparing for a Pandemic

It is tempting for all of us to stick our heads in the sand and hope that the news stories about a possible pandemic are mostly hype. According to scientists, it is just a matter of time, although no one really knows how much.

As we monitor news about the possibility of a pandemic and come to understand more about it, one of the most important things you can do to avoid infection is practice safe hygiene. This means that you assume that everything you touch has the potential to carry the virus. This means that under no circumstances do you touch your hands to your face while in public.

Children, and adults, who have the habit of putting their fingers in their eyes and noses are extremely susceptible to infection in such an environment. Practicing respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette means that you wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based (60-95% alcohol) cleanser on your hands. When you return to your home, clothing goes into the laundry immediately and wash your hands thoroughly with soap to rinse away any virus with which you may have come in contact.