Flu Pandemic

view of Elmwood Park There are a number of downloadable brochures and documents available on this site regarding pandemic flu: please visit the Health Department Forms page.

Key Facts

An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak that occurs when a new virus appears in humans that can cause serious illness and spread easily from person to person. Three major pandemics occurred in the 20th century and no one knows for sure when the next pandemic will happen. There are state and federal plans to address the complex issues of influenza pandemic and its potential impact in New Jersey.

Get Flu Ready

Get ready now for an influenza pandemic and other emergencies. During a pandemic, stores may be low or out of stock on food and other items you need every day. Get prepared and stock up now. Doing so will help you be ready for an influenza pandemic and other types of emergencies, like power outages or hurricanes. There are several things you can do to "Get Flu Ready".

Store a two-week supply of water and food.
Check prescription drugs. Make sure you have an extra two-week supply at home.
Keep non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including a first aid kit, pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, and fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.
Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick. What will you need to take care of them at home?
Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.

Now is a good time to practice healthy hygiene habits. These steps will limit the spread of germs and prevent infection.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
If possible, stay away from people who are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues. Throw tissues away immediately. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.
If you are sick, stay home from work or school.

Planning Checklist for Families & Individuals

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

1. To plan for a pandemic:

Store a supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.

2. To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:

Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior.
Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior.
Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick.

3. Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:

Examples of food and non-perishables

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and soups
Protein or fruit bars
Dry cereal or granola
Peanut butter or nuts
Dried fruit
Crackers
Canned juices
Bottled water
Canned or jarred baby food and formula
Pet food

Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies

Prescribed medical supplie such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
Soap and water, or alcohol-based hand wash
Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Thermometer
Anti-diarrheal medication
Vitamins
Fluids with electrolytes
Cleansing agent/soap
Flashlight
Batteries
Portable radio
Manual can opener
Garbage bags
Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers