If you, or a family member becomes ill with the H1N1 flu, you should be prepared to cope at home for up to a week.
Stock up on:
- Non-perishable food items, such as canned or frozen soups, juices, fruits and vegetables, canned fish, crackers and peanut butter
- Household cleaning supplies such as bleach and disinfectant, dishwashing soap and paper towels
- Personal hygiene products such as soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo and toilet paper
- A fever thermometer
- Over-the-counter fever medication (i.e. Tylenol, or Tempra)
- Prescription medications (2-3 months supply, if possible)
Housekeeping
- Wash hard surfaces, such as taps, counters, doorknobs, telephones and railings with a disinfectant (i.e. 1 part bleach to 9 parts water)
- Keep personal items of those who are sick separate from everyone else's
- There is no need for special laundering of linens or clothing from a person sick with H1N1
- There is no need for special handling of garbage from a person with H1N1
Look after others
- Find a person who can be your "flu buddy" so that if you get sick, they can go to the pharmacy or store for you
- Check up on family, friends and neighbours, especially those that live alone
- Offer to get groceries and run errands for people who are sick, or are at higher risk of getting serious complications from H1N1
- Keep emergency phon numbers and self-care instructions in a place where everyone in the household can find them.
