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Family Health
: What we can do to protect ourselves
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What we can all do to protect ourselves
- Take care of the basics - In a pandemic, basic measures will matter most - washing your hands frequently, staying away from sick people and being able to stay home for a prolonged period, if necessary
- Keep it simple - Expensive masks and medications are an important part of a health professional response, but individuals are best to focus on the basics – they’re the most effective. It’s too easy to be complacent and get a false sense of protection with hi-tech gear
- Keep good stocks of medication - Stay up-to-date with any long-term medication you might usually take, think about having stocks of flu-specific medicines at home (eg paracetamol, re-hydrating drinks)
- Know the signs and symptoms of influenza - Know what to expect. Very often today, we confuse influenza with a common cold – but even ordinary influenza is a serious illness that can leave people unwell for up to two weeks. People with influenza become so unwell that they cannot even get out of bed, let alone cook dinner or go to the supermarket
- Be prepared - To take care of friends, family and neighbours at home. A few people will experience complications and need medical help but, on the whole, most of us with influenza will need to take care of ourselves to recover at home, as we do now
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