1. Swine Flu Information & Checklist
IMPORTANT: As of April 28, 2009, there are NO reported cases of swine flu in
Utah. This information is intended only to assist in preparing for a possible
outbreak.
What is Swine Flu? Swine flu is a strain of influenza A that has appeared in several states and
in other countries. The Center for Disease Control has issued a public health emergency.
There are currently 40 cases in the United States (in 5 states, CA, TX, OH, KS and NY). For
the latest information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
There is an interactive map at http://www.npr.org/news/graphics/2009/apr/swine-flu/
What are the symptoms of Swine Flu? Symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza. Typical
symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, stuffy or runny nose,
cough, sore throat, and general weakness. Swine flu symptoms may also include nausea and
vomiting. These symptoms usually appear one to five days after a person is exposed to the
virus.
Is there a vaccine for Swine Flu? No; unlike seasonal influenza, this is a new strain of virus.
A vaccine would need to be made to combat this new disease. It could take months for a
vaccine to be developed and manufactured.
You can prepare for an Swine Flu now. You should know both the magnitude of what can
happen during a swine flu outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of
influenza on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and
resources you may need in case of a flu outbreak in Utah.
1) To plan for a pandemic:
Store a two week supply of water and food. During a severe flu outbreak, if
o
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 or disasters.
Have any non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including
o
pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids and
electrolytes, and vitamins.
Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for
o
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.
o
Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza
o
outbreak.
2) Limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:
o Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol based hand wipes and gel
sanitizers work well to kill germs.
o Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues and throw the tissues
away. If you do not have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with your hands, then
clean your hands every time you cough or sneeze.
o Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick.
o Stay home from work or school if sick.

2. Here is a list for an Emergency Supply Kit:
Water Other Items
Store 1 gallon per person per o Toilet paper
o
day o Soap
Keep at least a three day o Waterless hand sanitizer
o
supply of water o Toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, razor
o Feminine hygiene products
Food o Plastic garbage bags
o Preferably, store foods that can be o Flashlight and batteries
kept at room temperature and are o Portable radio
easy to prepare such as: o Manual can opener
Canned fish, meats, o Pet food
vegetables, fruits, soups o Utility or pocket knife
Cereal o Duct tape
Peanut butter o Waterproof matches
Dried beans, rice and pasta o Diapers
Processed cheese o A backpack or large duffle bag
Ramen noodles o A pot, and eating/drinking utensils
Crackers
Dried milk Other Things to Do
Food for infants or those on o Make a list of all of the people in
special diets your house and list:
o Medical History
Try to have a two-week supply of o All medications (by name) and
o
food in your house dosages
Note: many of these foods can be o Have a phone number of an out-
high in sodium; eat them in of-state family member to
moderation contact during an emergency.
First Aid
o Sterile adhesive bandages (such as
Band-Aids)
o Antiseptic lotion
o Pain reliever, stomach remedies,
vitamins
o Thermometer
At least a two-week supply of all your
prescription medicines and other medical
supplies
For more information:
-Please watch TV and listen to the radio
-Visit: www.pandemicflu.gov
-Call: The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO
(1-800-232-4636), is available in English
and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. Questions
can be e-mailed to cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
-Visit: www.pandemicflu.utah.gov