Special Considerations

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. You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. As you plan, it is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. It may take time to find the answers to these challenges. Below are some situations that could be caused by a severe pandemic and possible ways to address them.

Social Disruption May Be Widespread

• Plan for the possibility that usual services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals and other health care facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices, and post offices.
• Prepare backup plans in case public gatherings, such as volunteer meetings and worship services, are canceled.
• Consider how to care for people with special needs in case the services they rely on are not available.

Being Able to Work May Be Difficult or Impossible

• Find out if you can work from home.
• Ask your employer if they have a pandemic plan in process or in place.
• Talk to your HR staff about alternate work practices and schedules.
• Check with your employer or union about leave policies.

Schools May Be Closed for an Extended Period of Time

• Ask your school about their pandemic plans. Talk to the school nurse or the health center. Talk to your teachers, administrators, and parent-teacher organizations.
• Ask your school if home learning activities and exercises will be posted on their web site. Have materials, such as books, and fun learning activities on hand. Also plan recreational activities that your children can do at home.
• Consider childcare needs.

Transportation Services May Be Disrupted

• Think about how you can rely less on public transportation during a pandemic. For example, store food and other essential supplies so you can make fewer trips to the store.
• Prepare backup plans for taking care of loved ones who are far away.
• Consider other ways to get to work, or, if you can, work at home.