FLU KIT

Hey every body I got this "FLU KIT" from my mother in law who is a nurse in southern Utah and I think it has a lot of good information that NEEDS to be passed on before the flu season starts. I work in one of the busiest ER in the SLC, and we just had a huge training about the up coming flu season. Most hospitals are having "flu stations," where patients with flu symptoms will not go into the ER and contaminating the others but go somewhere else, the IHC hospitals in the SLC valley are not even letting people get out of their cars, (they are having drive up flu stations.)

There is a lot of good information in this and I have some other tid-bits that I want to share about the flu season. Some of it will be redundant but it is still a lot of good information.

***People are most contagious a day before they start to feel sick, and you will feel sick for 7-10 days. Be courteous to others around you, let them know you are/were sick so they can take the precautions necessary to protect themselves.

*If you feel sick... you have the flu. Most places are not testing for the flu anymore they are just treating everyone as if you have it. But there is no need to panic it is just the flu!

*If you have the flu or signs and symptoms of the flu STAY HOME, even from church, school, outings, anything, anywhere you don't want to pass it on to someone and they get even sicker.

*Children under 5, Pregnant women (in their third trimester), elderly with medical problems, and any person with Respiratory (lungs), Cardiac (heart), Renal (kidney), or Hepatic (liver) issues are at GREATEST RISK. Even though it is said that the elderly people have an immunity to the flu from the 50s, if there is any other health problems that makes them a risk. Pregnant women should contact their doctors immediately if they get sick; and children under 5 should be watched closely.

*This flu virus will live on any surface for up to 5-7 hours, so sanitize and clean everything. There is a recipe below for a cleaner but the store bought Clorox wipes will work too. Don't forget to get places where little kids will touch (low places), toys, door knobs, and any surface touchable :). I would also suggest washing all bedding at first signs of getting sick and as soon as you start to feel better.

*Keep plenty of medicine on hand so you don't have to go out in public to get more. It is a virus so no amount of medicine will get rid of the flu, but it will help with the symptoms and help you feel better even though you are STILL SICK.

*If you have a new baby and as much as you would like to show the baby off to family and friends, DON'T!! Don't take the baby out or let anyone in!! If by some chance you do let them in make them wash (water and soap) their hands and up their arms, use hand sanitizer, and wear a mask. ***If you can get some from your doctor awesome, reuse them don't throw them away, there is a national shortage of mask, and it is better they get sick rather than your baby.*** I don't know if you can by masks at a medical store but I would definitely look into it!

*Can't stress enough again fluid intake, rest, and yes ISOLATION.

and this one is just me ranting....
*Please don't come to the ER if you just feel "sick" or have "flu symptoms", go see your primary care/family doctor or an instant care. There are those special people out there (pregnant, under 5, over 65 and are really really sick) that it may be necessary for them to come to the ER but hopefully they have first tried to call their primary care doctors.

I hope this helps people understand a little bit about the flu situation this year and how to help themselves as well as others. Don't panic, its just the flu!!!

Love you all lots and lots

Megs

--------------------FLU KIT--------------------

Disposable Tissues
Liquid soap
Paper Towels
Alcohol gel hand cleaner, with at least 60% alcohol
Thermometer
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) and/ or Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin)
Fluids for replacement (Gatorade, juices, teas, jello, pedialyte for children, see recipe below)
Cleaner/disinfectant for surfaces (see recipe below)
Masks- regular one for the sick person to wear, one with a plastic eye shield for the person to wear that is caring for the sick person/ child that won't wear the mask.

Phone numbers to keep handy Physician_______________________________ Pharmacy_______________________________
Some one to care for Children_________________
911

Remember to get your regular prescriptions filled at least 5 days before they run out. You may not be able to get to the pharmacy and getting them 5 days early helps you stock pile a few so you won't have to worry.

Have a plan ready as to who will take care of the kids if school is closed so you can come to work or if your children and or spouse get sick who can care for them so you can work.

TWO RECIPES TO KEEP YOU WELL

Disinfectant for surfaces
One part Bleach to 4 parts water

Electrolyte replacement recipe
2 quarts water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
7 Tablespoons sugar
May add one packet of sugar free kool-aid for taste. Store in refrigerator. Make homemade Popsicles or ice cubes for variety.

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION

No Saliva
No tears when crying
loose sagging skin
No urination or wet diaper for 12 hours

To keep babies and toddlers hydrated give 5 ml's (one teaspoon) over 5 minutes every 5 minutes for 4 -6 hours, if keeping that down go to 10ml's or (2 teaspoons) every 5 minutes etc.

Give small amounts frequently (Popsicles and flavored ice helps you take fluids in slowly to keep hydrated) or small sips every 10 minutes.

It is thought that a person is contagious with the flu one day before they become ill to up to 7 days after.

GOOD HAND WASHING IS YOUR BEST DEFENSE!

JUST SOME " FOOD FOR THOUGHT" SO THAT YOU CAN LESSEN THE IMPACT OF THE INFLUENZA PANDEMIC ON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY