Flu Kit Checklist

Your flu kit should include items in the checklist below. Many
of the supplies duplicate the items you’ll have in your basic household medical
kit, but flu also presents the need for some specialized items. Print out the
checklist and find out what you already have in your household inventory, then
bring the checklist with you to the pharmacy or grocery store to purchase the
rest.

It’s important to stock up before the need arises. In a true
pandemic situation, there will be a rush on the common pharmacy and household
items listed below.

Be sure to note the expiration dates of the over the counter
medicines in your kit and rotate your stock regularly.

Keeping your flu kit separated from your basic household medical
kit has its advantages, but may unnecessarily duplicate your effort. Whether
you choose to have a separate kit, or expand your existing medical kit to
incorporate flu specific items, it’s important to keep all your supplies
together. This will make inventory and rotation easier — and if you should need
them, your supplies will be ready and in one place.

NOTE: Always LOCK your flu kit, to keep the contents safe from the
reach of children.

The last item, TLC (Tender Loving Care), on the checklist is
essential to treating the flu victim. Not everyone’s the same when they’re ill:
some people wish to be left alone, others crave companionship. Gauge what level
of interaction your household member desires and balance that with what you perceive
they need. Vigilance on the part of the caretaker is critical even if the ill
individual doesn’t want to “bother” others or insists on being secluded.
Establishing a plan to monitor the flu victim and maintaining a calm and caring
demeanor are key to a creating therapeutic environment.

For a pdf handout on avian flu home preparedness, including the checklist above, click here.