Part of my job at Grassroots Crisis Center in Howard County involves Emergency Preparedness for the the Central Maryland Region.
The flu outbreak is a time for all of us to take some preparatory steps for ourselves, our families, and our neighbors. Please take some time to think about how you would handle a need to stay at home for approximately 2 weeks with everyone in your family under the weather. Most of us have some expereince with the flu - it is not pleasant, but having what you need on hand will make things easier.
If you or someone in your family becomes ill, the recommendation and most responsible course of action is for the entire household stay home from school and work and avoid contact with other people.
There are many helpful Lists To Prepare available
www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/checklist.html
The CDC and WHO websites will give accurate and useful information - they are not in the "news"/entertainment business
