It is possible that a pandemic will require temporary changes in many areas of society such as school, work transportation and other public services. There is no pandemic now, and no prediction of one -- but preparation is key.

These changes could include social separation or quarantines for people not involved in providing essential community services. An informed and prepared public, including communities, businesses and individuals, can take the following steps to decrease the risks of being severely affected by the outbreak.

Make a Family Communications Plan

Regardless of whether or not a pandemic occurs, as we have seen in the news recently, there is always a potential for natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, ice storms) to happen with little or no warning.  Taking the time now to create a family communications plan is a prudent way to prepare. Start at the dinner table. Gather all family phone numbers and write them down as a list. Share copies of the list with each family member to carry on their person. Decide how and where to meet up in an emergency. Keep in mind your family may not be together when an emergency occurs. During a major disaster local phone systems and cell phone systems may be jammed.  

The following are a few ideas you might consider:

• Plan how you will contact one another and what you will do.
• Establish an out-of-town contact, perhaps a relative or friend, letting them know you have done so and why.
• Establish a meeting place outside your neighborhood, perhaps a family member or friend, letting you know you have done so and why.
• Make sure everyone has the contact numbers and addresses of the out-of-town contact and the meeting place on their person.
• Make sure family members have each other's contact numbers at work, school, daycare, etc. on their person
• Keep phone numbers up to date with everyone who has the list.

• Develop preparedness plans as you would for other public health emergencies.
• Participate and promote public health efforts in your state and community.
• Talk with your local public health officials and healthcare providers. They can supply information about the signs and symptoms of a specific disease outbreak.
• Implement prevention and control actions recommended by your public health officials and providers.
• Adopt business/school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home.
• Anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members.
• Stay informed about pandemic flu.  Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, getting sufficient rest and take common-sense steps on stopping the spread of germs.
  

The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread."

This occurs when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.  Read more.