Avian flu education — caretaker tips

If avian flu strikes the human population, friends and family members may be asked to become caretakers at home.

While making sure sick people get the care they need will be of utmost importance, just as significant will be that the caretakers keep their own health in order, said Virginia Helget of the Center for Biopreparedness Education.

“When people care for others, the tendency is to let their own needs go unmet while focusing on the sick,” Helget said. “But during these times it’s even more important to take care of oneself.”

That means getting plenty of rest and exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, taking one’s own medications and observing good hygiene, Helget said.

Video forums Video of Sharon Medcalf’s avian flu forum presentation is archived and available on the Internet in Real Player at www.unmc.edu/avianflu. A 16-week Household Stockpiling Tool — which helps in home preparation for a pandemic — also is on the Web site.

Proper handwashing and coughing etiquette also will be important for caregivers to remain healthy, Helget said.

Diversion also will be an issue considering that those living with someone with avian flu will be asked to remain in the home to keep from spreading the illness, she said.

Books, board games, playing cards, movies and other forms of at-home entertainment should be stockpiled should the flu hit, Helget said.

“We’re talking about being housebound for a couple weeks so you have to consider that,” Helget said. “Our recent blizzard probably showed people how tough it can be to be stuck at home. Making sure you have some diversion will be important.”