How to prepare - Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu

Information for:

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu
Be prepared

Many people will be sick during a flu pandemic, and it may be difficult to get medical or nursing care. You must be prepared to take care of yourself and others at home.

illustration of emergency kit

So you don’t need to make trips out in public while you are sick, have at least a week's supply of:

alcohol-based hand rubs
paracetamol or ibuprofen
tissues
food
medical supplies.

Make sure you have contact details for friends/family/neighbours easily available so that you can call them if you need help.

Think about:

who will look after your extended family if they become sick
organising child care if schools and day care facilities close
whether or not you can work from home
who could deliver groceries or meals to sick family members if they need them.

If you have an existing medical condition:

Make sure you have a plan for managing these conditions in the event you become unwell, and make sure you take any medications for these conditions to keep them under good control.
Make sure you do not run out of these medications

Website feedback
We welcome your feedback on this page.

Page last updated: 30 July 2009

Related resources

View the following preparedness resources in the Pandemic influenza section: