Experts believe that we should be ready for pandemic
influenza to emerge at any time, since it may not follow
the pattern of the seasonal influenza and could occur
at any time of the year. Although no one knows for
sure when the next pandemic may take place, it's important
to be prepared:
- Stay informed - Get news updates and visit
this website and the B.C.
Centre for Disease Control website.
- Get an annual influenza vaccine - If you're
at risk of serious illness and eligible for the free
influenza vaccine, make sure you get it every year.
Influenza vaccine clinics begin each year in the
fall. Free
vaccinations are available to high-risk groups
in B.C.
- Prevent influenza - For tips on how to protect
yourself and others from pandemic influenza, see
the Self-Care
During an Influenza Pandemic HealthFile.
- Keep an emergency supply kit on hand - Have an emergency
kit (PDF 90K) and at a minimum a 72-hour supply of food and water for each person and animal in your household.
- For information on when to see your doctor during
a pandemic, refer to When
to Get Medical Help (PDF 43K)
- Get health information and advice - Call your doctor, local public health unit or
the BC NurseLine. Anywere in the province, call
BC NurseLine to speak to a registered nurse 24
hours or a pharmacist from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. every
day. Translation services are available in over
130 languages.
Call toll-free in BC 1-866-215-4700
In Greater Vancouver 604-215-4700
Deaf and hearing impaired 1-866-889-4700
For information on
when to see your doctor during a pandemic, refer
to When to Get Medical
Help (PDF
43K
)
- Top 20 ways to prepare
for a pandemic handout (PDF
51K
).
|
