UNIVERSITY ^of ARKANSAS

Personal Pandemic Preparedness

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Healthy Habits

Staying healthy with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest now will be beneficial when a pandemic or any emergency occurs. In addition, getting an annual "flu shot" may help when a pandemic occurs so that you are not susceptible to seasonal influenza.

Frequent hand washing, and coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue are still the best ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of germs. Although people think they already do this, health habits are practiced less often than realized. 

Hand Washing Etiquette: When washing hands, wash thoroughly. Wet hands with warm running water. Scrub between fingers, on the backs of hands, and under nails for the amount or time it takes to sing the "happy birthday" song twice. Dry hands with paper towels or an electric hand dryer. Use a paper towel to turn off the tap. If soap and water aren't available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers, keeping hands wet for 10-15 seconds. Remember to always wash your hands:

• after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

• after touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

• after using the bathroom

• after being near someone who is ill

• after touching things handled by many people

• before and after eating or drinking

• after handling garbage

Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: Never cough or sneeze into your bare hand. Instead, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue to avoid spreading germs and then throw the tissue into the trash. If you don't have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm or sleeve. It may feel strange at first, but soon it will come naturally. Remember to wash your hands as soon as possible after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand gel, if soap and water are not available.

Remember to clean and disinfect your computers, telephones, door knobs, and other frequently touched equipment and items. By doing so, you reduce the risk of transferring germs. 

Community mitigation or social distancing is critical during outbreaks of illness. During a pandemic, it is necessary to limit contact with other people. Avoid crowds, individuals with flu-like illness, and other situations that may increase exposure. When it is necessary to be around other people, limit the amount of time and increase distance to a minimum of 6 feet between people. Distancing practices may help slow the spread of the disease.