Do you have a preparedness kit? Try to keep the following items on hand in case of illness so you don't have to leave your home:

• Basic health supplies, over-the-counter medications and refills of prescriptions
• Hand soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Canned foods, dried goods and other basics
• Juices, tea, coffee
• Comfort foods
• Food for infants, seniors and people on special diets
• Pet food
• Household supplies such as laundry and other cleaning products
• Diapers

We encourage you to spend time thinking about what you would need if you got the flu. If you live alone or are a primary caregiver to a small child or elderly or disabled adult you might want to consider the following:

• think of who you could call on for help if you become very ill
• think of who you might call on to care for your children if you are ill and the daycares and /or schools are closed

For tips on preparing yourself and your family for any type of emergency see our personal preparedness guide.