What should everyone do to prepare for severe flu?

OK, so we know that public health agencies will be very busy this summer, to be ready in case the new H1N1 flu comes back and is more severe.

We all should be busy, too.

For individuals, this gives you a window of time to prepare yourselves and your families. Parents, teach your children how to cover their coughs and sneezes and wash their hands thoroughly - and do these things yourselves, too (those kids notice EVERYthing!).

If the virus returns and public health officials recommend staying at home, will your family be able to follow the recommendations? Can you stay at home, all of you, for two weeks?

We suggest a two-week period as this would be two cycles of flu, since it averages about a week. (So you would know if you were exposed within that two-week period, and if you were fine, you probably were not, or you have some immunity.)

Staying home for two weeks is a little more complicated than it might sound at first. It means that you can't go to the mall if school is closed or work shuts down, you can't go to a movie, and you shouldn't go to the grocery store. You only should leave if you need to seek medical care.

So what does it take? You'll need a two-week food supply - can you cope when you run out of fresh fruit and vegetables? Stock up on foods your family will eat. It's no fun to be home for two weeks with people who are unhappy with what there is to eat. It's true about chicken soup being helpful for flu (I've heard it's the thyme in the broth), so put some in your freezer or stock up on some cans of soup.

You need your prescription medicines that you take routinely and perhaps some over- the-counter remedies to help you get through the flu - acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), something like Gatorade or Pedialyte, and maybe some anti-nausea medication for the kids. And don't forget the thermometer (and batteries?), tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, sanitary needs, hand, laundry and dish soap, and disinfectant.

Do you have pets? Make sure you have at least two weeks of extra food and other needed supplies for these loved ones, too. If you live alone, is there someone you can call for help if you get the flu and can't walk your dog?

How about cash - do you have enough on hand if you need to order groceries or medications, or hire some help?

Contact information - if you get sick, it would be great to have your contact information all in one place to share with your caretakers, whether at home or at an urgent care site.

Finally, how about recreation? How will your family stay occupied during a two-week period at home? Store some new games for the family, new books for each family member, and maybe some puzzles, movies, and toys. (Maybe it would be a good time to work on cleaning out some closets!)