While the avian or bird flu has not reached the United States yet, most experts agree that it will get here some time so you should be prepared. Here are some tips to help.

Employment

Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic. Find out if you can work from home. If you can not work from home, check with your employer or union about leave policies. Plan for the possible reduction or loss of income if you are unable to work or your place of employment is closed.

If you are a manager, think about what information the people in your workplace will need. This may include information about insurance; leave policies, working from home, possible loss of income, and when not to come to work.

Get help and help others

Find support systems - people who are thinking about the same issues you are thinking about. Share ideas.

Find volunteers who want to help people in need, such as elderly neighbors, single parents of small children, or people without the resources to get the medical help they will need.

Identify other information resources in your community, such as mental health hotlines, public health hotlines, or electronic bulletin boards.

Home

Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins. Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.

Stock a supply of water and food. During a pandemic you may not be able to get to a store. Even if you can get to a store, it may be out of supplies. Public waterworks services may also be interrupted. Stocking supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters. Store foods that are nonperishable (will keep for a long time) and don't require refrigeration, are easy to prepare in case you are unable to cook and require little or no water, so you can conserve water for drinking. Examples of such foods are ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups.

Take common-sense steps to limit the spread of germs. Make good hygiene a habit.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Put used tissues in a waste basket.

Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.

Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Stay at home if you are sick.

Good health habits will help fight off or prevent the flu.

Eat a balanced diet. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans. Drink lots of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat.

Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest.

Information

And, most importantly, stay informed about the pandemic. Knowing the facts is the best preparation. Identify sources you can count on for reliable information. If a pandemic occurs, having accurate and reliable information will be critical.

Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at www.pandemicflu.gov .

Another source for information on pandemic influenza is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. Questions can be e-mailed to cdcinfo@cdc.gov .

Look for information on your local and state government Web sites. Links are available to each state department of public health at www.cdc.gov/other.htm#states .

Listen to local and national radio, watch news reports on television, and read your newspaper and other sources of printed and Web-based information.

Talk to your local health care providers and public health officials.

The more you know about what to do during a pandemic and are prepared for it, the safer you will be.

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