Be Prepared

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  61K) and at a minimum a 72-hour supply of food and water for each person and animal in your household.
• Know when to see your doctor during a pandemic, refer to When to Get Medical Help ( PDF  44K )
• 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
  
• Top 20 ways to prepare for a pandemic handout (PDF  50K ).