Area hospitals say they are ready for the impending flu season. Expecting to be overwhelmed with the ever increasing threat of swine flu, and the always consistent seasonal flu, hospitals have stocked up on surpluses of masks and gloves, reserved emergency ventilators and had staff practice surge capacity drills. In addition, they have already expressed the possibility of postponing elective surgeries and are prepared to work together, whether it’s sharing patient space or supplies. The hospitals are confident that they have done what they can do to prepare for the upcoming flu season, but are you? FOCUS St. Louis’ Regional Disaster Preparedness Report details the imminent threat of the influenza pandemic, and what it could mean for our region’s infrastructure. The spread of illness throughout the region will have an impact on student and employee attendance and performance, not to mention the creation of civil unrest. The good news is that we can all take early precautions to help ward off the flu. Being diligent about washing your hands, coughing into the crease of your arm, regularly cleaning surfaces that are often touched and getting vaccinated are simple things that we all have control of. The typical flu vaccine is already available, and the H1N1 vaccine will be here in mid October. It is important we all take responsibility for our health and the health of our families, so make sure to do your part. Making a habit out of these tips will not only protect you and your family, but also leave emergency rooms open for more critical patients.

To learn more about disaster preparedness, click here. For additional tips on preparing for the flu season visit the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm.