The World Health Organization issued the following guidelines about ways to prevent and fight flu,especially in poor areas where medical facilities may lack staff,beds and drugs: SOCIAL DISTANCING * "Social distancing,respiratory etiquette,hand hygiene,and household ventilation,are at present the most feasible measures available to reduce or delay disease (morbidity) caused by pandemic influenza." * This includes keeping at least an arm's length distance from other people,minimizing public gatherings,and covering coughs and sneezes. * Once pandemic flu becomes widespread in a community,however,the WHO said that "interventions to isolate patients and quarantine contacts would probably be ineffective,not a good use of limited health resources,and socially disruptive." * "Routine mask use in public places should be permitted but is not expected to have an impact on disease prevention." MILD CASES TREATED AT HOME * "During a pandemic,very high numbers of patients presenting to the health-care facility will necessitate home treatment," the WHO said. * "In the case of mild illness,patients should be provided with supportive care at home by a designated caregiver and only referred to health care facilities if they deteriorate or develop danger signs." * Such danger signs may include: weakness or inability to stand,lethargy,unconsciousness,convulsions,very difficult or obstructed breathing or shortness of breath,inability to drink fluids,high fever. * Treatment at home should entail rest,fluids,medication for fever,and good nutrition,with patients kept separate from other people except one designated caregiver who should wash their hands and household surfaces frequently. * It is more important in the home that the patient wears a mask than the caregiver. The mask need not be worn all day and only when close contact with the caregiver is anticipated. * If enough masks are available,caregivers should also use them to cover their mouth and nose during close contact. * Windows should be kept open to allow good ventilation.
