The local American Red Cross chapter continues to work with government officials on the flu outbreak and stands ready to help as appropriate. We are focused on educating the public on flu preparedness and safety and ensuring that we can continue to provide disaster services to those in need.
For general flu and disaster preparedness, download the following resources:
For up-to-date information on the status of the swine flu influenza outbreak, click on the links below:
For general flu preparedness, see the American Red Cross Flu Checklist
- Additional information is also available by calling the Spokane Regional Health District information line at 866-800-4950 (available 10AM-6PM) or the Center for Disease Control at 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).
Season Flu FAQs
What is Influenza?
Influenza, often called the flu, is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. In the United States, the flu is an annual event that begins in December and ends in March. This type of flu is called Seasonal Flu. Rarely, a new type of flu virus may appear that people have not been exposed to before, so they have no natural resistance to it. |
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What is Pandemic Flu?
This type of virus could cause a flu more serious than a seasonal or "typical” flu. This flu is called Pandemic Flu. This type of flu spreads easily from person to person around the world in a very short time and causes serious illness and deaths. Unlike the seasonal flu, pandemic flu infects large numbers of people of all ages, causing serious illness and deaths. Whether or not a flu pandemic actually occurs, you can prepare by knowing the facts about the flu and how to respond to it. |
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What Are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?
The symptoms of swine flu, which are similar to those of the seasonal flu, are:
- Diarrhea
- Extreme tiredness
- Headache
- Body ache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever and chills
- Runny or stuffy nose
Contact your health care provider if you have any questions about your specific symptoms. |
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Good Hygiene and Other Actions That Can Prevent the Spread of Germs
- Wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with a hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and clean your hands afterwards. Use soap and water or a hand sanitizer.
- Stay home if you are sick. Get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Keep your living and work areas clean.
- During a flu pandemic, public health officials may impose community-level restrictions to prevent the flu virus from spreading. You may be asked to stay home for an extended period of time even though you are not sick.
- Schools, workplaces and places of worship may be closed temporarily and mass transportation such as subways, trains and air travel may be limited.
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How You Can Prepare for a Flu Pandemic
The following actions may lessen the impact of a flu pandemic on you and your family:
- Store extra supplies of water and food.
- Ask your doctor and insurance company if you can get an extra supply of your regular prescription drugs.
- Store a supply of non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, stomach remedies, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.
- Store health supplies such as bleach, tissues, a thermometer, disposable gloves, soap and alcohol-based hand cleaners.
- Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick.
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CDC: H1N1 (Swine Flu) Resources for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
