The World Health Organization's current pandemic phase scale is divided into six stages. They are:

Phase 1 - No new influenza virus subtypes detected in humans. An influenza virus subtype that has caused human infection may be present in animals, but risk of human infection considered low.

Phase 2 - No new influenza virus subtypes detected in humans. However, a circulating animal influenza virus subtype poses a substantial risk of human disease.

Phase 3 - Human infection(s) with a new subtype occur, but no human-to-human spread, or at most rare instances of spread to a close contact.

Phase 4 - Small cluster(s) with limited human-to-human transmission but spread is highly localized, suggesting the virus is not well adapted to humans.

Phase 5 - Larger cluster(s) but human-to-human spread still localized, suggesting that the virus is becoming increasingly better adapted to humans, but may not yet be fully transmissible.

Phase 6 - Pandemic: increased and sustained transmission in general population.

1. Plan for a Pandemic:             

• Store a two-week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are
  out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
  
  
• If you take maintenance drugs, familiarize yourself with the company's policy to obtain an ongoing 90-day supply.
  
  
• Get a pneumonia shot to prevent secondary infection if you are over the age of 65 or have a chronic illness such as diabetes or asthma. For specific guidelines, talk to your health care provider.
  
  
• Make sure that your family's immunizations are up to date.
  
  
• Have nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.
  
  
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
  
  
• Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic

2. Limit the Spread of Germs and
    Prevent Infection:

• Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water - reinforce this behavior by doing the same.
  
  
• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues - reinforce this behavior by doing the same.
  
  
• Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick.
  
  
• Stay home from work and school if sick.

3. Have Items Available for an Extended Stay
    at Home:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans
  and soups
  
  
• Protein or fruit bars
  
  
• Dry cereal or granola
  
  
• Peanut butter or nuts
  
  
• Dried fruit

• Crackers
  
  
• Canned juices
  
  
• Bottled water
  
  
• Cans or jars of
  baby food and
  formula
  
  
• Pet food
  

• Prescribed medical supplies, such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
  
  
• Soap and water or alcohol-based (60-95%) hand wash
  
  
• Medicines for
  fever, such as acetaminophen
  or ibuprofen
  
  
• Cough and congestion
  supplies: tissues, surgical masks, decongestants, cough suppressants, fever medication
  
  
• Thermometer
  
  
• Anti-diarrheal medication
  
  
• Vitamins
  

• Fluids with electrolytes
  
  
• Household cleaning agents
  
  
• Flashlight
  
  
• Batteries
  
  
• Battery-operated radio
  
  
• Manual can opener
  
  
• Garbage bags
  
  
• Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers
  
  
• Sufficient cash
  (if banks or ATMs
  are unavailable)
  
  
• Key documents
  and ID (passport, government issued IDs, health records, health insurance papers)