The word pandemic is a combination of two Greek words pan meaning all and demos meaning people. It is an outbreak of an infectious disease that spreads worldwide or on a large region. History over the course of time has witnessed the devastations and the havoc caused by the pandemics. Some examples that deserve a mention in this regard are the Spanish flu of 1918-1919 that grabbed more than 25 million lives within just a mere six months. This was followed by the Asian flu in 1957-58 that was first identified in china and caused about 70,000 deaths in the United States alone. Several others followed the list and now on the first quarter of the 21st century major health organizations across the globe are getting concerned over the possible outbreak of another such a dreadful pandemic caused by the avian flu virus and at the same time are preparing for the same. Preparation for a pandemic: Specific planning is important in while facing the challenges that one might face in a pandemic outbreak. As there are chances of a widespread social disruption it is advised to get prepared for possible disruption of vital and basic facilities that include services provided by hospitals and other health care facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices, and post offices. Storage of water and food are also included in the list as it is assumed that there may be a possible chance of interruption in the public water supplies. Regarding the storage it is advised to store foods that are non-perishable or keeps for a longer period of time, which does not require refrigeration and are easy to prepare. Preventive measures to avoid a pandemic One can play an active role in the prevention in order to cut the chances of a possible outbreak in the root level. A proper knowledge of the causes of the epidemic and following some simple steps may help a great deal if such a condition arises. The basic steps may include annual vaccination of all the family members or getting an annual flu shot. A good hygiene is effective in this regard and proves fruitful in fighting and keeping the disease at bay. Washing of hands for at least 20 seconds before and after eating, after bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching surfaces that may have been contaminated by other people are the basic steps in maintaining good hygiene and in removing the viruses and the bacteria.
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