Find out about local alerts and warnings by contacting your local emergency management or visiting their website.

Make A PLAN

Epidemics & Pandemics

  • FLU

    EVERYONE

    6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each fall

  • EPIDEMIC

    VIRUSES

    that skyrocket to an unpredicted level of infected people become epidemic

  • PANDEMICS

    GLOBAL OUTBREAKS

    of viruses become pandemics

  • PREPARE

    ALWAYS

    stay alert and informed, and prepare your emergency kit

  • COVID-19

    The best way to prevent illness is to reduce your exposure

SPREAD KNOWLEDGE, NOT COVID-19

COVID-19 is a specific strain of the coronavirus related to SARS-CoV-2. It is very similar to the flu, but with higher risks of lung, heart and diabetes related complications that can lead to critical health emergencies. While older adults with severe underlying conditions are most at risk, the ease at which the virus can spread poses a serious threat to the general population.

 

View Texas Testing Sites

SAFETY TIPS

FOLLOWING SOME VERY SIMPLE GUIDELINES WILL HELP YOU,
YOUR FAMILY AND COMMUNITY STAY SAFER

  • 1

    CONTACT

    COVID-19 primarily spreads from person-to-person. Keeping distance helps the virus stay distant. Keeping at least six feet away from other people, avoiding groups and maintaining separation from high-risk people will help prevent others from getting sick.

  • 2

    COVER

    Germs can spread quickly to your mouth and nose from anywhere. Coughs and sneezes can send germs flying to you or from you. Be sure to always cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze, and wear a face covering in group situations.

  • 3

    CLEAN

    One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or any germ is to keep things clean. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces with proper soap or detergents. And always wash your hands for 20 seconds immediately after any contact.

MONITORING YOUR HEALTH FOR COVID-19.FEELING SICK? FOLLOW THESE STEPS.

Reducing the impact of COVID-19 starts with you. Be alert for symptoms, especially if you are running essential errands, going to the workplace or are participating in group settings. Watch for FEVER, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH or other symptoms. Take your temperature as soon as symptoms develop.

  • Except to get medical care, staying at home with mild forms of the illness is the best action. Stay rested, stay hydrated, take over-the-counter medicines and stay in touch with your doctor.
  • Contain yourself to a specific room as much as possible away from others and pets. You should also use a separate bathroom to reduce contact and spread of germs.
  • Monitor your symptoms along with a health professionals’ guidance and follow care instructions. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first. If symptoms worsen, seek emergency medical care immediately.

MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESS

Zika virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae. It is spread by daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti and A. albopictus. Its name comes from the Zika Forest of Uganda, where the virus was first isolated in 1947.

West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne infection by the West Nile virus. Approximately 80% of West Nile virus infections in humans have few or no symptoms.

SAFETY TIPS

WHEn coping with mosquito viruses

  • DRAIN WATER

    STANDING
    WATER

    Mosquitoes use stagnant water to lay their eggs, so there is a potential breeding ground wherever stillwater is found. Empty all buckets, pool covers, abandoned swimming pools, drains, flower pots, and old tires. Unclog gutters and keep bird baths and pet water dishes clean.

  • REPELLENT

    EXPOSED SKIN

    Apply insect repellent on exposed skin when you go outdoors. Products that contain deet, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus will reduce your chances of attracting mosquitoes.

  • REPAIR

    FIX SCREENS

    Use mosquito dunks in fixed, non-drainable objects that can hold even small amounts of water. Fix torn or ripped door and window screens to help keep mosquitoes outside.

  • CLOTHING

    OUTDOOR
    ACTIVITY

    Wear light long sleeve shirts, pants and socks when outdoors. Avoid outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when West Nile bearing mosquitoes are most active. Zika carrying mosquitoes are active all day.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE FLU

Help others cope with anxiety regarding the flu by calmly providing prevention information. Acknowledging some level of concern, without causing alarm, is appropriate and can result in people taking actions that reduce the risk of illness.

 

OPTIONSWHAT TO DOKEEP IN MIND
  • Federal, state and local public health officials provide up-to-date information on vaccine availability.
  • Nurses and school officials are good resources for any specific questions regarding new health procedures.
  • Find additional information at www.flu.gov.
  • Review basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices. Encourage everyone to wash their hands and cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough. Maintain a balanced diet in order to develop a strong immune system.
  • Know the symptoms of the flu and how it spreads.
    • Symptoms: Fever, sore throat and cough.
    • Spreading: Coughing or sneezing of infected.
  • Avoid assigning blame for who is responsible for spreading the virus.

SAFETY TIPS

WHEN DEALING WITH THE FLU

  • WASH HANDS

    GOOD
    HYGIENE

    Practice good hygiene daily by washing your hands (multiple times a day for at least 20 seconds).

  • MOUTH

    COVER
    SNEEZE

    Cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw away the tissue immediately after use.

  • FOOD & DRINK

    DON'T SHARE

    Avoid sharing food or drinks when flu symptoms are present.

  • VACCINES

    FOLLOW ADVICE

    It's important to follow the advice of the federal, state and local public health officials about vaccinating your children

LOCAL RESOURCES

KnoWhat2Do encourages you to learn who to turn to locally if you need immediate information, resources or help. In addition to private doctors, there are a number of public resources available.

View Resources

Take the Quiz

  • Question 1

    A global outbreak of a virus becomes?

    Correct!

    A Pandemic is global

    Incorrect

    Epidemic is local

  • Question 2

    What clothing should you wear when you are outdoors to avoid mosquitos?

    Correct!

    You should cover your skin as much as possible

    Incorrect

    You should cover your skin as much as possible

  • Your Results

    0 Correct, 0 Wrong

  • Make a Plan

    A little preparation could protect your life and the lives of those around you. It only takes a few minutes to develop a plan. When finished, you'll have a pocket-size emergency plan at hand.

  • Build a Kit

    Remember how long it took to pack for your last vacation? The last thing you want to worry about in a disaster is packing. That’s why everyone should have an Emergency Supply Kit ready to go. Use this checklist to help you assemble your kit.

/// Find out about local alerts and warnings by contacting your local emergency management or visiting their website. ///