If you can believe the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as half the world's population will catch swine flu in the next 18 months. This means that not only do we stand a good chance of getting sick, it means that our families, friends, professional caregivers and other support also stand a good chance of falling ill.

We try hard to avoid sounding the alarm that "the sky is falling." All that does is give everyone a headache. But it sure wouldn't be a bad idea this year to take a look at our care plans and support systems now so we have time to prepare, just in case.

Now, there's no reason for panic. Even though your chances of getting the flu are high, this is not now a flu with a high death rate. Instead, it's a flu that stands a good chance of seriously messing up your ability to get out to do what you need to do for one to two weeks or longer. That's a long time if you don't have what you need at home.

So, plan on getting the flu.

If you're the primary arm's length caregiver for your parent, what would be the worst-case scenario if you were to get the flu? Remember, the flu can be a lot worse than a bad cold. You could be really out of commission if you come down with a full-throttle case. Is there someone you can call on to fill in for you by buying groceries and needed supplies, refilling prescriptions, and checking up on your parent as necessary? You might want to stockpile basic necessities at your parent's home and start looking for someone who can fill in if necessary.

If you're giving hands-on care, in addition to the above who would dispense medications, help with personal care, fix meals, and do all the little things to keep your parent safe and cared for? You might want to interview a homecare agency or two now, just in case. Remember, their employees will be hit, too. It would be good insurance to have contacts at more than one.

If you do come down with the flu, you shouldn't expose others by going out. Nor will you feel up to it. So, you will want to have a stockpile of food and supplies to last you and your parent while you're down for the count. It can get expensive to buy two extra weeks of food and supplies all at once, so start stocking up a little at a time now, before flu season hits hard. Chances are good that you'll be ready if you buy just one or two extra items each week to tuck away.

Here's want you'll want to have available for both you and for your elder, just in case you're in the unlucky  50%:

Food 

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups

Extra frozen meals if you have the freezer space 

Protein or fruit bars

Dry cereal or granola
 
Peanut butter or nuts
 
Dried fruit

Crackers

Canned juices/Electrolyte drinks

Flavored gelatin

Clear soda (Sprite, 7-UP, ginger ale)
 
Bottled water
 
Pet food

Medical, Health, and Emergency Supplies

Two week supply of prescription medications

Alcohol-based hand wash

Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Thermometer

Anti-diarrheal medication

Anti-nausea medication (whatever usually works best for you)

Soap for dishwasher, laundry, personal care

Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers

Rubber gloves

Bleach

Garbage bags

If you're one of the fortunate 50% who don't catch the flu, you'll still use everything on this list eventually, so your investment won't be wasted. If you do get sick, at least you'll be somewhat better prepared to weather the storm. Since it's been going around all summer, and is only anticipated to get worse come the Fall, start stocking-up in preparation for the flu now. It's already the end of July.

Photo by 91RS