It seems silly to think we need reminders about preventing the flu. But as any parent knows, all it takes is one snotty nosed kid to get a whole house sick.

Ever since the latest swine flu warnings came out, I’ve been besieged with suggestions on what to do to prevent the illness that’s hit 11 U.S. states so far. This advice, from the Trust for American Health, gives you a good idea of what to expect if this strain becomes a pandemic. Yes, it seems extreme. But it also explains why health officials are freaking out. It also reminds me a bit of hurricane preparedness, which I’ve had to employ a few times before.

So take this advice to get some context on the hysteria. And remember these suggestions only become necessary IF a pandemic kicks into gear.

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay at home when you’re sick or have flu symptoms, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, clean your hands, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and practice general good health habits.

2. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, and avoid smoking.

3. Discuss important health issues with your family and loved ones. Ask them about how/where they would want to be cared for if they become ill and discuss what would be needed to care for them at home.

4. Think about who will care for children/people with special needs if all adults in the household are ill, and determine if there are other family members available to help. Make plans now and communicate with all who need to know.

5. Have generic medical and health supplies on hand. Examples include supplies like soap or alcohol-based hand wash, medicines for fevers, fluid with electrolytes, and tissues.

6. Anticipate shortages of common prescription drugs and plan accordingly. If you or a family member has a chronic disease and regularly takes prescription drugs, talk to your physician/pharmacists/insurance provider about having several weeks of medications stockpiled at home.

7. Anticipate shortages in perishable foods, water, and common household emergency supplies. The federal government recommends stockpiling non-perishable food items, water, portable radios, batteries, flashlights, garbage bags, and manual can openers.

8. Anticipate social disruption and make back up plans. Schools may be closed for an extended period of time, so consider pooling child care resources with neighbors and learn if there will be community-designated child care facilities for those who are not ill. Since being able to go to work may be difficult or impossible, talk to your employer about the possibility of telecommuting or working from home.

9. Transportation services may be disrupted, so consider carpooling options to go to work, schools, and supermarkets to reduce your reliance on public transportation. Other public and community services may be disrupted. These could include services provided by hospitals and other healthcare facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices, and post offices. Think about how you and your family might compensate if you are cut off from these services. Understand your company’s sick leave and family and medical leave policies.

10. Do NOT go to work, school, or to any public place if you become ill.