Everyone should know how to make and use ORS, and have a supply of ingredients on hand, IMHO. Not necessarily for the current outbreak of flu, but as a basic,potentially lifesaving preparedness item.

See, e.g. http://rehydrate.org/solutions/homemade.htm

You can also buy prepared packets of ORS to mix with water.

Its good for treating dehydration associated with diarrhea, a major killer of children and a primary contributing cause of most deaths in many pandemic diseases.

I consider it one of the preparedness/survival basics.