Pandemic Flu Planning – Are You Preparing For the Worst?
Pandemic flu planning is necessary since there have been many pandemics over the years. One of the most notable ones occurred in 1918. This was a devastating illness that claimed the lives of as many as 40 million people in the world and 600,000 people in the U.S. This is more than the total number of people who were victims of World War I.
Concern is mounting and everywhere you are seeing people in different parts of the world donning masks, schools are being closed and travel restrictions are being imposed! Is there really something to be concerned about or are people needlessly panicking? Caution and using good judgment are necessary. Health experts say we are overdue for a world wide pandemic. With global travel being common place, it really is just a matter of time.
What is a pandemic?
According to Wikipedia: the World Health Organization (WHO), states that a pandemic can start when three conditions have been met
1. Emergence of a disease new to a population.
2. Agents infect humans, causing serious illness.
3. Agents spread easily and sustainably among humans.
So poor immune function is not a pandemic because it is not infectious whereas swine flu is. So swine flu appears to meet these 3 criteria. It is a new virus to humans, it has caused death and it appears to spread easily.
Is this it, though? That remains to be seen. It will take time before the full impact of this viral strain is revealed. Keep in mind that a virus mutates over time and this is why even vaccines are not most effective.
In 1976, there was a swine flu debacle. The U.S. government in response to what was believed to be the start of a pandemic embarked on a vaccine program. The vaccine was not tested sufficiently which resulted in 500 cases of paralysis. The pandemic never happened and there was one death.
On a scale of 1-6, the current alert level for this virus is a 5. (1 is least risk, 6 is worst risk) So, what should you be doing to protect yourself and your family? The symptoms of the swine flu are much like the symptoms of a respiratory infection including: fever, general malaise, coughing, sneezing, etc. The distinction between the swine flu and other types of flu can only be made in a laboratory.
So what does your pandemic flu planning look like? Here are some common sense tips to protect yourself and your family from the potential threat posed by this new virus?
* Heed any new public safety announcements that are put out by government and health care agencies
* Avoid unnecessary exposure to large groups of people.
* Avoid travel to Mexico per U.S. Homeland Security
* If you develop symptoms which include:
– aches and general malaise
– sneezing
– coughing
– fever over 101 degrees
CALL YOUR DOCTOR. Their staff will advise you and tell you if you need to come into the office for testing.
DON’T PANIC!
Use good common sense with hand washing and cover your mouth should you cough or sneeze.
This is a respiratory virus that thrives in moist conditions.
coronavirus vaccine
