Hi, folks,
I know, not a cheery and playful topic for Office Party. But, hey, it is an important one given what is going on in the world right now.
The 1918 Spanish Flu was a worldwide pandemic. One fifth of the world's population was infected within the 2 years it ran its course. Unlike other flu strains, it was most deadly for people 20 to 40 years of age. In the US alone, an estimated 675,000 people died. Stanford
The experts are preparing for a worst case scenario. Estimates under this scenario are 2 million dead, and an inability of services to keep up. AP -- Worst Case
So what things can each of us do to make sure we will be ok if the worst case scenario happens?
Here are my thoughts:
Educate yourself. Know the symptoms of the swine flu. High fever, coughing, aches in a person's bones... if you have these symptoms, stay home. Know the emergency plan of action for your community in case of an outbreak. The US CDC has a pandemic action plan. You might want to look at it if you live in the US to see what the government's actions will be, so you can properly prepare. I don't know what the other countries have for their action plans. Do some research, find out what is planned in your area of the world.
CDC Swine Flu
Pandemic Flu
WHO Pandemic Alert Level
Have at least a two week supply of food on hand. A month's supply is better in case stores are closed down. Also, have a month's supply of any prescription meds on hand. Don't forget your animals -- they need to eat too. Make sure you have all the items you use on a daily basis, toothpaste, toilet paper, kleenex, etc. stocked up. If the pandemic happens you may be asked to remain in your house so make sure you have everything you need on hand to last until you are allowed to go to the store again.
Also have on hand anything you would need if you get sick with the flu. For instance, I don't normally drink soda but when I have the flu Seven-up or Ginger Ale is sometimes the only thing I can hold down. I am getting a case of soda and sticking it in the basement, just in case. It won't go bad, so it makes sense to have it on hand. If I haven't used it by the 4th of July, it can be used for the 4th of July party. Surgical masks, and hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol, and a disinfectant for cleaning areas of your home. Bleach is effective and cheap.
Be aware that a person who has come in contact with a person who has the flu will also be quarantined even though they are not ill. Make sure you have plans in place for who will care for a family member who contracts the flu.
Any one else?
I know, not a cheery and playful topic for Office Party. But, hey, it is an important one given what is going on in the world right now.
The 1918 Spanish Flu was a worldwide pandemic. One fifth of the world's population was infected within the 2 years it ran its course. Unlike other flu strains, it was most deadly for people 20 to 40 years of age. In the US alone, an estimated 675,000 people died. Stanford
The experts are preparing for a worst case scenario. Estimates under this scenario are 2 million dead, and an inability of services to keep up. AP -- Worst Case
So what things can each of us do to make sure we will be ok if the worst case scenario happens?
Here are my thoughts:
Educate yourself. Know the symptoms of the swine flu. High fever, coughing, aches in a person's bones... if you have these symptoms, stay home. Know the emergency plan of action for your community in case of an outbreak. The US CDC has a pandemic action plan. You might want to look at it if you live in the US to see what the government's actions will be, so you can properly prepare. I don't know what the other countries have for their action plans. Do some research, find out what is planned in your area of the world.
CDC Swine Flu
Pandemic Flu
WHO Pandemic Alert Level
Have at least a two week supply of food on hand. A month's supply is better in case stores are closed down. Also, have a month's supply of any prescription meds on hand. Don't forget your animals -- they need to eat too. Make sure you have all the items you use on a daily basis, toothpaste, toilet paper, kleenex, etc. stocked up. If the pandemic happens you may be asked to remain in your house so make sure you have everything you need on hand to last until you are allowed to go to the store again.
Also have on hand anything you would need if you get sick with the flu. For instance, I don't normally drink soda but when I have the flu Seven-up or Ginger Ale is sometimes the only thing I can hold down. I am getting a case of soda and sticking it in the basement, just in case. It won't go bad, so it makes sense to have it on hand. If I haven't used it by the 4th of July, it can be used for the 4th of July party. Surgical masks, and hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol, and a disinfectant for cleaning areas of your home. Bleach is effective and cheap.
Be aware that a person who has come in contact with a person who has the flu will also be quarantined even though they are not ill. Make sure you have plans in place for who will care for a family member who contracts the flu.
Any one else?