Pandemic -- what can you do to prepare?

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?

Veinglory, as far as I know there is not a vaccine for this strain of the flu. What shot were you referring to?

Matt... nice survival kit.

Kathleen42 said:

The flu shot each year is different and is based on the strains which they think are most likely to pose a problem in that given year so there is a good chance, if they are able to create a vaccine for it, that it would be included in next year's shot (if it's not rushed ahead).

I don't mean to downplay the situation but I'm almost as concerned about people panicking as the virus itself. The media is throwing around references to 1918 with merry abandonment.

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Currently the experts can't plan for the spread because they have not been able to get the information from the Mexican government they need to figure out how the flu was contracted in the first place or its vector for transmission. They need more information than they currently have to create a vaccine for it, and a vaccine at the minimum takes 6 months to make.

I am less concerned about people panicking. People are in denial. I have noted, here in the US at least, a definite tendency to act as if there are no threats at all to worry about. The US government has issued a recommendation to the entire US populace to have a 3 day emergency pack on hand at all times in case of a disruption of services. Who does it? I imagine if you asked someone walking down the street they would not have heard of such a thing. I live just outside the radiation zone (a few houses away -- like radiation can read, uh huh) should the local nuclear power plant melt down or have a 'release'. People are sent information in the mail every year what to do in the event of a meltdown and what to have on hand, just in case. I could walk up the street and talk to my neighbors now. Most would not have a clue.

Encouraging one another to do what each person can to be prepared in the event of an emergency does not spread fear. It makes common sense to do what you can do to take care of your own needs and your family's needs in case of an emergency. The government can't do it. Just look at the people in New Orleans and the gulf coast. Those people are still suffering.

Voyager said:

We own a ranch north of the city in a rather isolated town called Mexicano. It has pond stocked with fish, fruit trees, a well and a generator and we've stockpiled it with lots of canned goods and potable water. As my grandmother's been saying for days, if it's your time to go, it's your time to go, but that doesn't mean you have to lay down in front of oncoming traffic.

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That sounds lovely, Voyager. I want to go fishing so bad! lol! Your grandmother is a wise woman.

Kathleen42 said:

That's not really related to my point, though. My point is that the media are drawing comparisons to a pandemic and parallels to 1918 and are bombarding people with it constantly. The ratio of coverage it is receiving (at least in Canada) seems disproportionate.

I'm not saying don't encourage people to be prepared I'm just saying that the media is treating this like a feeding frenzy.

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I have a tendency to tune the media out so I haven't been paying attention to the coverage. I am watching the CDC and other government sites mostly, and the occasional article coming across from the AP.

The media is taking their cue from the government agencies they are talking to on this one. Two days ago President Obama declared a public health emergency for the US after only 20 confirmed cases of the swine flu. We are now up to 65 confirmed cases. The World Health Organization has raised the threat level to 4, the first time since they came up with the measurement, and the EU has issued travel advisories against nonessential travel to Mexico and certain parts of the US. The US has issued travel advisories against nonessential travel to Mexico. The US Government is treating this flu as if it will emerge into a full blown pandemic. The media has no choice but to react.