pandemic preparedness

the first time i heard about and studied pandemics was in college when my cousin (who is an RN) told us about some training she was having to do for an avian flu outbreak and how she would have to report in to the hospital when it happens because they will need every person with medical experience they can find. i listened in stunned silence to the scenarios she rehearsed to me about government plans, statistics, historical records and the prophecies to back up the reality of the event. i'm not afraid anymore. but you might want to buckle up! 

…a desolating sickness shall cover the land- D&C 45:31; 2 Nephi 13:24; Revelations 9

Experts say and history shows that pandemics do and will happen, so get informed and be prepared. For example, the H5N1 virus (avian flu) has hundreds of confirmed cases worldwide, even though none have been reported in the U.S. And to date, there are only a couple confirmed cases of the virus being passed from one person to another person (infected people have usually contracted it from birds). However, as soon as the virus mutates and can be passed easily from person to person via contact or proximity it will be around the globe, some say, in a matter of days. The U.S. has plans in place to slow the transmission of the virus, but all experts agree there is no stopping it once it starts to spread. You can read those plans (and those of each state) at http://www.flu.gov/. The World Health Organization (WHO) has six stages of influenza outbreak and we are currently in stage four. Thus far there is a 60% mortality rate for those who contracted the virus, but experts say that may increase as the virus gains speed and strength and less medical attention is available for infected patients.

The plan to slow the spread of the virus in the U.S. is to shut down all airports immediately upon discovering an outbreak of human transmitted H5N1. All public gatherings will be banned, public places will be closed down, and all government buildings will be converted into hospitals. Essentially, the entire U.S. population will be quarantined to their homes for three months, during which time it is hoped the initial outbreak and follow up mutations that are projected will occur and subside. It is projected that 2/3 of the world population will contract the pandemic virus and of that 50% will die. The scary part is that healthy people are the most likely to die because the virus turns your body on itself. There are antiviral drugs available that have proven effective in lessening the severity of the flu symptoms (tamiflu and relenza), but there is no cure.

Some things you can do to prepare include the following:

Ø  stock your first aid kit with flu symptom relief medications, essential oils, herbal remedies, and fluids with electrolytes to ward off dehydration

Ø  stock your first aid kit with respirator masks, latex gloves, body suits, and antibacterial hand soap for caregivers

Ø  have a three month supply of food, water and essentials (all your kits)

Ø  practice flu prevention habits like washing your hands with soap and water regularly, sneeze into a tissue and throw it away, stay home when you have a fever, and don't touch your eyes, nose, mouth or ears with possibly dirty fingers

i'm not trying to be an alarmist here. i truly believe that an once of preparation is worth a pound of cure! good luck!