Opinion/Commentary 12-13-07
Jackson Renault
With the UK revelation of the highly pathogenic outbreak (H5N1) just a few hours ago, I thought a post on the Bird Flu would be appropriate, even though over the last couple of years there have been untold posts regarding such.

“Officials have predicted a flu pandemic will cause massive disruptions that could last for months and cities, states and businesses must make plans now to keep functioning and not count on a federal rescue.“

My first thought was of course, you mean like after Katrina hit? Personally I don’t think my family has ever depended on the government to “rescue” us. Living in Florida as we do, it is traditional for natives to prepare for hurricane season. A pandemic situation would be only slightly different. Among other things, distribution of meds and vaccines will probably be disbursed differently. If an outbreak occurred in your area quarantine or, curfew, or martial law might be implemented to help with the situation. On the issue of quarantine, the president has already signed an executive order not too long ago, adding a pandemic influenza to the list of quarantinable diseases. On an on, you have probably read a billion articles on such so I won’t bore you.

At the end of this article you will find ABC’s list of things easy on the budget, and easy to accomplish that you can do to lessen any impact that a pandemic might have on you and your family. (this goes for any disaster too)

But the fact is that H5N1 has not, to date, jumped from birds to humans and most of the people who have contracted the disease have been people that have had close contact with birds. Surveillance is the key to looking for that all important transition. Were the H5N1 bird flu to find its way to the U.S., bird handlers and poultry workers would need to take precautions, such as wearing surgical masks, gloves and other protective equipment. Pens, cages, trucks and other equipment would need regular disinfection. Regular hand washing, along with the use of a gel disinfectant would also help decrease the risk

In Florida bird hunters have been asked to help with surveillance for h5n1.

Scientists are enlisting the aid of duck hunters in public hunting areas of Palm Beach and Brevard counties in a search for a virus that could cause an epidemic.

Hunters who volunteer will have their dead ducks swabbed, fore and aft, to collect viruses that live in the birds’ digestive tracts. Samples will be sent to a laboratory for signs of the H5N1 strain of virus, commonly known as bird flu.

Something I have never heard of before in the medical community is drive through immunization. Wow, what an idea. “Turn yer’ car off Mack, its vibrating and I can’t get the needle in yer’ arm!”

In a new twist on drive-through convenience, patients at Caritas Norwood Hospital next week can get a flu shot while idling in their cars, much like they would pick up a coffee or a burger at a fast-food window. State officials say it may be the first such offering in the state.

Last year, ABC News had this to say about preparation.

March 14, 2006 — Over the weekend, the government told Americans to start storing canned foods and powdered milk under their beds as the prospect of a deadly bird flu outbreak approaches the United States. The fear is that the bird flu will turn into a pandemic and drastically alter the course of American life for a time.

The Red Cross says that if there’s a pandemic, we need to prepare for 10 days of being stuck in our homes, and that we may be without power and water during that time. In the event of a bird flu pandemic, Americans should plan for interruptions or delays in other services: Banks might close, hospitals could be overwhelmed, and postal service could be spotty. Experts also say that people need to begin stocking up on extra food and supplies like protective masks, flashlights, portable radios, batteries and matches…

…Previous pandemics occurred in 1918, 1957 and 1968, and the worst waves of illness seem to pass through communities in a matter of six weeks to eight weeks. …

…In the event of a pandemic, people must practice what the health officials call “social distancing,” or keeping away from other people’s germs. Schools and day-care centers could be closed, sporting events and other large gatherings could be canceled, and shaking hands could become socially unacceptable, at least for a while.

Water

“We recommend that each member of your family has a gallon of water for each day, so a family of four needs to have 40 gallons of water available and you need that much water stored because there’s a chance that your water will get cut off if there’s a pandemic,” Washington said. “Workers may not be able to make it, and plants may stop operating. Your family will need to drink water and for hygiene, for brushing their teeth and washing their hands.”

Food

“You need foods that will not spoil,” Washington said. “So you need canned foods like tuna. You also need to get foods that you don’t have to heat, because just like your water, your powers may go out, too. In addition, to things like canned tuna, you should start storing peanut butter, protein, bars, crackers. Again, foods that have a long shelf life and that don’t need to be heated. Make sure you have enough formula and baby food to get through that 10 days. You have to plan for every member of your family and that includes your pets. So get extra dog food or cat food, and make sure you have extra water for your pets. You need a 10-day supply for everyone.”

Power Outages

“Stores are going to run out of what you need, too,” Washington said. “So that’s why you need to stock up now. And we encourage families to have supplies on hand like flashlights and batteries, matches. Hand-cranked or battery-operated radios, and a manual can opener, because you are going to need to open all those cans of food. And this may not seem important but you must get activities for your children and yourself, games, coloring books, cards.”

Cleaning Supplies

“You have to have all those on hand to keep your home clean and to have receptacles for all your trash,” she said. “You probably won’t have trash service and you need to account for that. You need to make sure to have paper towels, toilet paper and soap. Everything you need to keep your home clean and practice good hygiene.”

Medication

“You need to get an additional 10 days of all your prescription medications,” Washington said. “You should also have over-the-counter, fever-reducing medications; medications for upset stomach; and cold and flu medication. You’ll also want to have fluids like Gatorade and Pedialite, which have electrolytes and will help a family member rehydrate if they get sick. Also, keep a few thermometers around in case someone gets sick.”

If a Family Member Gets Sick

“The first thing is to strengthen your hand washing and to have the infected family member cover his mouth when he coughs,” she said. “You should also keep that person isolated in a certain part of the house and identify a family member who will help him. You may have to take turns.”