preparednessblog

Many health officials consider an influenza pandemic not only possible, but highly likely. I’ve found two really terrific sources of information about pandemic flu, and how to prepare for it.

Bird Flu: A Virus of Our Own Hatching is a non-fiction book about pandemic flu that is available in whole online at http://birdflubook.com. This book covers the history of pandemics, such as the 1918 flu outbreak, as well as an analysis of various government’s states of preparedness. There is also a good deal of scientific background for those interested.

A Will to Survive is a novel chronicling the life of one well-prepared family during a pandemic. The writing is at times a little flat, but, the information about this family’s day to day life, and the steps they took to prepare are invaluable.

A bit of the most valuable information from both:

Most agree that vaccinations and anti-virals will be in short supply. But, a few different sources I’ve read have suggested a few strategies that will help prevent a large amount of transmission of the flu.

The most basic and most effective is hand-washing. Do it after every use of the restroom, every handshake, and every cough or sneeze, and you will cut down your risk of infection significantly.  Alcohol gel hand sanitizers were found to be even more effective and less drying to the skin than soap and water.

Social distancing — that is, avoiding crowds, avoiding touching those who may be sick, and even going so far as to self-quarantine — is another measure described in both books.

A third measure people can take on their own is the use of masks. Surgical masks known as N95 masks can effectively screen out the fluids that contain viruses. They can help keep ill people from transmitting the virus, and well people from catching it. They also serve as a reminder to keep people from touching their eyes, nose or mouth, which are the most common routes for infection.

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