Was watching a show on bird flu last evening. If it mutates into human form it is a very frightening scenario on many fronts. But it touched on some of the issues that could arise if a pandemic occurs.

1) Due to limited amounts of antiviral(tamiflu- which may not work anyway) who would get them first. Would military and hospital workers be first..what about elderly? What about the very young? the show thought riots might come about

2) Economy impacted as people just won't go to public places in hopes of not getting it.

3) Hospitals, clinics, morgues cannot deal with number of dead..They mentioned freezing bodies in trucks..Mass graves? Furnaces?

4) National defense..what if most soldiers are sick/dieing..The show thought due to cytokite production the young may be hardest hit.

One guy and his wife have 4 months of food and water stored so as to avoid going into public...do you?

Whatelse can the average person do just in case? Work at home? Home school?

Its not fear mongering. Its a fact. Goto your own government web site and see what it expects you to have in case of a pandemic. It mentions bird flu and my state NJ says that you have to have at least 3 months of water and food in case of or when they go to a lock down, its a fact. Check your own state .gov.

[edit on 1/7/2008 by zman]

Avian (or bird) Influenza is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. The currently circulating H5N1 strain is deadly to domestic fowl (i.e., chicken, turkeys) and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.

Sorry but no immunity and no working vaccine is available, please use the following exits.. Sorry but to prepair is not fear mongering.

That show is on right now 10:30 eastern..on Discovery Science Ch

How about the clincher at the end..it is postulated that part of the flu deathes of 1918 happened a few monthes later as the virus invaded the brain causing "sleeping sickness". Reminded me of zombie movie..

On the point about fearmongering. I just received a govt brochure from my childs school about preparing for pandemic.

The state of Massachusetts is advising the children and their familys to put away enough supplies for six weeks. In the event that they declair a general quarrantine where no one is allowed out of their homes.

I do think some people are too nervous about this. You should prepare for the worst but remain optimistic.

I have personally taken the policy of keeping a well stuffed pantry. Nothing excessive, just a little advanced shopping. And a few cans of lysol which will become a precious commodity.

For a few hundred bucks investment you can feel more secure, and maybe get a lower price in these hard times of rapid inflation. Just consider it more choices in the pantry and life goes on.