gardnmom Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,180914,00.html Flu Pandemic Guide: Stock Up on Basics Friday, January 06, 2006 By Todd Zwillich The federal government on Friday urged Americans to stockpile food and medicine in an effort to prepare for what officials warn could be widespread disruptions in the event of an influenza pandemic. A flu pandemic is a global outbreak that occurs when a new influenza A virus causes serious human illness and spreads easily from person to person, according to the CDC. Experts inside and outside the government have warned of a medical crisis if, for example, a highly pathogenic virus like the H5N1 bird flu virus begins to infect large numbers of humans. But they have also warned that a flu pandemic would likely interrupt nearly every aspect of normal life, as schools, workplaces, grocery stores, and even utilities shut down. What is a Pandemic? Gaining 'Peace of Mind' Personal stockpiles of food, water, and basic medicine would do little to stop the spread of a pandemic virus, experts acknowledge. But it could help lessen the social impact if services and institutions are debilitated, officials say. “Our goal here is to help people prepare, not to panic,” says Christina Pearson, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which urged the actions Friday. “Through preparation people can gain peace of mind knowing they’ve done what they can do.” The recommendations in many ways echoed calls in 2003 by Tom Ridge, then the Secretary of Homeland Security, for families to prepare for a potential terrorist attack. The campaign faced some ridicule when Ridge called on Americans to purchase duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal their homes against biological or chemical weapons. The HHS on Friday issued a checklist that calls on individuals to plan for transportation disruptions as well as work and school closings. It also calls on households to store supplies of nonperishable food, water, and medicines for use in the event of an outbreak. Link to comment
Guest Guest Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 I just keep hoping and praying that it will hold off until I get back from Africa..... Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.