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Don't squawk in panic, use common sense to prepare for bird flu
Preparing for bird flu requires common sense, not panic
Date published: 1/6/2006
THE NOV. 3 ARTICLE in The Free Lance-Star, "Ready, if bird flu strikes," represented a poor editorial choice. It pandered to the fear element in a complicated story, and brought back memories of Y2K.
The story contributed to the anxiety that many people feel when confronted with infectious diseases without providing any concrete help or hope. Even human interest stories should strive to encourage us to do what's right, not build on fear and create mistrust between neighbors.
In reality, the "bird flu" that the Noonans are so prepared for is not now and may never become a pandemic. Should a pandemic strain of influenza emerge, it is impossible to predict its severity or the effect it will have on various elements in society.
The most likely disruption everyday citizens might face is disruption in health services. News of a pandemic could drive individuals to seek medical attention for minor illnesses, such as colds, possibly overwhelming private physicians and hospitals also treating the seriously ill. These same health workers will feel responsible for caring for any sick individuals in their own families and will face the possibility of infection with the new strain themselves.
This does not, however, mean that medical care will come to a grinding halt, or that the average citizen should learn how to set up and run a field clinic--only that in times of emergency, common sense and community bonds will be your greatest allies.
Stories encouraging a survivalist approach to a pandemic serve only to make the jobs of those tasked with planning for one more difficult. For instance, physicians in the area are concerned with the number of patients requesting prescriptions for Tamiflu, an antiviral medication believed to be effective against the circulating bird flu strain, for individual stockpiles. This creates serious difficulties for physicians who want to honor their patient's wishes but also want to do what's in the best interests of health.
Date published: 1/6/2006
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