Swine Flu and SCI
We normally don’t point out articles that are not specifically tied to the disabled community, but Swine Flu is an exception. This bug has gone from complete obscurity to front page fame in just a few days. The scary part of this flu is it’s capability of killing those in the 10 – 45 year range. Most flu strains go after the very young and old, not the young and strong. That is the mark of a dangerous pathogen. This is of particular importance to the SCI community because we cannot fight colds and flu as easily as the rest of the population. With more folks filling the doctor’s offices and hospitals it is imperative that you take responsibility for yourself and your family before things spin out of control at the CDC and the WHO.
1) Stock up on non perishable foods. Assume that if things get strange out there you may have to do things alone for about two weeks. Do this before your city/town announces that the Swine Flu is shutting down things like public transportation. Do not wait – as someone who has lived through many hurricanes, the public WILL PANIC and will strip the stores bare of everything, whether they need it or not. Do not expect anyone to do anything for you out of their good will. This is the fight/flight aspect of life and people will dump you on the floor if they think it will get them more food/water or a better place in line. Believe us, we have seen it happen.
2) Get anti-viral drugs before the rush. Ask your doctor for a prescription of Relenza or Tamiflu. Both dramatically reduce the symptoms of flu and the number of days you are sick. Have it in the house so if you do get sick, you do not have to hope the pharmacy’s have any left. Do not assume that the Government supply will make it to you. If it is needed by the able bodied somewhere else you will get hosed.
3) Get surgical masks so you can be protected if you must go out in public during an emergency. Get enough for at least two weeks and stash them away to be used later. Mexico is handing out masks to the public, but no one knows how good they are or for how long theyn can do this before they run out. This is good insurance to make sure your chance of getting sick is greatly reduced. Surgical 99% masks are a good kind to purchase. Read their instructions for use so that you are protected at all times.
4) If the flu hits your town/city cut down on seeing your friends and family unless absolutely required. The best way to keep from being infected is to reduce the number of people you see. Flu does not care about the status of a person, whether they are nice or go to a particular church. Anyone can be infected and they can infect people for days before symptoms appear. This means that someone may look fine, but could have the flu and can infect those around them. Presently the CDC and WHO do not know exactly how the flu is transmitted, but that it can easily be transmitted between humans. This is different to SARS which almost always required intimate contact with birds to be infected.
5) Don’t panic. Even if this becomes a pandemic, there is no reason to believe you will get it. That is especially true if you follow our simple ideas which minimize you interaction with anyone who may be infected. Keep your head so you will be prepared in an emergency situation. Those that are prepared and know what to do will be the ones that will be in good shape after everything blows by.
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Thanks very much for taking your time to create this very useful infos .