Individual Responses to Bird Flu Pandemic

With the bird flu endemic in many nations which is spreading with a speed commensurate with todays connected world and its speedy air travel, the threat of a Bird Flu Pandemic, though nowhere in sight, is yet a real cause for concern instills a sense of fear in the informed public.

In line with today’s state of affairs in many countries, a well informed public were not going to believe fully what their governments had to say about their preparedness to face the epidemic.

Some governments even publicly acknowledged their ill preparedness calling for greater coordination from public in response to the problem of a bird flu outbreak.

In any case, the individual and family responses of the public will play a significant role in current global efforts to contain the disease and delay the onset of a pandemic. This response may range from panic and chaos to care and coordination.

General precautions taken in normal times may not be enough for a pandemic problem.

Here are what the public must and must not do in case of an Avian Influenza Pandemic:

• Do keep poultry absolutely off the menu. In pandemic times, the risk is more serious

• Don’t use poultry products, including eggs and feathers. Faulty sterilization may spoil your confidence.

• Don’t mingle with birds and uncontrolled cats and other pets eating or mingling with affected species.

• Do keep cats and other susceptible pets indoors.

• Do adhere to government directions.

• Do not import or buy new susceptible pets.

• Do cut the use of public transport as much as possible.

• Do take leave, close shops or even stay home, if you can, to reduce travel.

• Don't socialize in big gatherings, shop in crowded areas,

• Don’t use products using under cooked and raw chicken products.

• In case of doubt, keep the required dose of available vaccines and drugs like oseltamivir, zanamivir. However please don't hoard these medications, be judicious, it's important not to deprive people in genuine need of medicines.

• Always be in contact with your doctor.

• Do report any death or sickness in birds to officials.

• Food shortages may occur, don't hoard food just for the sake of it.

• Public transport and services may be disrupted. Brace for them.

• Do keep family together or near by. Isolate infected persons and take professional care.

• Use N-95 masks within 3 feet of patients and in public. Fit them properly on your face.

• Be careful of unexpected contamination at home too.

• Health care workers need to be immunized prior to treating patients. Their health is more important than patients, lest the health care system collapse. Keep close watch of anyone you know who fits this catagory.

• Children and old people need extra care.

• The doctors and health workers, as well as visitors to patients must follow medical precautions as laid down via government guidelines.

• The most important aspect of public response is to educate oneself of the latest developments. There is no room for complacency here.

• Cooperate and coordinate with every one; official or private. If not handled well in pandemic times, these germs prove nastier than all the weapons of mankind put together