10 Secrets To Surviving A Global Flu Pandemic That You Really Need To Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) months ago confirmed a new type of avian influenza virus in humans, identified as A(H7N9) in the People’s Republic of China. Most cases develop severe pneumonia and breathing difficulties, with some resulting in death. Today, the publication Science released a digital map of the regions with the highest risk for transmission and spread of H7N9. 

There is emerging information that suggests the possibility of some limited human-to-human transmission of this virus in China; however, there is currently no evidence that suggests on-going human-to-human transmission. According to the Health Agency of Canada, the risk to Canadians remains low. That said, full extent of this outbreak, the source of infection and the mode of transmission are currently unknown.

There also remain very serious tactical and logistical problems that exist, particularly for the delivery of vaccination over a global landscape when hours and days matter. 

This is Professor Adrian Hill (Co-Director, Institute for Vaccine Design, Oxford Martin School of the Future) talking about the complex issues surrounding vaccine distribution in the event of a pandemic. 

The question remains, in spite of low risk, "What would you do in the event of a widespread global pandemic?

The question remains, in spite of the current “low risk” in Canada, what would you do in the event of a pandemic? According to Daniel Barnett, M.D., an instructor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Preparedness Programs, “With a deadly influenza pandemic, it’s a question of when, not if.” With global warming and poverty, the risk of highly disruptive pandemics continues to grow.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for a pandemic:

1. Stay Informed: Should such a pandemic flare up, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Health Agency of Canada will provide information on the spread of disease, as well as updates on vaccines and other medications, tips for keeping safe, and other advisories.

2. Wash Your Hands Frequently: This is the single most powerful defense against avian influenza and many other infectious diseases. Also, keep with you an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer. Be sure not to touch your face while out in public. If you are opening doors, or pressing buttons on the elevator, get in the habit of using a tissue as a buffer between your hands and the handle/lever/button.

3. Food: Ensure you have enough food to last for at least 8 weeks, choosing shelf-stable foods, such as rice, canned goods, dry goods, cereals, and powdered milk.

4. Hydration: Stock up on drinks, water, coffee/tea, and other forms of hydration, including electrolyte replacement drinks, such as Gatorade. At the least, you should have a 2-month supply of water.

5. Medication: Stock up on prescription medications, with a two-month supply. Include in this Tylenol and Advil as forms of fever reduction. Keep vitamins well stocked up as well.

6. Hygiene: Have a two-month supply of hygiene products, such as toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine products, diapers, etc.

7. Practice Social Distancing: Avoid going out in public. The greatest way to prevent becoming infected is to avoid exposure to infected people. Social distancing, especially avoiding contact with large groups of people, is a reasonable precaution to take in the event of a pandemic.

o   Stay at home

o   Try to work from home

o   Keep children home from school

o   Avoid public transportation

o   Stay away from public events

8. Wear a Respirator: These look like surgical masks, but protect the wearer from inhaling germs. You can buy reusable ones with replaceable filters.

9. Wear Medical Gloves: Medical gloves can prevent germs from getting on your hands. They should be removed if torn, damaged, and hands still must be washed after wearing them.

10. Seek Medical Attention at Onset of Symptoms: The effectiveness of antiviral medications decreases as the illness progresses, hence prompt medical treatment is critical. If you’ve come in contact with someone who you think is infected, seek medical attention immediately, even if you are unsure whether or not you’ve been infected.

And now, in August of 2014, the Ebola Virus is spreading through Africa, and causing us here in North America to pause at its spread while one patient in Brampton is currently being held under testing.