Hi All,
I'm trying to visualize what will happen to our infrastructure all over the world if/when the bird flu pandemic becomes a reality. It will depend on how we react as individuals, and as communities.
A lot of people made all kinds of thorough preparations for the y2k computer disaster, which, of course, turned out to be a non-event. I went as far as to back up all my computer data, (which I do regularly, anyway), however, I didn't bother to prepare for the Armageddon that was predicted to follow the involuntary shutdown of computers all over the world.
This threat is much more realistic, and, in fact, is very likely to happen. The 64 dollar question is how far the consequences will reach. IOW, how bad will things get? Will it amount to nothing more than a little bump in the road, or will we lose control and run off a cliff? Anyway, I'm sort of wondering what people are likely to do if/when it occurs, so I came up with this little poll.
Thanks,
Tex
What Will You Do?
Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
What Will You Do?
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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annie oakley
- King Penguin
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- Joined: Fri May 13, 2011 5:56 pm
Interesting poll, Tex.
But it's a little hard to answer because we may not have a choice.
For example, we know that if/when the bird flu is able to be spread by human to human transmission, it will take at least 6-12 months to develop an effective vaccine. And still more time to vaccinate large numbers of people. So.............in the event of a pandemic, the old fashioned public health practices like quarantine, closing schools and businesses, etc., will be the only measures that we have to try to limit the spread of disease in a community. The gov't. would probably institute these measures fairly early in a pandemic, and some of us would have no choice but to stay home.
Love,
Polly
But it's a little hard to answer because we may not have a choice.
For example, we know that if/when the bird flu is able to be spread by human to human transmission, it will take at least 6-12 months to develop an effective vaccine. And still more time to vaccinate large numbers of people. So.............in the event of a pandemic, the old fashioned public health practices like quarantine, closing schools and businesses, etc., will be the only measures that we have to try to limit the spread of disease in a community. The gov't. would probably institute these measures fairly early in a pandemic, and some of us would have no choice but to stay home.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Hi All,
I'll probably avoid as much contact as possible since my body is not strong right now....but I would probably be just as cautious even if I was healthy. My Grandfather lived through the last flu epidemic....all of his family died. He was 5 years old at the time and walked to the next farm where they took him in. He suffered from damaged lungs the rest of his life. I'm starting to feel like the character , Debbie Downer , from Saturday Night Live...haha.
Anyway....that's how I voted.
Cristi
I'll probably avoid as much contact as possible since my body is not strong right now....but I would probably be just as cautious even if I was healthy. My Grandfather lived through the last flu epidemic....all of his family died. He was 5 years old at the time and walked to the next farm where they took him in. He suffered from damaged lungs the rest of his life. I'm starting to feel like the character , Debbie Downer , from Saturday Night Live...haha.
Anyway....that's how I voted.
Cristi
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
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- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
I admire OMA---will not live in *fear*
On the other hand---I guess I will be fearful---neurotic--etc. but then think---*control* and do the best to avoid any serious issues--kinda hard since our immune systems are not in best form~~~~
Right now---I shall not worry about it until it happens---
Ive worried over to much stuff----did all the ifs---ands---whatevers---do/donts----absorbed my life with all that--
I will live for today and face tomorrow when it comes---
luve Barbara
On the other hand---I guess I will be fearful---neurotic--etc. but then think---*control* and do the best to avoid any serious issues--kinda hard since our immune systems are not in best form~~~~
Right now---I shall not worry about it until it happens---
Ive worried over to much stuff----did all the ifs---ands---whatevers---do/donts----absorbed my life with all that--
I will live for today and face tomorrow when it comes---
luve Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
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Tessa
- Rockhopper Penguin
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- Location: Málaga, Spain (Costa del Sol)
- Contact:
I´ve tried thinking on what we should do if it happens, but have been unable to imagine it.
I assume that we will be obliged by the Govt. to follow their measures and rules but I really cannot imagine the situation beforehand.
Up to now, I have tried to become informed about the disease, its progress, etc. but not in an obsessive way.
I do not want to live in fear but informed.
Another question would be, are we being informed about what really happens?
Nevertheless, If things get worse, I will probably adapt to the new conditions.
Love,
Tessa
I assume that we will be obliged by the Govt. to follow their measures and rules but I really cannot imagine the situation beforehand.
Up to now, I have tried to become informed about the disease, its progress, etc. but not in an obsessive way.
I do not want to live in fear but informed.
Another question would be, are we being informed about what really happens?
Nevertheless, If things get worse, I will probably adapt to the new conditions.
Love,
Tessa
DX Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency= Panhypopituitarism,POTS & MC. Anaphylactic reaction to foods & some drugs.
Gluten & Dairy free diet+hydrocortisone, Florinef, Sea Salt, Vit B Complex, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium...
Gluten & Dairy free diet+hydrocortisone, Florinef, Sea Salt, Vit B Complex, Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium...
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artteacher
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 731
- Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:13 pm
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I'll probably keep to our regular routine as much as possible, but I voted that we'd stay home and avoid going out: we don't work, so we sort of do that anyway. 
If our kids needed us in Washington, all bets would be off, and we'd be up there exposing ourselves to anything we needed to, though.
Love, Marsha
If our kids needed us in Washington, all bets would be off, and we'd be up there exposing ourselves to anything we needed to, though.
Love, Marsha
Perhaps wearing protective gear when we must be in contact with others, particularly KNOWN sick people or exposed people would be a good way to stay healthy and still be able to move about.
I think that there are certain indispensible segments of our society who should be prepared to have to work in spite of a pandemic, so for them, this gear should be well stocked.
In our case, we are pretty much home bound already, so having essentials on hand is important to us, particularly with our dietary restrictions. We pretty much have to stock things for hurricane season anyway, and since we unfortunately are the only city in the US to have every single target on the list for a terrorist attack, we need to think in terms of those as well. Since we've evacuated before, we sort of know what to expect, particularly since we have a totally disabled person to deal with.
Since my sister is a physician, I may be own my own again if there's a pandemic as she will probably be working hard while that's going on, but I'm not sure how private docs will be utilized other than doing their usual office visits for those NOT suspected of having bird flu. Those folks will be instructed to stay home as will those who've been exposed to them. I suppose there will have to be some medical personnel ready to go into these homes in protective gear for as long as they are able to keep up with the numbers of ill persons. Might be the military will take over this aspect as they can do amazing things as we saw here during our own flood, Allison, as well as for the huge no. of evacuees when we first took them in here. They are already prepared as well, and have the gear.
There's a slim possibility that I would have to move my mom to an isolated place in the event of worsening conditions here as a result of a pandemic.
One fear I have is that we are only a few blocks from where most of the MS-13 gang stays. I don't even want to think what havoc they will cause when we do get hit with a hurricane.
Not sure what would happen with them if a pandemic occurs. They would probably be more likely to spread the stuff among themselves, I should think. They are a very evil gang. Perhaps some of you have heard of them on some of the tv news journal programs that come on in the evenings.
Yep, wouldn't panic just be prepared, and follow the news. Usually the government has websites and things that list what items one should be prepared with, and other helpful suggestions. A local Red Cross building would have a few emergency items and books, and possibly literature with suggestions for potential situations like this. I need to check that out for myself, matter of fact.
Yours, Luce
I think that there are certain indispensible segments of our society who should be prepared to have to work in spite of a pandemic, so for them, this gear should be well stocked.
In our case, we are pretty much home bound already, so having essentials on hand is important to us, particularly with our dietary restrictions. We pretty much have to stock things for hurricane season anyway, and since we unfortunately are the only city in the US to have every single target on the list for a terrorist attack, we need to think in terms of those as well. Since we've evacuated before, we sort of know what to expect, particularly since we have a totally disabled person to deal with.
Since my sister is a physician, I may be own my own again if there's a pandemic as she will probably be working hard while that's going on, but I'm not sure how private docs will be utilized other than doing their usual office visits for those NOT suspected of having bird flu. Those folks will be instructed to stay home as will those who've been exposed to them. I suppose there will have to be some medical personnel ready to go into these homes in protective gear for as long as they are able to keep up with the numbers of ill persons. Might be the military will take over this aspect as they can do amazing things as we saw here during our own flood, Allison, as well as for the huge no. of evacuees when we first took them in here. They are already prepared as well, and have the gear.
There's a slim possibility that I would have to move my mom to an isolated place in the event of worsening conditions here as a result of a pandemic.
One fear I have is that we are only a few blocks from where most of the MS-13 gang stays. I don't even want to think what havoc they will cause when we do get hit with a hurricane.
Not sure what would happen with them if a pandemic occurs. They would probably be more likely to spread the stuff among themselves, I should think. They are a very evil gang. Perhaps some of you have heard of them on some of the tv news journal programs that come on in the evenings.
Yep, wouldn't panic just be prepared, and follow the news. Usually the government has websites and things that list what items one should be prepared with, and other helpful suggestions. A local Red Cross building would have a few emergency items and books, and possibly literature with suggestions for potential situations like this. I need to check that out for myself, matter of fact.
Yours, Luce
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artteacher
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 731
- Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:13 pm
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Hi Cristi,
After reading your post, I realized that my grandmother was orphaned - both her parents died of flu, and the kids were raised by relatives and friends. That brings it closer to reality, doesn't it? I'll have to ask her how she feels about bird flu in the news, if it doesn't bring up too many bad memories for her.
Love, Marsha
After reading your post, I realized that my grandmother was orphaned - both her parents died of flu, and the kids were raised by relatives and friends. That brings it closer to reality, doesn't it? I'll have to ask her how she feels about bird flu in the news, if it doesn't bring up too many bad memories for her.
Love, Marsha
Very interesting question, indeed!
We have all watched movies that have been made after horrific accidents or events that led up to diseases being spread, like the one we had here in Toronto, not that long ago, called SARS. And I am sure that many of us watched and said the same things when we seen what some have done, that led to the disease being spread more then it would have IF they had thought of the long term effects. I know what I have said, things like, HOW could someone knowing that they were sick, and knowing that they might spread something, and that people were dying, HOW could they go against orders of quaranteen and go out in public? But they do. There always seems to be that person who thinks that people are over reacting, or are insulted when they are told that they cannot leave their house, and won't allow others to dictate what they do or don't do. There seems to always be someone who will go against the grain, and do what they want to do without looking at the bigger picture, and that is to stop a disease from killing more people, and the spread of it farther. The one thing I can say for sure is that it won't be me. I think I will be staying at home if any of this comes to pass.
I would like to add why I cannot understand why people don't think about others when it comes to spreading illness, and insist it is their right to do what they think shows how tough they are, and that a cold or flu won't hole them down. I faced this so much when my kids were little, when I use to go to church. Everyone knew that my kids would get sick if they were in contact with anyone who was coughing, had a slight cold or anything, but it never stopped them from going because they thought it was more important to go then let a little cold or flu bug keep them home. They thought it made them more honourable, but to me if meant that I would once again be home bound with two sick kids and them needing antibiotics once again. It frustrated me to no end. Its just the way they were back then, they would catch anything, and it always led to them having an infection, high fevers and weight loss. My youngest was very tall for 5 and 1/2 yrs but only weighed 32 lbs. There was not a bone in her body that didn't show up, and she was black under her eyes. And when she finally needed to have surgery to drain her ears, they said she had to gain weight in order for them to be able to do the surgery. So in order to do that, we had to have her make it through 3 and 1/2 months without getting sick, which she had never ever been able to do up to that time. So having to deal with people who didn't think of others frustrated me allot back then, as no one seemed to understand that her health was at stake. She had to take antibiotics for the whole time, but by the time they did the surgery even that had stopped working, and we had managed to get her weight up to 38 lbs. She was still skinny, but she did fine. She still needed 3 years of speech therapy to correct her speech, and it took her several weeks to adjust to normal sounds. It was one of those things, she just got sick easily, but everytime she did it made it worse. She was left with some hearing damage in the end. And as a mother I hated to see her sick, and to hurt, but now if it was something like bird flu I think that I would be very verbal about it, especially now that I have a grand baby. I think I would claw someone's eyes out who knowingly exposed any in my family now!!!!
This is just my thinking and reasons for my thinking this way, and hope that I have not in any way said anything that upsets anyone.
As always,
Hugs
Wendy
We have all watched movies that have been made after horrific accidents or events that led up to diseases being spread, like the one we had here in Toronto, not that long ago, called SARS. And I am sure that many of us watched and said the same things when we seen what some have done, that led to the disease being spread more then it would have IF they had thought of the long term effects. I know what I have said, things like, HOW could someone knowing that they were sick, and knowing that they might spread something, and that people were dying, HOW could they go against orders of quaranteen and go out in public? But they do. There always seems to be that person who thinks that people are over reacting, or are insulted when they are told that they cannot leave their house, and won't allow others to dictate what they do or don't do. There seems to always be someone who will go against the grain, and do what they want to do without looking at the bigger picture, and that is to stop a disease from killing more people, and the spread of it farther. The one thing I can say for sure is that it won't be me. I think I will be staying at home if any of this comes to pass.
I would like to add why I cannot understand why people don't think about others when it comes to spreading illness, and insist it is their right to do what they think shows how tough they are, and that a cold or flu won't hole them down. I faced this so much when my kids were little, when I use to go to church. Everyone knew that my kids would get sick if they were in contact with anyone who was coughing, had a slight cold or anything, but it never stopped them from going because they thought it was more important to go then let a little cold or flu bug keep them home. They thought it made them more honourable, but to me if meant that I would once again be home bound with two sick kids and them needing antibiotics once again. It frustrated me to no end. Its just the way they were back then, they would catch anything, and it always led to them having an infection, high fevers and weight loss. My youngest was very tall for 5 and 1/2 yrs but only weighed 32 lbs. There was not a bone in her body that didn't show up, and she was black under her eyes. And when she finally needed to have surgery to drain her ears, they said she had to gain weight in order for them to be able to do the surgery. So in order to do that, we had to have her make it through 3 and 1/2 months without getting sick, which she had never ever been able to do up to that time. So having to deal with people who didn't think of others frustrated me allot back then, as no one seemed to understand that her health was at stake. She had to take antibiotics for the whole time, but by the time they did the surgery even that had stopped working, and we had managed to get her weight up to 38 lbs. She was still skinny, but she did fine. She still needed 3 years of speech therapy to correct her speech, and it took her several weeks to adjust to normal sounds. It was one of those things, she just got sick easily, but everytime she did it made it worse. She was left with some hearing damage in the end. And as a mother I hated to see her sick, and to hurt, but now if it was something like bird flu I think that I would be very verbal about it, especially now that I have a grand baby. I think I would claw someone's eyes out who knowingly exposed any in my family now!!!!
This is just my thinking and reasons for my thinking this way, and hope that I have not in any way said anything that upsets anyone.
As always,
Hugs
Wendy
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MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
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- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Timely and very necessary question. Oprah had a great program on yesterday with a doctor who is working on this and heavily urging the government to take action. If this pandemic happens, life will change as we know it. I myself will try to work but the first person it hits, I stay home. Always have 6 months of food in the house but everything from electric to medicines will be heavily impacted.
It is just a matter of time and when - as the doc said, if not the bird flu we will have a pandemic of another sort. Only a matter of time.
Love, Maggie
It is just a matter of time and when - as the doc said, if not the bird flu we will have a pandemic of another sort. Only a matter of time.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
Maggie,
I was hoping to be able to watch that show, but unfortunately, had an appointment for my mother at that time.
Did they give out any websites or other ways to get information about things that we can do on our own in preparation?
Wow, how do you manage to keep 6 months worth of food on hand all the time? Surely alot of this must be frozen, or is it all not frozen?
Yours, Luce
I was hoping to be able to watch that show, but unfortunately, had an appointment for my mother at that time.
Did they give out any websites or other ways to get information about things that we can do on our own in preparation?
Wow, how do you manage to keep 6 months worth of food on hand all the time? Surely alot of this must be frozen, or is it all not frozen?
Yours, Luce
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kate_ce1995
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- Location: Vermont
Well, I live almost as close to an "isolated" retreat as you can get. We won't starve for sure...plenty of venison in the hills around here. Not to mention Turkey. Plus we have canned goods on hand most of the time.
I can't think so far ahead...I have a hard enough time figuring out what to do tomorrow (or today for that matter). So I'll live my life and if the time approaches, I'll get more serious about it. I would guess it would hit the big cities before it would affect us as much up here in the country, so I would have a bit of a warning about any extra measures.
Mary, I find your comment about stocking up for the pandemic or next big earthquake interesting. I know you are in the neck of the woods with big earthquakes and I'm not saying a big one wouldn't devistate the area. But I saw a History channel doc on the 1906 SF eq. and it reported that most of the damage was from fires afterwards, many of which were set by the "emergency crews" of the time trying to blow up buildings with dynamite to stop the spread of the fires! LOL. Sometimes people are their worst enemies!
Katy
I can't think so far ahead...I have a hard enough time figuring out what to do tomorrow (or today for that matter). So I'll live my life and if the time approaches, I'll get more serious about it. I would guess it would hit the big cities before it would affect us as much up here in the country, so I would have a bit of a warning about any extra measures.
Mary, I find your comment about stocking up for the pandemic or next big earthquake interesting. I know you are in the neck of the woods with big earthquakes and I'm not saying a big one wouldn't devistate the area. But I saw a History channel doc on the 1906 SF eq. and it reported that most of the damage was from fires afterwards, many of which were set by the "emergency crews" of the time trying to blow up buildings with dynamite to stop the spread of the fires! LOL. Sometimes people are their worst enemies!
Katy
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
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me too Katy-----getting thru each day is enuf ---and thinking about tomorrow --whewwwwww---
I keep telling Lou---Nostradamus predicted all this stuff---Lou keeps laughing @ me!!!
Barbara---keeping a smile
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control