The current "bird flu" has met two of those three conditions. The likelihood of changing (or mutating) to a form that is transmittable from person to person is unknown, but considered very likely.
Past influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social disruption and economic loss.
In a pandemic, the following practices are likely to be put in place to stop or slow the progression of the disease:
1. Hand washing and Respiratory Etiquette: Many diseases can be controlled by the proper washing of hands. Likewise, airborne diseases can be controlled by avoiding others when you are sick, covering your mouth and turning your head when coughing and by wearing a mask.
2. Isolation and Quarantine: Since disease is spread by close contact with other individuals, it is very likely that voluntary quarantine in homes will be implemented immediately. Individuals who have contracted the disease, or have been exposed, may be placed under a quarantine order requiring them to stay home. In either case, individuals need to be prepared with enough food, medicine and other basic necessities for potentially several weeks.
3. Mass Vaccination: When a vaccine is produced (the disease would need to mutate to be contracted person to person, therefore a good vaccine is currently not available), mass vaccination will take place to protect our communities. This is likely to take some time, estimated at three months to one year for development and production of a vaccine.
For steps that you can take to help protect yourself, your family, your workplace or your community, please see the Checklists for Preparedness section. |
