This thread is a little bit different than the thread where we discussed what we are doing to prepare for a possible H7N9 pandemic.
It appears at this time there are many threats to public health emerging in several parts of the world:
1) Ukraine conflict possible impact on Europe region, including possible Russia cut-off of energy supply,
2) Continuing economic downturn in Europe and result on public health efforts,
3) Syria, Iraq conflict in Middle East possible impact on region and world,
4) Unrest in China. Hong Kong is experiencing democracy protests. The West of China is also experiencing unrest. Slowed economic growth is predicted for the country which will impact emerging middle class possibly causing more dissatisfaction.
5) Coronavirus MERS in (mostly) Saudi Arabia is transmissible between humans. CFR is not really known due to lack of tracking in general population. There is no proven drug or vaccine. Supportive therapy helps survival.
6) H7N9 and various other novel flu in Southeast Asia, mostly China. The spread is not known. The CFR is not known. Humans can infect other humans. Flu drugs may have an impact. Vaccines are underdevelopment.
7) Ebola epidemic in West Africa is spreading within already affected countries. Projections for growth in these populations is exponential. It is not known how many are infected/dead. The CFR of known cases without treatment appears to be about 90%. A very dire situation. At this time ebola is not truly "airborne" BUT it can be transmitted via air in droplets. A worse case scenario would be a mutation in this pathogen that allows fully airborne transmission - like flu, for instance. There is no proven drug or vaccine. Supportive therapy appears to help survival.
So.....
This is quite something.
This is what I am doing. My family is getting check-ups to be sure we have our health in the best condition possible. I renewed a 90 day supply of my maintenance drug yesterday. Tomorrow I am renewing my contact lenses supply. In major disruptions I think my drug and some other items will not be obtainable due "just-in-time" supply chains.
I am going to look at the seasonal flu vaccine. It is probably, at most, 70% effective. But since I am older and have a co-morbidity, maybe something is better than nothing. I have never had any bad reaction to any vaccine. Some years I take the flu vaccine. Other years I do not. I am not "anti-vaccine" and I am not pro-vaccine either. I think each person needs to look at their personal situation, and in conjunction with their family and medical advisors, make that decision.
I did see some good garlic on sale and bought some yesterday. I have had good results using garlic supplements as a general anti-viral. But it did not save me from a horrendous norovirus a couple of years ago.
I have hand sanitizer all over. Car. Purse. House. I also wash my hands multiple times a day. It is now a habit for me to wash my hands before I eat, after I visit the bathroom, each time I come into the house. I don't even think about it.
I have not stockpiled any food, masks, gloves. I have some old masks in the garage. I need to see of they are still viable. I do like to buy canned food on sale so I am going to look at re-building my supply a little bit. Right now I have about a 2 week supply of food from hurricane season preparations.
I am on a huge diet since I have gained "a few pounds" in the last 2 years. I have a co-morbidity that is a bad complication for H1N1pdm09 and, in fact, not good for any disease. I do not smoke. I have an occasional glass of wine. I am essentially a non-drinker.
I think the best preparation for uncertain times is to improve your health as much as possible and to openly communicate with your near ones about the current unstable times. Friends and family are the best preparations for life.
It appears at this time there are many threats to public health emerging in several parts of the world:
1) Ukraine conflict possible impact on Europe region, including possible Russia cut-off of energy supply,
2) Continuing economic downturn in Europe and result on public health efforts,
3) Syria, Iraq conflict in Middle East possible impact on region and world,
4) Unrest in China. Hong Kong is experiencing democracy protests. The West of China is also experiencing unrest. Slowed economic growth is predicted for the country which will impact emerging middle class possibly causing more dissatisfaction.
5) Coronavirus MERS in (mostly) Saudi Arabia is transmissible between humans. CFR is not really known due to lack of tracking in general population. There is no proven drug or vaccine. Supportive therapy helps survival.
6) H7N9 and various other novel flu in Southeast Asia, mostly China. The spread is not known. The CFR is not known. Humans can infect other humans. Flu drugs may have an impact. Vaccines are underdevelopment.
7) Ebola epidemic in West Africa is spreading within already affected countries. Projections for growth in these populations is exponential. It is not known how many are infected/dead. The CFR of known cases without treatment appears to be about 90%. A very dire situation. At this time ebola is not truly "airborne" BUT it can be transmitted via air in droplets. A worse case scenario would be a mutation in this pathogen that allows fully airborne transmission - like flu, for instance. There is no proven drug or vaccine. Supportive therapy appears to help survival.
So.....
This is quite something.
This is what I am doing. My family is getting check-ups to be sure we have our health in the best condition possible. I renewed a 90 day supply of my maintenance drug yesterday. Tomorrow I am renewing my contact lenses supply. In major disruptions I think my drug and some other items will not be obtainable due "just-in-time" supply chains.
I am going to look at the seasonal flu vaccine. It is probably, at most, 70% effective. But since I am older and have a co-morbidity, maybe something is better than nothing. I have never had any bad reaction to any vaccine. Some years I take the flu vaccine. Other years I do not. I am not "anti-vaccine" and I am not pro-vaccine either. I think each person needs to look at their personal situation, and in conjunction with their family and medical advisors, make that decision.
I did see some good garlic on sale and bought some yesterday. I have had good results using garlic supplements as a general anti-viral. But it did not save me from a horrendous norovirus a couple of years ago.
I have hand sanitizer all over. Car. Purse. House. I also wash my hands multiple times a day. It is now a habit for me to wash my hands before I eat, after I visit the bathroom, each time I come into the house. I don't even think about it.
I have not stockpiled any food, masks, gloves. I have some old masks in the garage. I need to see of they are still viable. I do like to buy canned food on sale so I am going to look at re-building my supply a little bit. Right now I have about a 2 week supply of food from hurricane season preparations.
I am on a huge diet since I have gained "a few pounds" in the last 2 years. I have a co-morbidity that is a bad complication for H1N1pdm09 and, in fact, not good for any disease. I do not smoke. I have an occasional glass of wine. I am essentially a non-drinker.
I think the best preparation for uncertain times is to improve your health as much as possible and to openly communicate with your near ones about the current unstable times. Friends and family are the best preparations for life.
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