4 months of Social Distancing?

[Science Teacher]

Article from UPI http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2009/08/02/CDC-anticipates-H1N1-pandemic/UPI-47401249259099/
August 2, 2009

This is the first time I've noticed anyone coming out publically and mentioning that 4 months of social distancing may be required for the next round of H1N1
Bolding mine..


Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, joined by Sen. Chirs Dodd (D-CT) (L) and Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), speaks on healthcare reform on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 23, 2009. (UPI Photo/Kevin Dietsch) | Enlarge Related Searches
"public health" search results
"public health experts" search results
"health experts" search results

Related Stories
Half of kids on Tamiflu had side effects
Nasal vaccine developed for swine flu
Doctors a bit more concerned over H1N1 flu
CDC names H1N1 flu vaccine priorities
College students need to prepare for flu
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. public health experts indicated Sunday the H1N1 flu will make a strong return, possibly as soon as the end of August.

Drug makers will begin this week testing two potential vaccines against an anticipated H1N1 pandemic but vaccinations are not expected to be available until mid-October, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Sunday.

The most at-risk segment of the population -- pregnant women, those with chronic diseases, healthcare and emergency medical workers, and children -- will be the first recipients, the Centers for Disease Control indicated.

Public health experts say people might be asked to stay away from crowded areas for up to four months to keep spread of H1N1 to a minimum. Dr. Bruce Lee, a University of Pittsburgh infectious diseases expert, said such "social distancing" measures can help to lessen the epidemic.

"Pay very close attention to what the CDC and what other public health officials are saying and take it seriously," he said.

Some federal government estimates indicate up to 40 percent of the population could get swine flu in the next two years.

 

[somebodyoutthere]

Re: 4 months of Social Distancing?

I'm paying very close attention to what the CDC is saying. They are saying "keep the schools open," and schools are following suit. I'm disgusted with the CDC at the moment.

 

[Snowy Owl]

Re: 4 months of Social Distancing?

In Northern State I would rather say 6 months of Social restrictions.

Snowy

 

[Lizw]

Re: 4 months of Social Distancing?

Public health experts say people might be asked to stay away from crowded areas for up to four months to keep spread of H1N1 to a minimum. Dr. Bruce Lee, a University of Pittsburgh infectious diseases expert, said such "social distancing" measures can help to lessen the epidemic.

Keeping the schools open doesn't sound like "social distancing" to me.

I wish they would be more specific about what social distancing means. It could be significant for me, because my work brings me into contact with different people all day long. If the governmental offices that my reports go to stayed open, then I'd have to continue working. "Social distancing" would be a joke. I'm prepared for that--I'll wear gloves and a mask if I have to do that to feel safe, but it would be nice if someone could be more definite about what that term should mean.

 

[Science Teacher]

Re: 4 months of Social Distancing?

I have a strong feeling that our definition of 'social distancing' on this site is a lot different from the governments.

My fear is that when they decide to define it to the public, the masses will run out and try to stock up on supplies all at once. Food, etc. is needed to stay away from crowds.

I also hope that they find a way to keep our adolescents from hanging out at the malls which is a regular occurrence in this country.

How does one promote social distancing without recommending building a home supply of necessary preps? To me, the two go hand and hand.

 

[appleblossom]

Re: 4 months of Social Distancing?

my mate and I are entering month 4 (August) of our voluntary self-quarantine experiment. We have left our land only 4 times since the beginning of May. Once to get a new state inspection sticker for the car, once to rush the dog to the vet, once to stock food pellets for the chickens (something we neglected to do before H1N1 hit!), and once to stock the fridge and freezer (a serious gap in our food preps, which were planned for grid collapse so they are all shelf-stable products).

It's been extremely educational, and I'm glad we tried it. I'm now going into the fall and winter with a first-hand knowledge of how to live on our supplies, and that is comforting. But I think normal people will go nuts if they have to do this.