Your on your own

Epidemic expert says Youre on your own


Tuesday, May 8, 2007 - Updated: 04:29 PM EST

Despite spending billions of dollars, society is far from prepared to deal with a mass outbreak of a killer influenza strain, delegates were told yesterday at the 2007 BIO International Convention in Boston.

Youre on your own, concluded David Ozonoff, a doctor at Boston Universitys School of Public Health, referring to worst-case scenarios of an outbreak.

We dont have a clue what the (degree of virulence) might be, said
Ozonoff of the strain of influenza that could hit the world.

Yesterdays session on a future flu pandemic - at which Ozonoff and other experts spoke - was one of scores of seminars and conferences held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, where thousands of biotech executives have gathered for the giant BIO 2007 event that runs through tomorrow.

Biotech and pharmaceutical companies are working hard to ramp up operations in the event of a pandemic, thanks to billions of dollars set aside by the federal government for research and preparedness, experts said.

The recent avian flu scare in some countries has put nations around the globe on alert for a pandemic.

Experts agreed its not a matter of if but when a flu pandemic, perhaps as severe as the strain that killed millions in 1918, breaks out.

Bruce Gellin, director of the national vaccine program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said substantial progress has been made in developing potential vaccines, antiviral therapies and diagnostic
kits.

But the nations vaccine production capacity is still far short of what is ideally needed if a pandemic occurs, said Gellin.
I dont think were going to be able to stop a pandemic in its track, said Gellin. Our goal is to slow it down and lessen its impact.



http://business.bostonherald.com/businessNews/view.bg?articleid=199161

Kilt wrote: You're on your own, concluded David Ozonoff, a doctor at Boston Universitys School of Public Health, referring to worst-case scenarios of an outbreak.

I wonder if folks really understand the phase "you're on your own!"

Let's take a pretend look at what being on our own could possibly mean:
In the medical field: No annual physicals, no elective surgeries, no attention for minor cuts, bumps or bruises...well, you say, I can handle that!

Okay, how about no available emergency rooms for gall stone attacks, angina, panic attacks, ...keep going I can handle that you say!

No one to fill grandma's oxygen bottle, no one to set an arm or leg splint, no milk or baby-food on the shelf, no aspirin at the drug store, no cold or flu medicines at the pharmacy, getting the picture. You are on your own!

Prepare now, get extra of everything! If you have to have something, get extra now. I have a prescription I must take daily. It comes in the mail every ninety days. I mail it in a little early each time so I have a pill or two extra that I stash. I rotate all of the stash when a new ninty day supply arrives. I hope to have at least thirty days, eventually a ninty day surplus. That will take a long time. Prepare now. Those daily prescription medicines may also be delayed or stopped during a pandemic. JMHO

You're right ShaRenKa, I don't expect any help from anyone. Thanks Kilt for the post reminding me to stay on the Prep Track!

I'm not the fittest person around, however i never really thought i was anything but "on my own".  One thing everyone should be doing is getting into the fitness mode.  A few hours in the gym each week will certainly help.  Hiking, what if you have to hike somewhere, can you do it?  Think 10 miles.  You surely don't think you'll be able to take your car and fill it with gas when it's low?  What happens if they are giveing shots downtown and you live 10 miles out, or they are only available in the next city and your tank is on empty?  Being prepared is more then just having a few bottles of water on hand and a cupboard full of food.  What happens if you have to leave and carry your provisions on your back?  Did you prepare for that?  Do you have a backpack that is comfortable and something you can carry, do you have a tent or shelter of some sort if you have to leave your home?  I recently bought a tent trailer, (cost $300) very light weight, and it can cary a lot of provisions.  I could survive a long time out at lake meade in it and use a water purifyer that works like a pump to get safe water.  Fish would be available for food to go with my rice and beans.  Prepare for the worst case senario you can think of.  What about an inflatable boat, that maybe a life saver, if you have to escape to the everglades or move out on the great lakes now and then.  I have two inflatable  kyakes (coleman, paid $100 for both at amazon and took advantage of their rebates.   What will you do if you have to abandon your home?  How many rounds of shotgun shells do you have?  you might need them just to escape from your home.  If you're in a subzero area, do you have sleeping bags to accomodate the weather?  Do you know how to fish? hunt? watch the survivor shows and see what is safe to eat, can you eat worms or grubs?  Dandilion, is a tasty meal when you're hungry.  Do youhave plenty of vitamin C?  Think outside of your 4 walls.

on your own - no food no water no electricity no police no doctors no hospital no petrol nothing except what you had the foresight to stockpile before it happened

Shame on all governments for preparing behind the scenes but not getting the national media to ramp up the reporting of this possibility. In their effort not to panic people they are writing many death certificates instead.

kilt mate,your posts have caused me more than a few sleepless nights,as i prepare for this event.
and for that,i thankyou.
our disagreement last year regarding the value of having a firearm,caused me to go away for a while,and think about your mindset.now,im pleased to say,i own a rifle.(funny how reflection can change your point of view,and in hindsight,help you).....cheers mate,i hope i never need it,but if i do,ive got it at least.
keep preppin' mate,and i look forward to your posts.
stay safe kilt,and be well.
kia-ora,gidday mate,from over the ditch.......
   

Amen Brother!!!!!!

NewMembers: ready for a new reference? Your State will have info on Pandemic Plans and you can see what is ahead for each situation ex: Arizona Pandemic Plan talks of Tribal and Border plans, et. Very usable info.

You find this info on PandemicHelp.Org.

Kilt,     I'm glad you are seeing the whole picture.  This will be a movie with "No happy ending."  I look at the health of most people out there and it's sad.  I have a young friend (37 years old) and he is dependent on medication.  I know what happens if it's not available, he dies.  I am 65 and don't take any type medication.  I go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week, i watch my weight, I hike, I eat good food, no sugar, very little potatos and no white bread.