"Getting Ready for a Flu Pandemic"
I received an information pack in the mail today from the Ministry of Heath. It describes all the things I should be doing in preparation for this supposed Pandemic. Like keeping a supply of food, having a list of the neighbours phone numbers (dunno what for? I wouldn't ask them for anything if we got sick) and a big write up about how hand washing is the best form of protecting yourself against the spread of germs. At Nicole's school the children are being taught to sing 'Happy Birthday' as they wash their hands and that the have to keep rubbing their hands with soap for the entire length of the song.
Last week a Newsletter came home from Nicole's school talking about their 'Influenza Pandemic Action Plan'. And there's a big poster up on the notice board in the office at work describing what would happen in the event of a Pandemic.
All this information about this supposed Pandemic has gotten me thinking. Is this a reality? Or just mass hysteria on the part of the Government? Should I seriously be worried about this? If there was a world outbreak of this, is it even likely to effect New Zealand? After all New Zealand is pretty isolated from the rest of the world... I know when there was that SARS outbreak a few years ago, we had approximately 2 cases of it. And if I remember correctly, that couple had just returned from overseas somewhere.
Last week a Newsletter came home from Nicole's school talking about their 'Influenza Pandemic Action Plan'. And there's a big poster up on the notice board in the office at work describing what would happen in the event of a Pandemic.
All this information about this supposed Pandemic has gotten me thinking. Is this a reality? Or just mass hysteria on the part of the Government? Should I seriously be worried about this? If there was a world outbreak of this, is it even likely to effect New Zealand? After all New Zealand is pretty isolated from the rest of the world... I know when there was that SARS outbreak a few years ago, we had approximately 2 cases of it. And if I remember correctly, that couple had just returned from overseas somewhere.
posted by eMMa at 12:09 PM
2 Comments:
I'd rather not!
Here in the U.S., they aren't really going at it like in your country, re: the "pandemic precautions" and stuff. That's not to say they haven't discussed it. But that's as far as its gone so far.
As far as only 2 cases of SARS... um...I believe only 2 would be more than enough if the strain is a virulent as they fear.
Having said that, it DOES sound like things are a little hyped where you are. Hysteria serves no purpose.
Hope all continues to go well for you!
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