Dealing with Ebola and Other Public Health Scares

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Throughout the last century, thanks to the ingenuity of doctors and scientists, we've seen a huge increase in the amount of cures, treatments and vaccines for deadly diseases. But, as this most recent, terrifying outbreak of the Ebola virus has shown, we've still got a ways to go.

Pandemics and epidemics still have the potential to level entire communities, but unlike 100 years ago, this devastation now plays out under the watchful gaze of the 24-hour media circus. This detail is impossible to avoid, and frightening to watch.

So, with that being said, here are some questions:

• How bad are things on a global scale?
  
• Is the terror we see on television or read about online an accurate portrayal of current viral happenings? Or, has this incessant, and often inaccurate, media coverage of epidemics like Ebola made us too afraid?
  
• Where can we go for timely and accurate information for health crises such as this?
  
• As medical professionals, do we do an adequate and realistic job informing people of their risk levels, and how they can modify their behavior to limit the risk of exposure to infectious diseases?
  

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

Where can we go for timely and accurate information for health crises such as this?

You can sign up for HAN alerts on the CDC's website to get u-to-date info via text or email. Health Alert Network (HAN)|CDC

As medical professionals, do we do an adequate and realistic job informing people of their risk levels, and how they can modify their behavior to limit the risk of exposure to infectious diseases?

Not always. If we spent more time educating our patients & empowering them to make health decisions, healthcare costs would go down.