Are we prepared for a global pandemic?

[MassED, BSN, RN]

I know we're not.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/08/health/u-s-pandemic-unprepared/index.html?hpt=he_c2

[MassED, BSN, RN]

It seems the virus in the midwest has brought this topic to light.

Virus hitting U.S. may be 'tip of iceberg' - CNN.com

[middleagednurse]

What kills me is I mentioned this enterovirus to my PD patient's other nurse, and mother, and neither had heard of it. Do people live in caves devoid of all media? How can you look out for something is you know nothing about it?

[MassED, BSN, RN]

I'm surrounded by nurses I work with who are blissfully unaware too. It frustrates me to no end.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Are we ever?

[MassED, BSN, RN]

Are we ever?

Are we ever blissfully unaware?

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

How can we prepare? I think people are 'doomsday' weary, after the Y2K scare, the swine flu, SARS, bird flu (that never materialized) etc. etc. that turned out to be not such a big deal, people are growing complacent. I think that cities are doing their level best to prepare (I know Houston has lots of drills and programs trying to prepare) and I think in general, we are better prepared for pandemic than ever before in history, but people would do good to prepare in their homes by stock piling food, water, medications and supplies, so in the event of a true catastrophe, they'll be prepared to wait it out at home.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

I agree

[MassED, BSN, RN]

Boy how this discussion is even more relevant today, just two weeks later....