Bird Flu pandemic and you.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2006

I doubt that knowing we had on-the-job exposure would be that easy to assume. If it's a pandemic, it's everywhere, right?

So wear your N-95 and pray a lot.

SkateBetty · Jul 31, 2006

We could probably anticipate a lot by looking at how health care professionals behaved during the early years of AIDS. I have to admit my job, though important to me, is nothing compared to the value of my children, whom I would do everything to protect. I have to admit I am unsure of what I would do in that situation. Already I wonder what I'm bringing home on my uniform each morning, and it scares the bejeezus out of me.

LoraLou · Jul 31, 2006

i agree with angie, if its pandemic i could just as easily pick it up anywhere on the streets, unless you totally quarantine yourself theres no way of knowing where you picked it up...from a neighbor or at work. So I would continue to go to work and take it as it goes.

However having said that I am single and have no children (unless you count my cats) if I had a family that i had to worry about it might make me feel differently, but in that situation i think i might be a little more prepared such as stocking up with food etc.

begalli · Jul 31, 2006

If it's a pandemic, it's everywhere, right?

Exactly, and maybe a hospital would be a safer place to be because of the protective wear available and the awareness?

I don't have any N-95's at home.

Corvette Guy · Aug 2, 2006

If pandemic bird-flu were to kick off tomorrow...and you knew the healthcare 'system' were on the verge of being crammed with bird-flu sufferers...treated by 'us'...and you knew that by doing so you stood a 99% chance of exposure...and a 30% chance (or greater?) of death...(fyi current vaccines are still experimental...and years before a vaccine could be distributed to us...and may then still be innefective...)..and other gloom-and-doom stuff...
Would you continue to go to work and care for these people? Risk exposing your families/children? Do you believe we'd be seeing nurses staying home 'en mass'?

The avian influenza possibility was briefly discussed during my critical care nursing course at Madigan Army Medical Center [graduate this Thursday!]. However, I guess I can't really elaborate to your concerns since my nursing duties / attendance is mandatory. Of course, I'm very concerned about hazards I may come in contact with both foreign & domestic ... if you get my drift. I would venture to guess that if need be in such a crisis like you mention that many a reserve Soldier nurse would get mobilized to active duty to provide nursing care at Army Medical Centers & Army Community Hospitals. BTW, civilian nurses also work at Army MTFs [Medical Treatment Facilities].