Swine flu raises fear of pandemic - Adults and Children

Nurses COVID

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Have you ever read the story 'The Boy Who Cried Wold'? It's from Aesops Fables. The media reminds me of that boy. When a real threat does come along, no one will pay attention because they've sounded a false alarm so many times just to get attention.
Yes, I have... always been fan of Aesop's fables.

I have to admit that my only media input on this has been from NPR and a couple of AP stories (I never watch TV) but the ones that I've read or heard were very matter-of-fact and balanced... stirring up hysteria at all. On NPR this morning they went out of their way to explain the terms 'pandemic' and 'epidemic' and pointed out that we are a long, long way from either of those. At the same time, however, we must still recognize the possibility that it could come.

What I'd hope would come out of this is an increased awareness of the need for preparedness, both individual and institutional, as well as increasing knowledge of and compliance with standard infection control measures.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.
There is some indication that the World Health Organization (WHO) will raise the Pandemic Threat Level today. I would urge everyone to consider whether or not you will work during a pandemic.

See this thread: https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/will-you-work-258506.html

About a year and a half ago I came down with the flu (positive nasal swab) and was only given one day off of working the ER. I had to come into work with a 103 fever and could barely function & was told I would be fired if I took any more sick time for the flu. Patients complained about having a sick nurse taking care of them; yet, management refused to budge. After about a week, management, some staff and most of the docs were coming into work with the flu, many expecting me to cover them while they sat with blankets around them, moaning about their discomfort.

Imagine the number of patients that were needlessly infected because of an insensitive hospital policy.

So, after this, I would have to say I would not work during a pandemic unless I had immunity and could not spread it onto others.

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Specializes in student; help!.

Guys, a hazmat suit won't do it. You need a nice, spacious cave if you're going to ride this out. And a flamethrower. Gotta have fire.

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Just posting a link to the Journal Watch posting for medical professionals today:

http://general-medicine.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2009/427/1

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Yes, I have... always been fan of Aesop's fables.

I have to admit that my only media input on this has been from NPR and a couple of AP stories (I never watch TV) but the ones that I've read or heard were very matter-of-fact and balanced... stirring up hysteria at all. On NPR this morning they went out of their way to explain the terms 'pandemic' and 'epidemic' and pointed out that we are a long, long way from either of those. At the same time, however, we must still recognize the possibility that it could come.

What I'd hope would come out of this is an increased awareness of the need for preparedness, both individual and institutional, as well as increasing knowledge of and compliance with standard infection control measures.

Actually WHO has us at Phase 3, and is considering declaring a Phase 4, which means it could be the beginning of a pandemic since this virus is transmissable human-to-human. This doesn't mean that the world is coming to an end. It means that globally we have to take a good look at this unexpected outbreak and decide how to preventit from becoming worse.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I thought we were definitely in endtimes.... I heard it on the radio the other day. The fellow said all the signs were here.

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Flu: how the latest strain spread around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2009/apr/26/swine-flu-outbreak-mexico-pandemic

I like interactive tools like this timeline. If you click on the dates below the picture of the children, a map will appear with confirmed and suspect cases. I have heard of some suspected cases that are not listed here yet, but this is fairly accurate. I hope that they continue to keep it current.

Great little map you found there, Thanks.

I work in infection control in my psych hospital. My phone rings a lot.

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Well, at least it isn't avian flu with its 60%ish mortality rate.......all the same, I'm getting a bit nervous.

We had a rash of yucky respiratory illness about a month ago where our local hospital was jammed to the rafters with people who had pneumonia because of it. We're about 250 miles from the Mexican border. It sure acted like the flu with fever, cough, etc. My family had it, though not bad, and we'd all had flu shots. Wonder if it had any relationship to the current virus in Mexico, like if it was one of the strains in the current virus? Just curious.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
...which means it could be the beginning of a pandemic
yes, it could be. or, it could not be. the prudent thing to do at this point is to be prepared. that's what who, cdc, and dhs are doing.

the point is, it is not a pandemic at this point - despite what i've heard from a few people who really should know better.

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

They just announced on CNN that Mexico City has experienced an earthquake (not sure how bad yet). I mean, what's next for these poor folks? Locusts?

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
You need a nice, spacious cave if you're going to ride this out. And a flamethrower. Gotta have fire.
How 'bout a can of WD-40 and a Bic, will that do?
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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

2 new cases in Scotland, and the earthquake in Mexico is a 6.0. There's also a potential outbreak in South Carolina -- students returning from spring break....

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