Preparation plan for the area
It is your job to coordinate the day-to-day management of this crisis. What measures would you take to slow its spread?
KMZ writes: The measures I would take include putting a ban on uneccessary travel .
Chris Czaplicki writes: Create enhanced precautions for health care workers. If a patient displays with any signs or symptoms typical of the avian flu a travel history should be obtained. If they have a recent travel history of an area active in the avian flu the following should be done. The patient should be isolated from other patients until the disease is confirmed. Standard precautions should be followed as well as contact precautions, eye protection and airborne precautions. The patient should be kept in a negative pressure system.
Dan Szyprowski writes: Upon confirmation of the impending pandemic, all influenza vaccine should be inventoried. A list of people to receive the vaccine will be compiled based on priority. The list should start with medical personnel and infants over the age of six months in place of normal immunizations. Schools and non-essential businesses should be shut down for the duration of the pandemic, which could last from 6 to 8 weeks.
What changes would you propose for the general public?
KMZ writes: There is no uneccessary travel, promote hand washing and sterile techniques.
Chris Czaplicki writes: The public should avoid any travel to avian flu active areas. Take care of yourself best as possible with vitamins and rest to make you less susceptible to contraction.
Dan Szyprowski writes: The public should be told to report anyone with flu like symptoms to health offices and or the authorities. Knowing which group of people is infected would allow infected households to be quarantined.
How would you prevent panic and mass hysteria?
KMZ writes: There are prescriptions on mass hysteria as well as weapons that can prevent
it. There are also natural formulas that relieves panic and anxiety fast.
Chris Czaplicki writes: DO NOT DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY . Instead give hourly bulletins giving updates and instructions for the public. Panic is caused by ignorance, keep the public informed.
Dan Szyprowski writes: To prevent hysteria, people should be instructed to wear dust masks and be to cover their noses/ mouths when they cough/ sneeze. Washing of hands frequently should also be stressed. Also, reassurances from experts and government officials should be broadcast to let the public know that the situation is in hand. Unfortunately, there is not enough vaccine for everyone and there is no guarantee that it will be effective. The best it could do is to give those who receive it some hope.
Write a news bulletin detailing virus features and list of steps people should take.
Chris Czaplicki writes: The virus has a possibility of mutating to affect humans. Symptoms include coughing, fever, sore throat and muscle ache. If you display any of these symptoms contact your physician for tests and further instructions.