Pandemic plan

[nrj]

In the "Disaster plans" thread, it was mostly based upon travelling to the forest and such. But in the case if the bird flu would let loose or something, how do we do then to survive and still not get the flu yourself?

[Mezurashi]

The usual response to this from typical 'survivalists' is complete environmental isolation. Thus the anti-radioactive fallout preparations they've made can still be relevant against alternate catastrophe's.

Once enough people have cacked the remnants will be those whose immune systems didn't cave in - but unlike colds and flus of the past the H5N1 strain might mutate into what they call a 'persistent strain' which means it is always present after infection. So any survivalists who crack the seals on their bomb shelters might just be doomed anyways, unless they're immune.

And, finally, the point has been made in personal discussions that maybe a good, widespread pandemic is just what the world needs to refocus our collective attention back onto what we can do to help ourselves instead of what we can do to inconvenience others. What with all the talk of population control and such, maybe what the world needs is for North America to be devastated so that the NWO can reestablish themselves on the ruins of, say, Chicago.

And maybe H5N1 will prefer Politicians over all the rest -- one can only hope...

[MacRasta]

Exotic fruit only remedy?

A rare herb grown in China used to flavor duck dishes and treat infants for colic is at the center of a worldwide search for a cure for avian flu.

Star anise, the unusual fruit of a small oriental tree, is sold in supermarkets in the UK to consumers seeking its pungent, licorice-like flavor

But the herb has a vital function as the source of shikimic acid from which the drug Tamiflu is made, the only defense the world currently has against the threatened flu pandemic.

Tamiflu cannot prevent infection with avian flu but it can reduce its severity. In the absence of an effective vaccine - which has not yet been developed - it is all that stands between the world and what could become a modern plague.

Interesting article with a nice example of greed from the pharmaceutical Industry...

Lucky for me I can buy this at a local store

MacStarlight

[Mezurashi]

Nice reference MacRasta -- it reminds me of when the North American PharmaCorps tried to get Echinacea deemed a 'controlled substance' while still maintaining it had No Positive Effects on Human Immune systems. Thus the argument flowed forth, if it doesn't work, why are the PharmaCorp's trying to get it 'banned'?

Star Anise, hmm, I use it as a spice for various dishes, like roast chicken with grilled asparagus (yummy but it makes your pee smell funny, the asparagus I mean). I also add whole Star Anise to my Chai mix when I'm brewing it, I prefer its flavour to Fennel (which is good but Star Anise is better).

Makes me wonder if the metropolitan Chinatowns will become the Black Market to get ahold of these so called 'miracle herbs' once the PharmaCorp's have their way.

[lotrfan55345]

I just got my flu shot today, since I'm a "high priority" person. My lungs are messed up or something.

I bet it won't work.

[Wednesday]

In the "Disaster plans" thread, it was mostly based upon travelling to the forest and such. But in the case if the bird flu would let loose or something, how do we do then to survive and still not get the flu yourself?

My preparations are really more about being ready for disruptions in the infrastructure. If the trucks don't bring bread up the mountain for a few weeks, I've got some flour and can make my own.

I think the Tamiflu suggestion is worth following up on, anything that strengthens the immune system like exercise and healthy living is a good idea too. Quit smoking, go for a long walk, everyone can do something to improve fitness.

There is no way you can be ready for every possible scenario, but certain preparations will serve you in many ways.

Even now, at times we decide to splurge on something not in the budget, we can go ahead and do it sometimes. I know I can always cut my grocery bill in half next trip and eat from my stockpile. I try to stick with things that serve me now in the present too. Its just common sense.

Immunizations and a small stockpile of flu meds sounds like something I can handle easily. Since its simple, it will get done.

I don't expect to live forever, but I do like to stack the odds for survival in my favor.

[Eogz]

Thanks AO, I have been reading all about Avian Flu (HN51) strain through this site for months.

For the last few weeks the British press has gotten on the band wagon and we have been informed about it as a nation.

Britain has promised 2 courses of Tamiflu for all residents and a course of Vaccine (doesn't exist at the moment of course) for every resident in the event of a pandemic.

Obviuosly you will all consider that a vaccine can only be prepared when the human to human mutation occurs and will take months to manufacture.

Rosch who make Tamiflu refuse to licence out its product and are currently making millions seeling it's symptom reducing drug to scared goverments, but only if they can afford it!

Greed yet again mey kill millions, and again not necessarily us prosperous westerners.

We are all getting messages of don't painc in this country, because in Asia where the flu has been since 2001 only 60 people have died, however as a free thinking person, isn't Asia one of the most notoriously difficult continents to get straight answers from, we only have a fugure based on their reported cases......

It beggars belief, we are being fed platitudes from goverments that are ill prepared for this event, and who expect us to put our faith into science, worked well in New Orleans didn't it!

Oh well, we are quite isolated here, one of our neighbours has a small chicken farm, I like to walk past it daily. So far the birds are healthy, noisy and vibrant, as soon as they aren't however I'm just gonna hope my smokers lungs will handle the onslaught of super flu....

maybe not this year they say, but it is coming and it will happen...

However on a happy note, my son has found out that the goverment plan to close school's in the event of a pandemic, he is crossing his fingers and hoping.....