Lack of working vaccines

There is no working vaccine against bird flu viruses, including the most dangerous H5N1 strain.

Even if a vaccine could be made, there is no way to tell if it would work against a mutation that could cause a pandemic. It may work perfectly, only mildly, or be completely useless.

What’s worse, in the case of human flu vaccines, the production process takes months. Bird flu vaccines can’t be made much faster.

Inadequate medical control in certain countries

In the present situation we have only one chance to stop a pandemic flu -- we must learn about it quickly and contain it before it goes worldwide. The problem is that the high risk countries in Southeast Asia haven’t achieved the level of medical control needed to quickly spot the threat of a pandemic.

Scant antiviral drugs production

If a pandemic influenza were to strike, we would need millions of antiviral drug treatments. If we fail to contain the virus and it hits urban regions of Europe and North America, we’ll need tens of millions of treatments. We don’t have that many treatments available and we won’t have them in the near future, particularly since some of the drugs available now may no longer work against a mutated bird flu virus.

What can we do?

It’s not time to panic yet, but there are certain supplies you’ll want on hand in case authorities require us to stay home for a few days. Check this list of items you might want to have on hand while waiting out a pandemic:

• Food and water: Have up to a week’s supply of canned or dried food and water on hand. Don’t forget a manual can opener! Grocery stores may run out of goods or not even be open.
• Medications and first aid supplies: Stock a first aid kit and, if necessary, a supply of your regular medications.
• Blankets: If the power goes out, you’ll need something to keep warm.
• Phone: If the power goes out, you won’t be able to recharge your cell or cordless phone. Only a standard wired phone will be useful.
• Battery-powered radio and flashlight: Stock up on extra batteries.
• Diapers: Don't forget creams, wipes, and formula or other baby food.
• Face and nose protection: Surgical masks are effective, or the kind sold in home and garden stores for working around insulation.
• Trash bags and ties: Not only is old trash unpleasant, it attracts animals and could foster more disease.
• Pet supplies: Pets will need food and water too.

Further steps include making sure you teach your children good health practices and follow the same yourself:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially before eating.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, if possible. If not, use your hand or, preferably, the crook of your arm as not to spread the virus by touching things.
• Stay away from others who might be sick.
• Stay home from school or work if sick to prevent passing it along to someone else.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all families create an emergency plan. That would include medical histories, Social Security Numbers, and contact information, and making sure you know who to contact in emergency situations.

See also

• What you need to know
• The latest news
• What vaccines are available
• Government preparation