US hospital heads say bird flu plans unaffordable
Reuters
April 18, 2006

Although local officals and hospitals are being asked to get ready for a bird flu pandemic, top executives from hospitals say they cannot do everything asked. At least one expert believes that the federal government's involvement is necessary.

The H5N1 virus is spreading faster in birds and is now in at least 20 new countries. So far 194 patients have been confirmed to have had H5N1 and 109 have died.

We are not prepared: there are too few drugs, supplies, and equipment to deal with a pandemic. In contrast to some experts, the Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services says that people need to prepare individually and locally. Quick help from the federal government cannot be counted on.
Reality is that the response to a pandemic will be basic medical care: triage. Those patients that cannot be easily helped will be kept comfortable while allowed to die. Patients who recieve more care will be those who have a better chance of surviving.