# 3502
Today, at least in the northern hemisphere, the burden of this pandemic remains relatively light. There are concerns, however, that come this fall that situation could change.
Thus far we’ve seen hundreds of thousands (likely millions) of mostly mild and moderate infections, and a few hundred deaths attributed to the virus.
While no one can predict the eventual impact of this pandemic (and that is likely to vary widely around the world), there are legitimate concerns that come this fall and winter, we could see a very rough flu season.
How rough?
I wish I knew. While the death rate from this virus appears relatively low, that could change over time. And there are other potentially serious impacts beyond a high death toll.
A high morbidity – low mortality pandemic, one that makes a lot of people sick but kills relatively few, could still have serious impacts on our economy, our society, and our infrastructure.
There are people whom I respect who believe this virus will come back in a deadlier form this fall or winter. I’m less certain that will happen, but certainly accept the possibility.
And since that possibility exists, I believe we should all be preparing to deal with it. It needn’t be a certainty before we decide to act to protect our families, our businesses, our communities, and ourselves.
There are some who believe that it is unfair, or unethical, for those with greater financial means to prepare while others, with fewer resources, are unable to.
A noble idea, I suppose.
But the reality is that the more people who are prepared now, the fewer people that will need assistance later, if things turn ugly.
And by being prepared, you are in a better position to offer help to a friend, a neighbor, a relative, or your community.
Prepping is ethical. And it isn’t just me saying that.
In a blog I wrote last October which highlighted the John's Hopkins Study entitled Ethics and Severe Pandemic Influenza: Maintaining Essential Functions through a Fair and Considered Response, included the following snippet from the summary provided on the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics website.
. . . individuals and families who can afford it should do their best to prepare for any disaster. The paper notes, the more initiative the general public exercises in stockpiling several weeks' worth of food, water, paper goods, batteries medicines, and other needed supplies, the less vulnerable they will be to a break in the supply chain.
It is important for leaders to communicate to the middle class and the wealthy that it is their responsibility to prepare for self-sufficiency in order to free up scarce supplies and allow first responders to direct their attention towards those too poor or vulnerable to prepare themselves.
While this may not have been the main thrust of this paper's message, it is a powerful component. One that bloggers such as myself have been trying to promote for several years.
While our supply chains are intact, grocery store shelves are full and capable of being restocked, and no major shortages exist it is not hoarding, selfish, or unethical to be stockpiling a reasonable amount of emergency supplies for you, your family, and others you might be able to assist during a disaster.
During a crisis (and it needn’t be restricted to just a pandemic), relief agencies will have their hands full trying to help those who were unable to prepare, or who lost their preps due to the disaster.
By being prepared, you take some of the burden off these agencies. And by being prepared, you are in a better position to help others.
This fall you, and your family, could be asked to stay home for several weeks if anyone in your household comes down with the flu.
Are you prepared for that? Will your pantry feed your family for 2 or 3 weeks? Without running out to the store?
Do you already have the supplies you would need to deal with influenza in your home? Sick room supplies, over-the-counter medicines, even facemasks?
These items, and more, could be in very short supply and difficult to obtain this fall and winter. By acquiring them now, when supplies are ample, you will take some of the burden off the supply chain later in the year.
Every family that can be prepared, should be prepared.
One of the best resources on the Internet for information on sensible preparedness is the Readymoms Alliance. (Disclaimer: I am an `honorary’ Readymom, having helped them at an Orlando convention last year)
Comprised of volunteers, the Readymoms travel around the country to promote personal and community preparedness. You can read more about their exploits here, here, and here.
But visit their website for more information on how to prepare, and how to teach your neighbors as well.
Another great site with preparedness information is GetPandemicReady.Org (again, I am a minor contributor to this site). Here you will find dozens of easy-to-follow preparedness guides, all written by volunteers.
And of course, www.Ready.gov wants to you Make A Kit, Have A Plan, and Be Informed.
For more information on preparedness, you can go to any of these reputable sites.
FEMA http://www.fema.gov/index.shtm
AMERICAN RED CROSS http://www.redcross.org/
For Pandemic Preparedness Information: HHS Individual Planning Page
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