Not sure about you, but I’ve been a little bit on edge recently with all the announcements of swine flu and media sound bites using outbreak, epidemic, and pandemic. Over the last few days there has been a wide range of news coverage of the Swine flu outbreak. Responsible coverage has provided factual information regarding what is influenza and has distinguished between pandemic and seasonal (non-pandemic) flu. I would also consider part of responsible journalism to include a discussion on why in 2009 the United States and the global community is better prepared to cope with an influenza pandemic than at any time in modern history. This includes wide availability of antibiotics that are used to treat secondary infections caused by the flu virus. What can be deemed as less-responsible journalism, has unnecessarily stoked fears of a Stephen King, “The Stand”, super bug, without a scientific review of facts and safeguards in place to avoid such a scenario.
The CDC has a Q&A regarding flu. For example did you know that it is estimated that over 36,000 Americas die each year from seasonal (non-pandemic) flu? However, it is acknowledge these statistics are somewhat inaccurate and possibly under reported for several reasons: a) it is not required to be documented for persons older than 18 years of age, b) the life of the virus is short, thus detection of the virus of a primary cause of illness is not always possible, and c) many persons who many die from flu like symptoms or secondary complications are never tested for the virus.
A scientific peer reviewed article by Peter Doshi (May, 2008) in the American Journal of Public Health provides a critical review of mortality related deaths due to pandemic and non-pandemic influenza since 1900. The article provides an assessment of the topic and concludes with a section entitled “Explaining the Gap Between Evidence and fear.” Due to copy write restrictions I am prohibited from posting excerpts from the article. However it is available through Medline or other online full text journal portals at your local library for individual use.
What we have seen in recent days is an alarm over a possible pandemic. But let us not forget that due to advances in health care infrastructure and modern medicine we are better equipped to handle such responses to ensure that the public is well protected. While there are still many gaps in our public health infrastructure, lets us also be confident and not cause undue panic before we have all the appropriate facts and evidence. Precaution is good. Wash your hands frequently, especially when in public places. If prone to upper respiratory infections, especially the young or elderly, consult a doctor if you may have symptoms of the flu.
In closing, an area that is of great need is strengthening our public health infrastructure in the United States to include the uninsured. In the United States, it is estimated in a recent institute of medicine (IOM) report on the uninsured that over 45 persons are without insurance. Thus for any minor or potentially significant health aliment these persons will most likely seek care and treatment at the local emergency room. In times when a flu pandemic is feared, the weaknesses of our public health infrastructure are most exposed. This will surely translate into unnecessary costs associated with inappropriate care and treatment at emergency rooms that could have been better served in a community health clinic.
