The subject of pandemic influenza came up at work today. It's one of those things that everyone paniced about for a few months a while back, then memories fade to the point where everyone's relaxed about the possibility of the total collapse of society that pandemic flu could bring.
Yet it's vital that we know what to do when it arrives. CPPE yet again do us in England proud by having decent education packs ready. There's an ominous note in that they have 3 packs - the first covers what to expect, the second describes how we can prepare and the third - well the third doesn't see the light of day until the disaster happens.
When pandemic flu arrives, it will cause me personally a number of concerns:
Firstly, as a pharmacist - the public panic could be directed towards us. We'll be seen as hoarding the magic tamiflu for ourself and our friends; and so you can expect riots at pharmacies - both community and hospital.
Secondly, should I be unlucky to contract avian influenza, I have two risk factors for being serious affected. Firstly I'm asthmatic, and so at risk of secondary bacterial infection during a year where there will be a massive waiting list for respirators.
Also I'm middle aged. Normally,influenza affects the young and the old on account of their weaker immune systems. Pandemic influenza is the reverse, the better your immune system, the worse you will be. Pandemic influenza, it is believed, will trigger what's known as a cytokine storm, similar to that experienced during the infamous clinical trial of TGN1412 in 2006. Essentially the immune system panics causing major collateral damage to organ systems - it will be the normally fit and healthy that end up the worst off.
Thirdly, the economic damage of a quarter of the population off ill and a large number off work looking after them, or looking after family members (all the schools and care centres being closed to prevent spread) will cause a worldwide recession with resulting social damage.
Sorry to be so grim on a Thursday night, but it's important to plan well for the furture. Get yourself the packs from CPPE (or make alternative arrangements if you live in other countries), but don't have nightmares.
4- 9-8
