The
government is telling us the ebola threat isn't something to worry
about. The more conspiracy minded, believe that the government is
purposely spreading disinformation to keep us from panicking.
Whatever the reality is, I think we need to be informed in order to
best protect ourselves. Part of self reliance is of course to weigh
in on various sources on a given subject and through critical
thinking decide the best course of action for ourselves. So it is
with this in mind, that I write this article.
A
great place to begin your study about Ebola would be the book “The
Hot Zone” by Richard Preston. It is a fast paced fascinating book
which reads like an action novel. You'll read about it's origins,
it's earliest victims and the aftermath of the first wave of this
epidemic. This book will give you a thorough grounding in the early
history of Ebola. Some of which contradicts some of the current
information being put out by the media.
Here's
the wiki on it:
Here's
a very informative interview:
The
authorities initially informed us, the likelihood of it reaching us
was unlikely. Yet, at the time of this writing, there is a confirmed
patient in Dallas, Texas and a possible patient in Washington D.C.
They are also telling us that if we had an outbreak locally, they
could contain it. Though they had to put armed guards to keep the
family of the Dallas patient under quarantine after they tried to
escape. We are also aware of various cases being caught in various
airports around the world. We are being told it isn't airborne and
not likely to become so. Yet American health workers in Africa,
despite being trained and equipped to handle such emergencies still
contracted this disease. We are told Ebola has been so bad in Africa
because of the widespread poverty. The poverty has lead to poor
sanitary conditions, lack of quality food and poor health care
resources. I wonder if this wouldn't be an incentive for the
infected, to try to make their way to the U.S. To possibly save their
lives from this known killer. Specially with the lack of control we
are currently experiencing at our borders. Many real causes for
concern are seemingly being ignored. Could this possibly be for our
own good?
People
have survived. My observation of the numbers seem to have about a 50
percent mortality rate. Factors which improve the odds so far seem
to be early treatment and having a good immune system. The people
which are surviving are the ones who's immune systems are strong
enough to fight off the virus. Still a couple of therapies including
IV hydration and oxygen have shown to be beneficial. Also in use,
are blood transfusions from survivors into patients with the same
blood type. An experimental drug has been used but the authorities
still aren't sure if it worked or if the patients would have survived
anyway. Lots of stuff seems to be in the works, but nothing readily
available yet. It seems to me that a good start in any pandemic
preparedness effort would be to make sure your immune system is
working optimally. This can be as simple as improving our diet and
making sure we are properly hydrated. The authorities are telling us
to wash our hands often and this is probably good advice.
While
I like to consider myself an apocaloptimist I still believe we should
prepare for the possibility of having to self quarantine. Having
food, water and medical supplies to carry us for some time is a very
good form of insurance should this become a reality. For the time
being, I don't believe we'll need to resort to this. I am concerned,
however that every time I look at the news, I see something that
makes me wonder about the competence of those in charge of protecting
us. Below are three examples:
I
guess that my whole point is that if like the cliché says we
“prepare for the worst and hope for the best” we'll all be a
little better off. Lets keep our eyes and ears open. Put that
information through the filter of common sense and wisdom and do what
we can to protect our selves, our families and our communities.
Don't let the panickers make you paranoid and don't let the nay
sayers make you complacent.
Until
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