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Learn the grim reality of pandemics like the 1918 Influenza and why you must act now. Understand the deadly consequences of not being prepared, the risks of cytokine storms, and how to ensure your survival in the face of a global health crisis. Discover why a solid plan is crucial in safeguarding your well-being and that of your loved ones.
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Human history has been marked by well-known disasters of unbelievable proportions.
1918 Pandemic Influenza • Killed more than WWI • Ended the war • Killed up to 20% of those infected (2.5% in the US) • Compared to 0.1% for seasonal flu • No History Lesson Today
Bird Flu • Not that again… • New warning every year…
Why you should care • 1918-like pan flu like will kill at least 60 million people • Hardest hit will be college-aged people • US/Whitman has no real plan • It WILL happen • You need a plan
Your Age is the Worst • Most sickness kills the old and the very young • Pandemic Influenza kills the healthiest and strongest people • Currently bird flu kills 50% of infected…all young and healthy
Cytokine Storm • Immune System fights infection, healthier=stronger • Pan Flu: response is too strong • Shred lung tissue • Burst alveoli (sacs to get O2) • Lungs fill with blood and other fluids • Cannot inhale or acquire oxygen • Turn blue, pass out • Drown in your own fluids • The healthier you are, the worse
US Cannot be Prepared • We run emergency rooms at capacity today, we have no surge capacity • One way to survive cytokine storm • Ventilator • 100,000 ventilators in the US • At least 5% will need them • Enough for 0.6% of those who need them • No ventilator? • Death • Lasting neurological disorders
No Infrastructure • Interstate travel will be shut down (DOH plan) • Ports will be shut down • That means: • No food delivery • 1.5 day stock at stores • No imports • No flights • Crashing economy
Absenteeism • Up to 50% of people will not go to work due to sickness, care or fear • No electricity • No water • No internet • No phone • No medical staff • No clean laundry • No infectious material disposal
No Drugs to Help • Antiviral have minimal, if any, effect • Bird flu already shows resistance • Pan flus evolve resistance very fast • Even if they work, there will be enough for 10%, tops • We’re in essentially the same position as 1918
Time • Contagious for 3-5 days before symptoms • Modern travel means it will spread fast • Most likely port of entry? • Sea-Tac, LA or Vancouver (Near us)
Whitman’s Plan? • Right now? • Limit liability • Send students home • Lessons from 1918: travel=worst option • Does that help you? • How will you get home? • Where will you go? • What will you do?
You Need a Plan • Doesn’t need to be complicated • Get somewhere safe fast • Isolation • The ONLY method proved effective in 1918 • Have a supply of food and water
Little to no disagreement in the medical community • Comes in regular intervals, we’re overdue for 1918-style • We’re more vulnerable than ever • World is unprepared, you can’t expect help from anyone • You need a simple get-safe plan