Your Health Matters
June Tavenor Brake, BN RN
In preparation for an upcoming conference, I listened to a presentation by a coworker on the readiness of the health care system for the next pandemic. Even though I work in health care, I found the information surprising.
A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic, meaning a disease causing large numbers of illnesses and deaths. The last big pandemic was the Spanish flu in 1918, killing over 40 million people worldwide, including more than 50,000 Canadians. The more recent memory for Canadians of a threatened pandemic was SARS, which killed 44 Canadians when it hit Toronto during the spring and summer of 2003.
The projected attack rate, or number of people expected to be affected by the next influenza type pandemic is 35%. Keep in mind that this number includes health care workers. That means that the country anticipates 1/3 of the population becoming ill. In Ontario, for example, the government expects 52,000 of these people will need hospitalization.
What does Health Canada have prepared?
There would be many implications for Canadians during a pandemic. On their website, the government of Canada mentions such things as the closure of schools and public gatherings.
The Ontario Plan for an Influenza Pandemic outlines in great detail how the government plans to rearrange health services. Most of this information includes guidelines for the health care system and the workers in regards to how to deal with the increased demands brought on by a pandemic. We are already much too aware that resources for health care are very tight, and the threat of a pandemic means these resources will be spread even more thin. For example, the way resources are allocated will be altered and care would be planned based on the greatest good for the greatest number.
This reallocation will sometimes mean that decisions will be based on how well a person will do if they receive the treatment, and those who may not recover may not get the treatment. Non-emergency procedures, such as hip replacements and “elective” cardiac surgery, will be put on hold as Intensive Care Units will be needed for the very sick pandemic patients. Outpatient clinics will most likely be closed so the staff can be available to help manage the pandemic patients.
What do people need to know?
Specific information to a particular pandemic would be available at the time of an outbreak. However, some things to keep in mind would be first of all to recognize the signs and symptoms of the pandemic illness. For example, if an outbreak of avian flu were to hit Canada, it would be helpful to know that the symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, eye infections and muscle aches. If you experience these and you live in an area where telephone health information services such as Telehealth are available, call them. Otherwise, phone your doctor to find out if he or she is seeing patients. If you do not feel well enough to wait, go to an emergency department. Keep in mind that in a time of a pandemic, the way you access an emergency department will have changed. Be aware there may be a separate entrance for you.
As always, the best way to keep well is prevention. Some strategies you can use include getting the flu shot, washing your hands, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and staying at home if you are sick. Avoid crowds and keep travel to essential only. Be aware of others. Make sure arrangements are made for loved ones, such as elderly and disabled family members, and ensure they have all necessary supplies if they were forced to be isolated.
A pandemic is inevitable. They occur when a new virus emerges and spreads easily from person to person. The World Health Organization (WHO) says influenza pandemics can be expected 3 or 4 times every century. The most important thing for Canadians to do is not panic and be aware of what precautions need to be taken. Cooperate with medical professionals, especially if you have a loved one in hospital, and listen for any ways in which you can help in the hospital and the community.
References & For More Information:
I would like to give a special mention to my coworker, Mark Joithe, RN for all his help with this article.
June is always ready to discuss health care in Canada in the Edwards Forums.
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