Bird Flu: Will civil society break down?

[Conversationist]

They say that a Bird Flu Pandemic is likely. Maybe 1-5-10 years from now, who knows.

If the Flu really spreads I suspect the (somewhat) civil society we live in will break down- fast.

Here is my prediction:

The financial markets will crash. Banks will close and people will panic over their money. Stock markets will either close or crash.

People will do almost anything to get the drugs necessary. There will be riots as people attempt to get to hospitals.

Only the rich and elite will be able to get medical care with millions needing care.

Retail will crash as no one will want to leave their house to shop.

No one will send their kids to school
===========================

I believe that civil society is based on people expecting life will be good tomorrow. If things turn bad, society will unravel. Your thoughts?

 

[Chicago526]

If (and that's a big IF) the bird flu is as bad as the great influenza outbreak of 1918-19, then I think much of what you say would be true. But recent studies shows that the 1918-19 flu strain was about 100x more deadly than anything around today. While the bird flu could be bad, I don't think it will reach the epic porportions of 100 years ago.

 

[Disneyrsh]

Wow, who peed in your Wheaties this morning?

Shut off your computer, take a walk in the beautiful fall air, and enjoy the day. What will happen, will happen.

Such a thread doesn't belong on the disboards...

 

[C.Ann]

The largest numbers of deaths will be from people who simply can't afford medical care and/or medications.. Even without a pandemic, I see that coming in the not so distant future..

 

[JimB.]

Uh, no......................

And hey, thanks for the happy thoughts this morning.......

P.S. Wanna' know one of the BEST & EASIEST ways to prevent disease transmission??

WASH YOUR FREAKIN' HANDS !!!!!!!!

Not too mention that IF a flu epidemic happens, it will most likely run it's course in less than a year.

 

[Conversationist]

CNN, MBNBC, FOXNEWS, etc, will have a field day when it (BIRD FLU) comes and will get everyone worked up. The fear will cause more problems than the illness.

(This is a good question for the DISBOARD. People here like to talk about current events and have interesting things to say)

 

[eclectics]

Mass panic didn't occur in 1918 and I doubt it will happen if and when this current pandemic strikes. As usual the poor and the elderly will be hit hard but I don't believe what you describe will happen.

 

[GEM]

Mass panic didn't occur in 1918 and I doubt it will happen if and when this current pandemic strikes.

That's because in 1918 they didn't have the internet, 24 hour news channels, etc. to fuel a real nation-wide panic.

 

[luvwinnie]

Unfortunately, I think it is Possible.

 

[Trish Bessette]

I agree, I think it is very possible this will happen.

 

[eclectics]

That's because in 1918 they didn't have the internet, 24 hour news channels, etc. to fuel a real nation-wide panic.

Excellent point, however none of that existed during the Black Plague either and from all accounts written, there was quite a bit of mass panic that nearly brought Europe to it's knees.

 

[damo]

The media can make a mountain out of a molehill in these situations. If you look at the picture they painted of Toronto during SARS, you would have thought that the city was in a horrific state where actually, it was nothing of the sort. Then, just recently, there was a case of legionaires in a nursing home and about 25 people died. It made international news trying to build up the negative view of the Toronto area again.

 

[Frantasmic]

It will likely spread from the coasts, from the top to the bottom of the US or vice versa, or from the center outward, depending on the first place of contact (how it gets here in other words). So, we would hopefully have a plan in place where containment, if necessary, is available and we can hopefully nip it before it becomes a national pandemic. It is doubtful that we can, but we might.

My point is that we had a similar type instance with SARS recently and the most impacts were medical and discussions of transportation prohibitions.

Whether further impacts on society occur depends on how it spreads in the US, IMO. If it starts in the East coast, you will more likely have economic impact since that is where the economic center of the nation lies.

If it starts because an infected person flew to Denver, the dire impacts you suggest may not occur because it can be contained more easily and not as threatening as a different outbreak would be.

 

[luvwinnie]

interesting article

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9827680/site/newsweek/

 

[grinningghost]

It's been a slow news period, they're taking bird flu and running with it. If terrorists bomb a major landmark, you won't hear a darned thing about bird flu for a LONG time.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I think alot of the info out there is hype - hope so!

If not, I think much of what you posted is possible...I think much depends on our gov'ts ability to handle the situation - and based on what we have seen recently....not putting much faith there.....I too hope that as one poster already alluded to, that it attenuates as it spreads and runs it course quickly - not a medical professional, but I believe that is a possibilty with a "flu".

luvwinnie: wow! that Tamiflu story is frightening! Let's hope that the purchase and self administration does not catch on!

 

[Free4Life11]

I hope it's hype as well!

But to be on the safe side I bought an emergency first aid kid as well as a package of Nexcare face masks. I am going to get some bottled water and other nonperishables in case I am stuck inside for a while.

If it does hit and it's bad, I'd consider weaing gloves and a face mask, washing hands constantly, and even avoiding public places.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Wow, who peed in your Wheaties this morning?

Shut off your computer, take a walk in the beautiful fall air, and enjoy the day. What will happen, will happen.

Such a thread doesn't belong on the disboards...

I tottally agree.

Someone needs to get out more.

 

[luvwinnie]

I don't get why some think this doesn't belong on the Board. This is a current topic and could be very important IF it does happen.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I don't get why some think this doesn't belong on the Board. This is a current topic and could be very important IF it does happen.

The OP is proposing mass hestera and the end of the whole. Give me a break.

Flu's and illness have come and gone. It will continue to do so.

Anyone talking about mad cow lately?

Personally I don't think feeding mass hesteria is a good thing and doesn't belong on the boards.

But then again if "life as we know it ends" because of this thing the lines at WDW will be shorter and I still get to go because we own DVC!