It is only a matter of time before the next influenza pandemic strikes our globalization. Every few decades a super flu mutates and evolves spreading so fast, ending lives before they are aware they have contracted the deadly virus. The ease of global transportation puts our entire culture at risk for a pandemic. Furthermore, federal, state, and local governments are not prepared for the high stakes of the lethal attack. When the pandemic hits, the only option we will have is to shut down our society in order to save lives.
The viruses quick mutation, airborne qualities and short incubation period heightens the difficulties in containing the disease. Furthermore, animals are able to hold the virus in unknown reservoirs without falling ill.
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Money has been spent on drills for what we will do when the pandemic strikes and we have learned that no one understands who is in charge, is it the federal government, state, local? WHO recommends to shut down air travel, public transportation and schools. After 9/11 the government shutdown airports postponing the flu season by two weeks. Canada and China put a stop to the SARS outbreak by shutting down their society, but their economy to a large dip. Will we go into quarantine and shut down schools, the government, can offices telecommute? What are the steps to take this action, do we have a protocol (De,Noon, 2004)? Do we have enough masks, what type of masks do we need? How will the medical community assist with containing the flu, especially with a nursing shortage in forty states. Many individuals becoming sick will want medication and a vaccine of two doses, that takes six months to manufacture (DeNoon, 2004). Will medical community be able to handle the infection and take care of their own health? Are business owners prepared with how they will run their company when the flu strikes will they be able to ride out the pandemic economically? Community leaders have many questions to address in order to prepare our society for the