Note: I don't usually stoop to substituting my own writing with a press release, but today I will make an exception. This press statement was released yesterday, and hit the major wire services, and it invites people to visit a flu forum near and dear to my heart. I am proud of the work that the founders, SZ, Spoon, Bannor, and Fafhrd have done putting this site together, and am proud of my involvment.
Pandemic Planning Page Promotes Preparation, Not Panic
Flu movie dramatic, but core message should not be ignored
(PRWEB) May 10, 2006 -- The broadcast of ABC's Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America, underlines the need to prepare now, in a methodical manner, said Jay Arancio, spokesman for Planforpandemic.com, an internet based, free Public Awareness Forum that discusses issues surrounding a possible Avian Flu pandemic. "We're urging both our members and viewers to plan now to "shelter in place" during a Pandemic. Aside from the health issues, much of the panic that may occur is due to the fact that people will experience an interruption of the normal societal services, like food delivery, electricity and so forth.", said Arancio. "The US Government recommends "social distancing" as the best way to avoid getting sick during a Pandemic. Sheltering in place means, rather than leaving your home for someplace else, you stock up with enough food and essential supplies for a prolonged stay at home. Though the government is currently recommending two weeks supplies, we are recommending many times more than that because an Avian flu pandemic is projected to last more than 120 days, or 4 months, at a minimum."
Avian Flu (H5N1) is a deadly strain of influenza that is currently killing hundreds of millions of birds worldwide. It is expected to reach the United States by late Spring. Many experts fear that a mutation may occur in the near future that will allow H5N1 to also infect humans. This is what occurred during the 1918 flu pandemic and, if it occurs again, the potential death toll in the U.S. and worldwide could be staggering.
PlanforPandemic.com was formed to provide a free source of information and tools necessary to help people survive an Avian Flu Pandemic. Its free forums contain critical information about how to prepare for a flu pandemic, how much food and water to store and how long a pandemic may last. The latest news and information on the status of the Avian Flu is gathered and posted from reliable sources worldwide and discussion boards to answer questions are available to all users.
A wide variety of other topics relating to the issues surrounding an Avian Flu Pandemic are available and visitors to the site are encouraged to both share and request information as needed. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the Avian Flu and the current threat that it represents to their health and the health of their loved ones should visit www.planforpandemic.com.
