Is your lab prepared for H1N1?
Of course we've all heard about the impending outbreaks of H1N1... Is your lab prepared? Is your community prepared? The information out there seems to be changing and updating constantly, so who's to say if anyone is truly prepared. Honestly, I'm a little worried that lack of communication combined with people's need to go to work or school is going to play a huge factor in the unnecessary spread of this virus.
We've received the emails, stay home is you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. For some that is of course easier said than done. In a perfect world, yes, we could all afford to remain in our homes until all chances of passing on the flu have come and gone. In a perfect world, those symptoms would show up only when we are home, with a full stock of supplies to get us through the next seven days, so nobody would have to leave the house further exposing people to the nasty flu. Well, if you are counting on that to happen, GOOD LUCK!
I don't have any solutions, I am just hoping to get through this with myself and my family's health intact. We've seen a few cases showing up in our area, which means I'm sure it's only a matter of time before the schools and workplaces start getting hit.
I can only hope that laboratories and doctors can remain on the same page and keep each other updated with new information. Best of luck to you all! Stay healthy!!