Workshop 7 Questions PDF

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Workshop 7...

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Workshop 7 Questions: 1. Why did the Spanish flu outbreak occur when it did in 1919? From the research conducted the Spanish flu emerged at the end of WW1 and was passed on via the soldiers in Western Europe. As the virus mutated rapidly and constantly, this meant the human population cannot build up an enduring immunity and due to the population being so dense back then it spread extremely quickly. 2. Why do think that the world should be prepared for a new pandemic? Obviously due to such devastating outcomes as shown by the Spanish Flu it’s extremely important people are aware, educated and cautious. The fundamentals of mutations are changing a rapid rate and the speed of air travel today, an influenza pandemic could spread much more quickly. So, it’s only a matter of time before we hit a situation like the Spanish Flu. 3. If a pandemic influenza were to occur today, what differences would there be when compared to the 1919 outbreak? I believe it would be much easier to detect as we have such great technical help and a wider education built around hygiene etc., compared to the past. By isolating people who have been infected promptly can reduce the spread and minimize the chances of a global pandemic. We’re considered very lucky with more treatments and better being available these days. 4. What current strategies are in place to combat a modern pandemic? The Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (AHMPPI), the national government health sector pandemic influenza plan, outlines the agreed arrangements between the Australian Government and State and Territory Governments for the management of an influenza pandemic. In 2009, the AHMPPI 2008 was used to guide Australia’s response to the H1N1 pandemic. 5. What are the pros and cons of vaccine production in general? This subject is one that has its fair share of controversies. Many people, both beneficiaries and those that dispense the service argue and discuss on whether it’s necessary, safe or at all beneficial to have vaccines against many diseases. At the end of the day, I think we can only really look at the advantages and disadvantages of this practice then leave it up to the individual to have their opinions. The cons could be the server side effects adults and children may suffer after getting a vaccination and some vaccine ingredients are controversial (e.g. formaldehyde, phenol, aluminum), some vaccines are more established than others.

The pros would obviously be the prevention of diseases such as polio and whooping cough, they’ve wiped out a lot of illnesses over the decades and a lot of money has been saved since the advent and adoption of vaccination. This is money that would have otherwise been used in getting medical attention and buying medication. There is a lot of evidence supporting vaccines and I couldn’t think of this world without vaccinations. 6. Is it right that stockpiled antivirals such as Tamiflu should be given to selected individuals? I do agree on most of my fellow peers have said regarding that some specific individuals, such as the ill/nurses and police should absolutely have access to these antivirals and I don't believe it’s rational that socio-economics should influence this decision. 7. What concerns are there regarding Tamiflu and why does the drug company that produces this medication defends it so robustly? The antiviral drug Tamiflu has been touted as effective in reducing complications of flu such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Sales of the drug skyrocketed during the hyped bird- and swine flu pandemics of 2006 and 2009. But some of the evidence supporting its use has turned out to be based on fraudulent and/or missing data. Side effects of Tamiflu include convulsions, delirium and delusions. The death of five Japanese children and seven adults has been linked to the drug. Disturbingly, a 2009 study found more than half of all children taking Tamiflu experience side effects, including neuropsychological effects such as altered behavior and nightmares. Other rare side effects such as toxic epidermal necrolysis and blindness have also been reported. There’s been a lot of talk about it not doing what it says it does, therefore being very controversial. 8. Can you think of any other strategies that could be adopted to prevent a pandemic outbreak or to control such an occurrence? Personally, I can’t really think of anything that isn’t already in place. 9. How much faith do you have in the ability of modern science and medicine to combat future pandemics? Explain your answer. Yes, I do have an enormous amount of faith in modern science and medicine. Modern medicine has done much in the fields of infectious diseases and emergencies to aid cure....