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Pandemic

Planning for a Pandemic
Planning for a pandemic seems unimportant and even silly at first. However, the truth is planning may be one of the most important things you can do for the people you love. There are many steps to be taken in order to be prepared for a possible pandemic outbreak; such as, being informed about influenza, having a family plan, gathering supplies, prepared for the economic impact, activities concerning entertainment and ongoing education, if someone gets sick. These are all things that every family and individual should be aware of and be prepared to take action.
There are many misconceptions about what the flu actually is, the flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu is not the same as a cold, though they share many of the same symptoms (Watson par 1). There is no such thing as the stomach flu. The term "stomach flu" is actually a misnomer. Vomiting, diarrhea and stomach aches can be caused by a virus, but they are rarely related to the flu. The flu is a respiratory illness, not a gastrointestinal one (Watson). When the influenza virus gets into the body, it moves into the respiratory tract. Once there, it binds to the surface of the cells. The virus then opens and releases its genetic information (RNA, ribonucleic acid) into the cell's nucleus. The nucleus is where the cell's genetic information (DNA and RNA) is stored. The virus replicates, or copies itself, and takes over the functions of the cell. The copies of the virus move to the cell membrane until the cell finally dies and releases them out into the body, where they go on to infect other cells (Watson par.1) The fact that the virus copies itself and takes over functions of other cells makes it impossible to find a cure for. It is important to understand what influenza is and the possible effects it may have on families and individuals.
You can be tested for influenza, a vaccine, medication and masks can be useful in case of an outbreak. Scientists have...