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Letter Re: Tapping the National Medications Stockpile
Jim,
Sunday, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
announced that they would open up the National Stockpile of medications to provide
antivirals to areas
that may need them. This comment is a big clue to the real concern that this
is already getting out of control. The National Stockpile is rarely tapped so
this is a big event and a potential trigger for those out there who need to be
aware. Luckily this year’s human flu was resistant to Tamiflu so there
appears to be stock left, but this is also the end of the season so normal supplies
are low. Relenza is another antiviral that is available and the swine flu is
sensitive too, (at this point). Tamiflu [dosing] is weight-based for children
and Relenza is not indicated for patients less than seven years old. I would
suggest that anyone with significant medical conditions obtain an antiviral prescription
from their friendly doctor now, and not later. Obviously large
cities, especially those with international airport hubs, and those on the border,
or with large migrant populations probably aren’t the best places to be
right now. What triggers a bug out is individualized, but there is a definite
advantage of being in a small town. But even Kansas hasn’t been spared
with this one. With schools being shut down, that forces adult parents to stay
home which causes shortages of employees not only at the mall, but the grocery
store, the shipper, the police station, the hospital, the gas station…etc… Plan
accordingly for any last minute items you need. - Mike the MD
