Ebony's Pearls

The worst flu epidemic in this country only killed 2.5% of the people who contracted it, and only 25% of the population contracted the flu.

Turn this around and 75% of the population never got a sniffle, and more than 97% of the people who did get sick recovered.

And that was at a time when we lacked the ability to track the flu outbreaks, to spread the word quickly on how to avoid catching this flu, not to mention the medical strides we've made in both curing the flu if treated quickly and the supportive medical care to see us through it.

There will still be flu deaths - we have about 36,000 flu-related deaths a year now. But I doubt it will reach the rates of 1918. Each pandemic we've had has had fewer people getting sick and fewer still dying. The last pandemic killed fewer people altogether than die each year of the flu now.

Take precautions, certainly. If flu arrives in your area, take greater precautions. The greatest precaution you can take is to wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time. Liquid sanitizers aren't as effective as soap and water, but better than nothing. If you use sanitizers, rub your hands until they are dry as this spreads the alcohol around better, making it marginally more effective.

Face masks don't stop the flu virus, but it does remind you not to touch your face. Even back in 1918 we knew the masks didn't stop the virus, just dirty hands, as proven by this popular rhyme:

Obey the laws
And wear the gauze.
Protect your jaws
From septic paws.

Wear the mask if it makes you feel better and prevents you from touching your face.

Eat healthy. Keep up your immune system and strength. If you do get sick, you'll be stronger and have a better chance of recovering quickly. And if you do get sick - stay home. Don't go to work or school and spread it to your hapless co-workers and fellow students. I don't know what provisions employers and school will make for people absent due to this flu, but I think ethical ones won't dock your pay or refuse to allow make-up tests/homework. Sadly, not all employers/schools are ethical, so I'm sure there will be people who will lose their jobs over this or fail classes.

Stay out of crowds and public areas if flu comes to your area. If it's not there, just avoid shaking hands or kissing strangers - and wash your hands as soon as possible if you must touch someone else.

Cough or sneeze into tissue or your elbow, never your bare hand!

Wash surfaces frequently. If you are a receptionist or cashier or other person who works where you come into frequent contact with lots of people, be particularly sure to wash down your desk, counter tops, conveyor belts, and other surfaces.

Most importantly, wash those hands! And remember, the worst flu epidemic left 75% of the population healthy, and 97% of those who got sick recovered. Those are really good odds.