A pandemic of pandemics

The SARS outbreak in 2002 (aka Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrom), The Influenza Virus A outbreak in 2006 (aka Avian Flu, Bird Flu), and now, Swine Influenza Virus (aka Swine Flu). It seems this decade has brought us an outbreak of new disease outbreaks.

But has it really? Ours is a population that, in large part, thought many of these devastating diseases had been virtually wiped from the face of the planet. The industrialized nations have largely been spared the wrath of Cholera, Polio, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Typhus and other legendary, catastrophic pandemics over the past fifty years. But those diseases persist in less developed parts of the world.

A few short years ago, few of us had even used the word “pandemic.” Now, the term seems to be used in the nightly news with remarkable frequency. But the reality is that the western world is far from immune to pandemic. Other strains of influenza have had widespread impact in recent years. (One example is the Fujian Flu [H5N1], which was largely impervious to the vaccinations developed during the 2003-2004 flu season.) And until 1981, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Auto-Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) went virtually unrecognized. Now, HIV/AIDS is certainly considered a worldwide pandemic.

Implications: Scientists worldwide are working frantically to better understand and develop treatments for the fast-spreading Swine Flu. Meanwhile, the best defense against this most recent pandemic threat remains precaution and personal hygiene.

Some companies (indeed, some countries) have prohibited travel to countries where the disease is known to be pervasive. Policies are being revisited with regard to standard hand-washing, and the distribution of anti-bacterial soaps and lotions. (How will your company respond? Do you have a corporate plan, or plans, depending on the various scenarios that could develop?)

I’m wondering whether the relatively low impact of Bird Flu and/or SARS here in the U.S. might result in a “Boy who cried wolf” mentality toward this, a similar threat. (Not for me. I travel extensively and take these matters quite seriously.) On the other hand, if the disease continues to spread quickly—or even accelerate from its current pace—will people become alarmed, and perhaps even over-react?

At times like these, it is nice to know my job is not to have all the answers… but to ask questions. What, if anything, can your company do to render aid, provide comfort, assist in prevention, or otherwise respond to this increasingly high-profile issue? What do you offer that might make a household more self-reliant, if traditional shopping patterns are disrupted?
If recent history is any indication, this won’t be the last time we are confronted by new or unfamiliar, and rapidly spreading diseases. This is a conversation worth having, and a number of scenarios should be considered.

CNN did a story, recently, on what we can learn about pandemics, based on the experience gained during the SARS pandemic in Asia. It was an eye-opening piece, and can be seen here (commercial pre-roll required):