Pandemic, Part II
Policy & Review

Greetings from Future Medicine Now!

We hope this newsletter finds you in good health and using all the tools at your disposal to stay that way.

With the return of flu season to the northern hemisphere and the presence of the H1N1 pandemic (swine flu) in Albuquerque, we want to share with you some observations and new office policies regarding this highly contagious pathogen.

This is information you will not read in the newspaper.

Now

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• We are in the midst of a pandemic. The H1N1 virus has proven to be highly contagious, covering the globe within a couple of months. The World Health Organization declared a pandemic situation on June 11th of this year. That condition still exists. Does our behavior reflect this?


• Swine flu was widespread in Albuquerque this spring — far more prevalent than official numbers reveal. Numbers published were only those hospitalized cases which were laboratory confirmed. The state of New Mexico stopped counting at 232 in May of this year. They also curtailed testing. For a more realistic perspective, multiply the numbers your hear by at least 100.


• Swine flu is here again, spreading even more rapidly. It is just as contagious and more widespread than in the spring. Patients are requiring weeks to recover.


• Yes, most individuals are recovering, although very slowly, from this flu. But this is not the point.


• Government and media continue to be irresponsible in disseminating adequate information. Ignorance is as rampant as the flu. The fact that large numbers of people are not dying from this flu has bred complacency. Everything's fine — isn't it?

It could all change
in a heartbeat

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• A virus is a highly aggressive organism. To sustain and perpetuate itself, it attempts to inhabit as many hosts as possible. Hosts (you) are its life source. Hosts (you) give the organism what it needs to reproduce itself, spread its influence (more viruses in more hosts), and sometimes, to mutate into a more lethal form. The form in question (H1N1) requires only the addition of a simple component from another virus (e.g. H5N1) to become a highly lethal virus. And it is more promiscuous than a steroid–ridden teenager in coupling with other viruses which could make a disastrous contribution to its gene pool.


• Because it's already highly contagious, this simple shift could easily have the capacity to kill one third of the world's population. Take a look at your contact list or your Facebook friends and cross off one third of them. How about your mate? How about you? How about the people who grow your food? Or those who provide your health care? Not to mention gas, electricity, water... public safety. Get the picture?


• Viral experts agree on one thing: A lethal pandemic, whether this or another, is not an "if" proposition; it's "when."

Our Policy

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For over three years, we have had the opportunity to reflect on this potentiality and to review our policy on the flu and contagious diseases in general. Our conclusion is that behaving as if we're in a pandemic is probably the most prudent choice when we're in one. Here, effective immediately, is our policy to ensure the best health outcomes for all our clients:

• We would appreciate, if you have the flu or any other contagious illness, that you do not come into the office for a visit. While "calling in sick" to a doctor's office may seem paradoxical, it does prevent other clients from being exposed to illnesses they might otherwise avoid. No one needs extra health challenges. Also, if the doctors get sick, we close the office and that can be very disruptive to treatment plans. These realities are particularly germane in a pandemic.


• How do you know if you are likely to be contagious? If you have had a fever, sore throat, or cough within the last 24 hours, it is very likely you could pass the infection to others. Detailed guidance is available from the Centers for Disease Control.


• Rest and herbal medicine are your best choices for recovery. We are happy to do telephone consults for herbal treatment of your condition, so that you may pick up herbs or have someone pick them up for you. We will not apply the missed appointment/late cancellation fee for those calling in sick. Staying home and resting is one of the requirements for recovery from the flu.


• We do not recommend flu shots, no matter how free or easy they are to obtain. Vaccinations introduce their own set of problems, some of which can be far more severe than the flu. They are antithetical to the principles of oriental medicine, as well. Strengthening your immune system the old-fashioned way, by correct nutrition and balanced living is a much better proposition. All of the treatment received in this clinic is focused toward this goal.


• We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in implementing this policy. If you have any questions please reply or call the office at 505.266.5681.

Responsible Behavior

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Making unintelligent health choices could have disastrous consequences for us all. Here are basic guidelines for making the right choices.

• Any time you have flu symptoms or suspect the onset of flu, the most appropriate action is rest, isolation, and appropriate herbal medicine until the condition is completely resolved.


• The importance of the previous choice is amplified exponentially in a pandemic. Going to work, going to class, going out in public, acting as if there's no problem is highly irresponsible — to yourself as well as others.

Little information is available to the public about what would happen in case of a lethal pandemic in this country. Here's what would happen: Cities where outbreaks are occurring would be sealed off and quarantined. No one gets in or out. Schools and public gathering places are closed. Those who work for vital services (police, fire, water, gas, electricity, etc.) would be divided in half. Half go home and stay home. The other half stays at work. In this police state, food supplies are quickly exhausted, and essential services would last only as long as the work force. Sound harsh? Of course, but it's also the most effective way to halt the spread of a deadly virus.

Another responsible behavior is considering the reality of such an event and preparing accordingly. No need to freak out or become paranoid. Just take appropriate precautions and preparations, both at home and with your health, and relax. You've done what you can do.

We hope this information is not dark and depressing. Someone needs to let the public know some realities which are not being shared by those who do know.

Promises

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I am keenly aware that it's been almost two years since I promised an in depth discussion of this subject and its treatment with oriental medicine. I still hold that matrix. It shares its importance with a number of other projects. I'll do my best, but I won't make further promises...

Newspaper Headlines

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For those of you who may have been expecting coverage of recent news items regarding the expanded scope of practice of oriental medicine in New Mexico, the time for giving my energy to that is not yet at hand. Even though doctors of oriental medicine practicing the expanded scope have, for years, been doing so under continual attack by factions both inside and outside our profession, the story is only now coming into public view.

It will be a story worth watching.

Much Love,
Larry & Sue