Flu scare shows why affordable health care for all is vital

[prolesunited]

and going without it is a true public health threat.

Those without health insurance or high copays postpone going to the doctor as long as possible. It is through the nation's health care system that this virus is being tracked. If people do not go to the doctor as advised, this skews the system and trends and outbreaks are not detected until it is too late to halt the spread.

So, to all those who think, I've got mine, screw you, the fact that you have failed to provide health care for all may come back to haunt you when you or family members become ill.

[unpossibles]

1. agreed. a friend of my girlfriend put off going to the doctor despite living in Queens and having

'flu like symptoms' and went to work instead because she has no insurance, and despite her friends telling her to go to a clinic. Odds are she does not have Swine Flu, but it's also not impossible, and there are a lot of people like this out there.

[prolesunited]

3. Yep, even if she isn't real sick

she may have passed on the virus. By not going to the doctor, she is not being tracked, which will determine what level of precautions cities take and if they do mass vaccinations.

Of course, the vaccine will be free to all, but by then, it's too late.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Several potential "aha" moments could come from this situation...

as I see it (foggy though my vision may be ;) ):

1. Need for universal healthcare as you said.

2. More regulation/monitoring of food sources, and education about the same, especially factory farming (Patient Zero reportedly contracted the illness from a Smithfield Farms swine plant -- it simply may be a trigger to shine a brighter light on this issue.)

3. Preventive healthcare in general. I realize the swine flu is different in that it seems to affect those who are generally healthy, rather than the immune-compromised, but wellness -- preventing disease via proper basics of nutrition. living conditions, etc., which tie in with #1 and #2 and which are disintegrating for many along with the economy -- could be a topic discussed and embraced more than the populace has in my lifetime. We embrace DIETS and fads, but not genuine wellness.

[Kool Kitty]

4. Great post.

Having paid sick days wouldn't hurt, either. One of the big things all the talking heads and doctors have been saying is staying home from work if you aren't well. Easier said than done when you don't get paid for those days.

[prolesunited]

10. Yes, especially during a time like this

People are afraid to call off because they may get fired or they can't afford to call off.

[walldude]

5. HAve you seen this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5561175&mesg_id=5561175

"Health care is a luxury not a right.

[Raspberry]

6. I don't know about that . . .

The very LAST place I think I'd like to be if I felt mild flu-like symptoms is in a dr's waiting room with 25 or 50 really, really sick people, coughing, sneezing, wiping their noses, then touching magazines, doorknobs, etc.

The flu (regardless of what type) kills thousands of people each year, but for otherwise healthy adults, it's probably better to treat yourself at home with Tylenol, lots of fluids, bed rest, etc.

[prolesunited]

11. They recommend you call ahead so proper precautions

can be taken to keep those who suspect the flu away from other patients.

Also, how is what you described any different than when you typically visit the doctor? Guess what? Any time you go to the doctor, you are likely to encounter sick people.

Care to address any of the other points about health care and it's importance in keeping us all safe from disease and outbreaks?

[ananda]

7. Didn't Margaret Chan talk about making antivirals cheap and available?

nt

[Cass]

8. Excellent point. Many uninsured will put off a trip to the doctor or clinic until the last moment

if they go at all. Prompt treatment is a luxury that many of the uninsured cannot afford.

K & R

[Mike 03]

9. Excellent post!

What you are saying also makes it more possible for states to figure out what to stockpile in the way of emergency viral-related medications and in what amount, based on age of patients, comorbidities, etc...

Kick and rec, absolutely.

[prolesunited]

12. Yes, they are already shipping meds out

and they need to know where they are most needed.

Already they've closed three schools in the Chicago area, and have nearly 10 reported cases.

[chill_wind]

13. Excellent thread with excellent points. K & R.

eom