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Should we be worried about Ebola in the uk?
Alls I can think about Is when swine flu and bird flu was around and everyone said that we should be worried about that
But that calmed down
Is the fear greater than the threat??
This isn't good for someone with health anxiety.....
MyNameIsTerry
08-10-14, 09:58
There have been several Ebola outbreaks in recent years but nothing has happened in the UK, so why would this? The media love things like this so they can report them, with little realism, in a sensationalised fashion to sell their products. That might be ok for most people but for you guys with HA its a real problem!
Something that they often forget to publish is that these outbreaks occur in countries with poor sanitation, a lack of knowledge of prevention and very little in the way of medical care so these diseases spread more easily.
The fear is definately greater than the threat. A few years back we were all going to die of bird flu, before that swine flu...spin back a few years more and we have CJD. Has any of it ever happened? No, only that in the case of some of these there were some cases but these were far harder to contain as they knew so little about them and they were already on our shores in some cases whereas Ebola has happened several times before and governments across the world have a tested response to containment and treatment.
Perhaps avoid the media about this for the time being and if you really have to look into it, choose a reputable medical source so you get the true facts.
happydylbob
08-10-14, 20:35
This is also something I am freaking out about but Terry's answer has calmed me a bit thank you for that.
No! Definitely do not worry. Worrying will not change anything ... Well except make you feel terrible. Go about your usual daily routine. Yes the fear is most definitely worse than the threat. By all means be aware of what is happening, but really don't go overboard. I don't like hearing about it and I don't have HA. I limit what I see of the news. Because all sorts of stuff on the news can play on my mind..... It would depress me so much if I took all of it to heart. So...., best to keep it in perspective. :-)
unsure_about_this
08-10-14, 21:22
My mum has said there is nothing I can do about ebola. I was worried about swine flu back in 2009 we were going to Mexico on holiday at the time and we had a back up plan if this holiday was cancelled.
I wasn't worried, but am a little on edge with it being in the USA now and the guy dying from it here. I don't know. My husband travels a lot and I keep picturing it spreading on airplanes.
For the most part, I know I am being ridiculous. But the HA part of me is getting a little louder ...
I Hate the Media when they do this. It makes us sufferers ten times worse. I have stopped watching the news and reading papers. Not because I don't care, it just makes my fear so bad that I can't function properly.
Thank you MynameisTerry, you always manage to say the right thing. :)
MyNameIsTerry
09-10-14, 03:50
What everyone else said is right there will not be an outbreak I and everyone else in the NHS can tell you that the media just likes to blow things out of proportion. The Royal Free Hospital is on constant alert for any infectious disease outbreak. The main thing to remember is the difference between the outbreak of Swine Flu and current outbreak of Ebola is that the swine flu was spread by sneezing and the spread of mucus in the air. Ebola can only be caught through bodily fluids such as sweat, blood etc. So the chances of catching Ebola are actually very slim compared to catching swine flu. In Africa, most of the people who caught Ebola were caring for the sick where they share beds and come into contact with the bodily fluids of the Ebola sufferers. Though in reality the sufferers in Africa will not get better because the treatment they are receiving is futile. Remember that in the UK and USA we have the ability to treat people and in the UK we cured a man within a week by giving him that serum and he's going back to Africa now to help again. So the actual odds of catching Ebola are actually very slim. Don't worry about it.
That's really informative Aaron, thanks :)
---------- Post added at 03:50 ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 ----------
This is also something I am freaking out about but Terry's answer has calmed me a bit thank you for that.
Glad something I said has helped, all the best :)
---------- Post added at 03:50 ---------- Previous post was at 03:50 ----------
I Hate the Media when they do this. It makes us sufferers ten times worse. I have stopped watching the news and reading papers. Not because I don't care, it just makes my fear so bad that I can't function properly.
Thank you MynameisTerry, you always manage to say the right thing. :)
Thanks Carnation, that means a lot :)
I Hate the Media when they do this. It makes us sufferers ten times worse. I have stopped watching the news and reading papers. Not because I don't care, it just makes my fear so bad that I can't function properly.
Thank you MynameisTerry, you always manage to say the right thing. :)
Very true anything to sell a story no matter what the impact or cost is
MyNameIsTerry
09-10-14, 04:03
Very true anything to sell a story no matter what the impact or cost is
Then there is the right wing silly tabloids like the DM with their "asylum seeking giant rats affecting UK house prices" type garbage! :D
I've worked in one of the industries that has been featuring in the papers for years, utilities, and I always have a good laugh when I hear the MP's and read the newspapers because I know how it actually was and how its so nothing to do with solely the price of oil! Its all half reporting and distraction, hence why they are a tool used by the very people they are writing about so we don't really know whats going on in the world, just what trousers Simon Cowell is wearing this week!
Everything what everyone has said has made me very reassured ☺️
I was just worried yesterday as so have a bad throat and what I think is a cold coming so I don't feel too good anyway
Someone who I know works in the NHS and she said that the hospital are setting up emergency Ebola treatments and things and it made me feel worse
I don't like touching people or people touching me, do t like touchin. Doors or anything that people could have touched either, so I guess I shouldn't be as worried as I first thought
Thanks again everyone
Highly reassured this morning
MyNameIsTerry
09-10-14, 07:28
Its just readiness. Some time ago the government decided to alert ports, airports and the NHS. GP's were alerted some time ago as well.
Don't worry about that, hospitals have to be ready for all sorts of emergencies just in case as Aaron said so they are not caught out if that one in a million thing ever happens.
Rennie1989
09-10-14, 09:42
You'll find that the government is prepared for eventualities that we're not even aware of. A drug is being adapted for Ebola, hospitals have quarenteen/isolation and tropical disease units and the outbreaks progress is being closely monitored.
Do you remember when swine flu hit the UK and everybody with 'flu-like symptoms' got Tamiflu? Why do you think we were able to just walk down the road and get some? Because the government had them stashed for that exact eventuality. They also have protocols to protect us against threats of terrorism, extreme weather, economy breakdown and probably a zombie apocalypse. Despite how much we don't necessarily agree with the government they can and do look after us.
Plus, Ebola's spread rate is far FAR less than swine flu. People with Ebola can infect up to two people, whereas people with swine flu and the cold could infect up to eight (I think). Therefore Ebola is not actually that contagious. The reason why it spread so much in Africa was because of their traditions towards burying the dead and poor hygiene and infection control. In the West we have better understanding, better hygiene and set infection control policies.
We'll be fine!
Ok, all hospitals have to have a huge set of infection control procedures, to guard against the spread of any infectious disease from Norovirus to Ebola and a lot of other things in between.
All large hospitals will also have the means to isolate infectious patients, and then there are some very specialised, high control units such as the Royal Free Hospital in London, which treated the British nurse who contracted it.
Hospitals will always review their procedures when anything like this happens - it's absolutely not out of the ordinary, so try not to worry about it. The issue here is that the media have publicised it - a lot.
You'll find that the government is prepared for eventualities that we're not even aware of. A drug is being adapted for Ebola, hospitals have quarenteen/isolation and tropical disease units and the outbreaks progress is being closely monitored.
Do you remember when swine flu hit the UK and everybody with 'flu-like symptoms' got Tamiflu? Why do you think we were able to just walk down the road and get some? Because the government had them stashed for that exact eventuality. They also have protocols to protect us against threats of terrorism, extreme weather, economy breakdown and probably a zombie apocalypse. Despite how much we don't necessarily agree with the government they can and do look after us.
Plus, Ebola's spread rate is far FAR less than swine flu. People with Ebola can infect up to two people, whereas people with swine flu and the cold could infect up to eight (I think). Therefore Ebola is not actually that contagious. The reason why it spread so much in Africa was because of their traditions towards burying the dead and poor hygiene and infection control. In the West we have better understanding, better hygiene and set infection control policies.
We'll be fine!
Tell you what, you weren't wrong about the government being prepared for a zombie apocalypse! The UK Government responded to a freedom of information request and they do actually have a plan for a zombie apocalypse
http://www.ibtimes.com/british-zombie-plan-reveals-governments-strategy-event-apocalypse-977660
Rennie1989
09-10-14, 18:45
Tell you what, you weren't wrong about the government being prepared for a zombie apocalypse! The UK Government responded to a freedom of information request and they do actually have a plan for a zombie apocalypse
http://www.ibtimes.com/british-zombie-plan-reveals-governments-strategy-event-apocalypse-977660
I was only joking as well.... my friend at college is going to be so happy to see this!
I read somewhere (might have been the BBC?) that one university did a study suggesting there was a 50/50 chance of ebola being active in the UK by the end of October.
So yes I think it is something to be concerned about, especially as the government and world response seems pathetically slow and inadequate in general. However there is little point in panic.
I just wonder what is happening with the vaccine that was being talked about a few weeks back?
My main concern is the panic and hysteria we will see if it outbreaks here. It will be every man for himself I bet.
I suffer badly from HA and agree with yenool. Yes, there is little point in panicking, but the truth is the country is not very well prepared. The only way to stop the virus spreading is to stop travel to and from the infected areas. It will take months / years to develop a vaccine / treatment as ethically all new medicines and drugs have to go through 3 phases of trials before they are considered ready for use on the general population (admittedly they may try and speed this up, depending on circumstance.) Whilst it is technically only spread through contact with body fluids, it is also true that if a hypothetical ebola patient sneezes, they could infect someone in the near vicinity if a droplet enters another person through their eyes. I think the illness is a lot more contagious than people realise.
I also worry about mass panic / panic buying etc and really think the government need to address this more effectively.
Ebola has been the main source of my anxiety these last few days. Literally - the rational part of my mind has completely gone. Two of my colleagues at work are due to come back from their holidays this week - one has been to Majorca, another to Canada. My OH has been saying "but it's not out there like it's been in Africa" - oh no, I'm worried that they'll be picking it up from airports and that they'll be able to spread it before they show symptoms (despite reading that this is unlikely) and myself and my other colleagues will be infected. I'm scared to even make a cup of tea at work in case the mugs haven't been cleaned properly and I'm scared to even use the toilet. My friend has been on holiday to India and got back last week - same thing. And my brain - the lovely thing that it is - popped another thought into my head this afternoon: my stepdad is a coach driver and is here there and everywhere. What if he catches it from an infected tourist or something?!
I have literally been in tears over this - I genuinely cannot relax or get any of this out of my mind. I physically cannot cope anymore :(
Hey Amy. Re-read the practical, factual comments here. There is absolutely no point getting carried away. My boss just came back from India. I have (of course) heard about Ebola. But til reading your comments hadn't even considered there could remotely be a connection. This is the thing. If you sit there worrying constantly about it, you will make more and more connections and worry yourself over this. Doing that will not change the outcome of the situation. You are not at risk. Really you are not. By spending time worrying you will make youself ill. I would suggest distracting yourself. Don't think about it. If your mind drifts back to it, change the subject. Put your focus where you want it to be and not on Ebola.
Hi Tessar. Thanks for the reply. And I'm sorry if I caused you any worry there.
I'm trying - really I am - to forget about it and do something else. With me there is always a part of my mind that thinks if I don't worry about something the worst will happen.
I'm trying to get the practical realistic facts on it but they just won't register. It's absolutely exhausting. I think maybe I've just seen too many movies.
I've had a proper read of some of the replies and they've given me a little relief, so thank you for that. I do remember getting into a huge state over swine flu a while ago - I'm hoping that it's just the media trying to scare the crap out of us again.
Hi Amy, I'm glad it helped a bit. You are right about the media. They do blow it out of all proportion. If you keep trying to change the subject in your mind, you will gradually retrain yourself and become more skilled at doing it. I don't think that by not thinking about it you'd have issues because you let your guard down. I think somewhere here someone out up some statistics (might be on another thread) & when u look at those you realise it's such a small chance, there is no point dwelling. Think what more productive things you could do with all that energy that's being channelled into worrying about this. Well,cat he news is about to come on so I think it's bedtime. I rarely watch the news as its generally too dressing anyway!!!
We need a good news success stories programme instead!
I was only joking as well.... my friend at college is going to be so happy to see this!
Ill be honest it made my day finding that could stop laughing
MyNameIsTerry
10-10-14, 05:00
I read somewhere (might have been the BBC?) that one university did a study suggesting there was a 50/50 chance of ebola being active in the UK by the end of October.
So yes I think it is something to be concerned about, especially as the government and world response seems pathetically slow and inadequate in general. However there is little point in panic.
I just wonder what is happening with the vaccine that was being talked about a few weeks back?
My main concern is the panic and hysteria we will see if it outbreaks here. It will be every man for himself I bet.
There was a study funded by the Defence Threat Reduction Agency and MIDAS-NAtional Institute of General Medical Sciences. It was carried out by researchers from Northeastern University, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the University of Florida, all in the US, and the Institute for Scientific Interchange in Italy.
The modelling process they used showed a small but not negligible risk outside of the African region. The highest risk is to the UK shown in this 3 week short term study.
The 50% chance is not for the UK, it is Ghana which actually shows as the most likely country, not the UK as the NHS have misreported as they didn't make it clear that the UK was the European country most likely. They did say "outside the African region" but didn't make it clear whether that meant spread within currently affected African nations as well or purely nations outside of Africa. So, we sit at around a 25% chance of a minimum of 1 case.
Sounds scary doesn't it. So, why should you view this study differently?
If you actually read the study a bit further you will see that the projection of distribution beyond that minimum one case shows a very different picture. In the projection for 01/09/2014 we are very similiar to France, the US, Germany, etc with no more than 10-12 cases. Then the projection distribution for 22/09/2014 shows we are at around 20 cases. So, we have increased but now look at France, the US and Germany again and we are all very similiar. France in fact show a possible slightly higher level of distribution than the UK.
This tells us that any spread once here is very slow and the fact we become even closer to other major western nations shows that our response has prevented further spread. Why? Well, because all the African nations show a greater distribution spread in the second projection. This proves that we are more likely to contain and prevent future cases. This proves that the impact to a western nation is not the same as in the poorer nations.
Now, that probably sounds like a big deal that the UK is mentioned but there is something else that you need to consider. The response to this study and their findings will mean meetings will take place to review it and where risks are apparent, steps to reduce these risks will be put into place. Our government don't want it over here and they will work very hard to ensure their is no spread to the UK.
We will be ok!!! :yesyes:
---------- Post added at 05:00 ---------- Previous post was at 04:58 ----------
Tell you what, you weren't wrong about the government being prepared for a zombie apocalypse! The UK Government responded to a freedom of information request and they do actually have a plan for a zombie apocalypse
http://www.ibtimes.com/british-zombie-plan-reveals-governments-strategy-event-apocalypse-977660
Well, I'm ready.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qXR5DU1WkvM/UfvkvyPHk_I/AAAAAAAAjNM/kuUl42w2OTk/s1600/shaun+of+the+dead+interactive+script.jpg
...
The problem is Terry it will only take one or two cases for people to start acting like total nutjobs. Just look at the story in the news this week where parents effectively forced a little boy out of a school just because he happened to have dual nationality with Sierra Leone and traveled there recently.
They completely ignored all the professional and sensible advice.
I think it is quite possible we could see a lot more that kind of nonsense along with panic buying and so on. That worries me more than the disease itself.
Plus how would the NHS cope? We know it is straining at the seams most winters, I can only imagine how little it would take to tip things into total chaos.
Don't get me wrong though, this is not something I lose sleep over.... just an the awareness in the back of my mind that things could get ugly quite quickly if ebola does reach the UK.
MyNameIsTerry
10-10-14, 08:24
The problem is Terry it will only take one or two cases for people to start acting like total nutjobs. Just look at the story in the news this week where parents effectively forced a little boy out of a school just because he happened to have dual nationality with Sierra Leone and traveled there recently.
They completely ignored all the professional and sensible advice.
I think it is quite possible we could see a lot more that kind of nonsense along with panic buying and so on. That worries me more than the disease itself.
Plus how would the NHS cope? We know it is straining at the seams most winters, I can only imagine how little it would take to tip things into total chaos.
Don't get me wrong though, this is not something I lose sleep over.... just an the awareness in the back of my mind that things could get ugly quite quickly if ebola does reach the UK.
There have been 27 recorded outbreaks since 1976. None have ever made it to the UK and some of these were not responded to well.
I understand what you are saying. The people who forced that child out are ignorant. I haven't read the article but I'm getting a picture of the kind of parents we are talking about. I think for us Brits, who only riot over money or panic buy when the French lorry drivers are blocking our lorries, the vast majority of us won't be caring much until London is like a scene from a film with hospitals bursting. The nutjobs will do what they always do but rational people will look at them for what they are. Did we have panic over swine flu or bird flu? A lot of people were talking about it, some had concerns and many were thinking it was ludicrous. Should we get any cases, the government can easier slap a superinjunction on the media, thats what it was originally created for, not for celebrities to gag the media over their affairs!!!
Its not just the NHS though, this is a worldwide concern and many nations are working together. If we had an outbreak that we needed support on, we would get support off other nations such as the US. The government have to deal with emergencies, look at COBR. They would divert funds from elsewhere to cover the NHS or borrow from other countries and feel the squeeze in the next few tax years.
The problem is Terry it will only take one or two cases for people to start acting like total nutjobs.
All it actually took were the news stories and the mention of the word! It doesn't matter what it is, killer bees, swine flu, a rare cancer, koala bears etc., the HA sufferer will grab onto that like kids to candy ;)
Positive thoughts
Why are people even worrying about this? This is in Africa, where sanitary measures are near to or non-existent, not in the developed world... The chances of getting this in the UK or anywhere in the European Union/North America must be less than 1%
Why are people even worrying about this?
For the same reasons you worry about your heart or one worries about nodes, cancer, ALS etc. Everyone has a HA hot button. BUT... you're right. When it comes to fears, this one is pretty far fetched. Based on the actual number of cases, you have a .00007% chance of getting it. I'll take those odds any day!
Here it is... from someone who posted on the subject...
Have you touched vomit, blood, sweat, saliva, urine, or feces of someone who has Ebola?
No
You are fine
Positive thoughts
Biscuitmuncher
10-10-14, 13:04
I am worried for my son, he is a soldier and the UK are sending troops, I am just praying he is not one of them...............................:ohmy:
MyNameIsTerry
11-10-14, 03:29
I am worried for my son, he is a soldier and the UK are sending troops, I am just praying he is not one of them...............................:ohmy:
What you need to remember is that he will have specialist training for this situation. He will have loads of support around him and medical checks because his commanders don't want him or any of their soldiers contracting this and potentially spreading it inside their barracks.
Please remember that of the cases we see reported of westerners, they seem to be in missionary style roles so they are having direct contact. This means they need to take special precautions and as long as they do that, they will be fine.
---------- Post added at 03:21 ---------- Previous post was at 03:00 ----------
There have been 27 recorded outbreaks since 1976. None have ever made it to the UK and some of these were not responded to well.
I understand what you are saying. The people who forced that child out are ignorant. I haven't read the article but I'm getting a picture of the kind of parents we are talking about.
Its not just the NHS though, this is a worldwide concern and many nations are working together. If we had an outbreak that we needed support on, we would get support off other nations such as the US. The government have to deal with emergencies, look at COBR. They would divert funds from elsewhere to cover the NHS or borrow from other countries and feel the squeeze in the next few tax years.
I'm bumping this comment as its relevant to what I want to add.
Did anyone know 20 years that Ebola existed? If I think back, I can remember stories in the last 10 years and those were all in the media. So, are we now only this aware because the media is boosting awareness in their extreme ways? Social media, bloggers, etc are fairly recent (along with the mainstream use of the internet really) so I think this is why Ebola outbreaks are a massive deal to the public...because before we didn't know about them and if they did get reported it was probably a small section half way through the national newspapers. Now its constant front page news.
---------- Post added at 03:29 ---------- Previous post was at 03:21 ----------
All it actually took were the news stories and the mention of the word! It doesn't matter what it is, killer bees, swine flu, a rare cancer, koala bears etc., the HA sufferer will grab onto that like kids to candy ;)
Positive thoughts
Over the past 12 months, certain national newspapers have been bombarding us with "giant killer spiders" front pages leading to ones on killer bees, giant rats, etc. The spiders were a handful of people and nothing has happened since, its just media spin as usual.
Ever seen that movie Black Sheep??? :roflmao:
Ebola worries me too but as other posts have said its in countries that live in poor conditions. Im not sure how we can stop people getting through airports incubating the disease ....im more bothered about the i s threat in truth !
im more bothered about the i s threat in truth !
You have more of a threat of being robbed or being the victim of a scam or computer hack yet that doesn't seem to worry anyone.
7,000,000,000+ People in the world... 4400 + or - cases in the WORLD! Do the math and put it to rest!
Positive thoughts
Something that keeps going through my mind is this.....
sanitation is good in our countries & we are not really at any risk....
But just Imagine how scared the people living in infected countries must be feeling?
This recurrent thought compels me to do something about it.
I have been looking into making a charitable donation since if I do that, I have done something positive towards helping prevent the epidemic spreading. Seems to me I will then have done something also to ease the worries of members here too. This will help me feel better about the whole thing.
So .... regardless of whatever else's do tomorrow, this is top of my list of things to do.
MyNameIsTerry
12-10-14, 03:30
Something that keeps going through my mind is this.....
sanitation is good in our countries & we are not really at any risk....
But just Imagine how scared the people living in infected countries must be feeling?
This recurrent thought compels me to do something about it.
I have been looking into making a charitable donation since if I do that, I have done something positive towards helping prevent the epidemic spreading. Seems to me I will then have done something also to ease the worries of members here too. This will help me feel better about the whole thing.
So .... regardless of whatever else's do tomorrow, this is top of my list of things to do.
Yes, I agree Tessar. I think that those same people are less likely to be media driven as we are so they may be less aware of it. Some of these countries are used to extreme hardships, well maybe not used to them, just more aware that they are part of their lives.
Actionaid are usually asking for donations for the African nations as they do a lot of work out there. I know they were also asking for donations for Syria prior to this as I used to donate via DD to them but I sadly had to stop due to unemployement.
---------- Post added at 03:29 ---------- Previous post was at 03:27 ----------
Ebola worries me too but as other posts have said its in countries that live in poor conditions. Im not sure how we can stop people getting through airports incubating the disease ....im more bothered about the i s threat in truth !
Do you mean the ISIL stuff? Yes, thats more of a probability than Ebola but again we have to trust in our government agencies. It would also be nice to see a government that takes the stance that you revoke your UK status when you go to fight in those countries.
---------- Post added at 03:30 ---------- Previous post was at 03:29 ----------
You have more of a threat of being robbed or being the victim of a scam or computer hack yet that doesn't seem to worry anyone.
7,000,000,000+ People in the world... 4400 + or - cases in the WORLD! Do the math and put it to rest!
Positive thoughts
I think Pepsi said I S which I believe is a reference to the ISIS/ISIL extremists. This is a potential concern for us in the UK as we have had citizens going over there to fight and coming back.
I think Pepsi said I S which I believe is a reference to the ISIS/ISIL extremists. This is a potential concern for us in the UK as we have had citizens going over there to fight and coming back.
Even at that... With the amount of security in place after 9/11 in the US, the UK and other Western block countries, the chances are slim to none of becoming a victim of a terrorist attack.
Positive thoughts
MyNameIsTerry
12-10-14, 04:02
Even at that... With the amount of security in place after 9/11 in the US, the UK and other Western block countries, the chances are slim to none of becoming a victim of a terrorist attack.
Positive thoughts
We had one recently in the Lee Rigby incident. There has just been a cell arrested and we have been letting them back in who I assume are monitored by MI5 and the anti terrorism police. There are racial tensions overhere, some of which were there before any of this anway, especially in certain cities & towns.
I agree, its very unlikely. Far more likely to be run over or have a car accident. I have no worries over any of this, there are plenty of ways to get yourself put in hospital over here anyway and we don't tend to worry about those.
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