Living with the Flu » Pamela Jackson http://www.livingwiththeflu.org Stay Informed. Be Prepared. Prevent the Spread Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:59:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 From the Public Insight Network: How One Resident is Handling the Pandemic http://www.livingwiththeflu.org/2009/12/10/from-the-public-insight-network-how-one-resident-is-handling-the-pandemic/ http://www.livingwiththeflu.org/2009/12/10/from-the-public-insight-network-how-one-resident-is-handling-the-pandemic/#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:52:33 +0000 KETC http://www.livingwiththeflu.org/?p=222 The swine flu has been a highly publicized issue for several months, and many people have taken measures to protect themselves from infection. We recently heard about the extensive measures taken by Pamela Jackson, a nurse clinician, through our Public Insight Network. She pays special attention to her diet during the pandemic, focusing on eating green vegetables [...]]]> The swine flu has been a highly publicized issue for several months, and many people have taken measures to protect themselves from infection. We recently heard about the extensive measures taken by Pamela Jackson, a nurse clinician, through our Public Insight Network. She pays special attention to her diet during the pandemic, focusing on eating green vegetables and cooking nutritious soup. Like most of us, she focuses on basic practices to improve hygiene, such as washing her hands and covering her mouth when she coughs. Pamela also takes goldenseal and Echinacea, herbal medicines that many believe boost the immune system.

As a medical professional, Pamela expressed concern over the media coverage that tends to exaggerate the impact of H1N1 rather than report facts. She believes that the general population lacks the knowledge to evaluate the medical information from the news. She said, “Health literacy is a big problem in America, therefore, go to the library and do your own research.” News reports that she sees as clearly sensationalist will greatly increase the stress in others.   Pamela stressed the importance of educating yourself to decide how to best protect your family.

Her employer has taken the threat seriously. If employees are sick, it is clear that they should stay home. Pamela did express concern, however, over her employer’s ability to deal with an outbreak. She said that they are already witnessing a reduced workforce, and she is not sure how they would handle a sudden additional decrease in attendance. 

We’re interested to hear any steps you’ve taken to stay healthy. Go here to learn how you can join the Public Insight Network and help KETC tell your story.

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