Workforce reduced

Last week, as the first of the H1N1 immunization clinics opened its doors across the country, there was a seemingly simultaneous increase in cases of people showing up in Emergency rooms across this land, all reporting various symptoms believed to be part of this potential pandemic.

News of at least one suspected case of H1N1 which was blamed for the death of a teenager caused additionally escalated levels of panic among parents and young children alike.

About ten days have now gone by and still there is a sense of urgency in the air, mixed with understandable concern for the well-being of children and those who are at risk. Policies and procedures for the distribution of the vaccine have, by necessity, had to be revised, and medical personnel are being challenged in ways they may not have anticipated.

There are reports of schools which are half full of students, the remainder being kept home by their parents out of a sense of concern that symptoms of colds and other challenges to the immune systems that we all could put innocent bystanders at risk.

Perhaps I should not therefore have been surprised to learn upon my return today that most of the staff members are experiencing various medical challenges including dibilitating colds and fatigue. Between motivated absenses for reasons other than sickness and the cases of people not being healthy, it's a wonder that anyone was here to respond to phone calls and visitors who knocked at the door over the last few days.

The truth of the matter is that this is probably going to be an accepted reality in many locales over the next days and weeks. Learning to live with this increased demand is therefore quickly becoming a top priority.

The consequence of this can take one of two directions. Either we can be proactive and take steps to protect ourselves and the people we love, or we can deny the possiblity that it will affect us personally, and possibly end up reacting to an 'unforeseen' development. Will those who are vaccinated eventually give thanks for the fact that we can access this preventative medication, or will those who choose to forego this measure of health find a reason to be thankful for their decision? Some are still unsure about whether they should avail themselves of this medication, but health professionals are encouraging all people to take the necessary steps to protect themselves.