TV Movies: Sensational or true?

It seems that "pandemic flu" is becoming a popular theme for television movies and shows. Are the scenes realistic, or are they just sensationalism?

It's important to remember, points out the Department of Health and Human Services in a May 4 information release, that these movies are entertainment, not documentaries. There is no pandemic right now; there is not even evidence of H5N1 virus in the U.S. If the virus is found, it does not mean that there will be a pandemic.

In fact, most of us have already gone through two influenza pandemics in this country; in 1957/58 and 1968/69. They passed by many unnoticed except as normal seasonal sickness.

However, there are scenes in the movies which are important because they show what might happen without planning at federal, community and personal levels. Limited availability of antivirals and vaccines, disruption of essential services when people do not come to work, delays in developing vaccines and lack of supplies including personal prescription medications are possible scenarios.

For that reason, the federal government is building up stockpiles of medications, enough by the end of 2008 for the estimated 25 percent of the population who might become sick in a pandemic. A regional drill in September will practice distribution of such stockpiled medications.

HHS points out that it also is investing in improving the technology for vaccine development. Vaccines cannot be formulated until the pandemic strain actually appears, and currently it takes about 6 months to produce one.

For individuals and communities, the article has described some ways to plan ahead. But one of the most important is also the simplest for a virus that is spread by airborne droplets but also by touching contaminated surfaces and then the face: Wash your hands!