Introduction
Over the years there have been many different virus epidemics that have broken out across the United States as well as the rest of the world. In 1918, Influenza spread across the world killing more than 50 million people. It would hit any one and was hitting everywhere. Some people were dead within three days of catching the flu. People’s lungs were filling with fluid and they were drowning to death. The Influenza struck in two different phases, the spring and again in the fall. Because of the flu epidemic, the life expectancy dropped by 12 years. Back then the technology was not as it is today and there was confusion on how to stop the epidemic from spreading. Finally doctors were able to treat the pneumonia and people stopped dying and the virus epidemic was brought to a halt. In more recent years we have had the scare of H1N1 or swine flu started to break out and people panicked because they were thinking that the flu would spread like it did in 1918.
Step 1
There are ways in today’s world that we can stop a virus epidemic from happening. We have learned more about how germs are spread and people are more health conscious then they were back in 1918. The first step to stop a virus epidemic is to: teach people that are sick to stay home and to not go out in public. This is one way to keep the germs contained in one area and not be spread. Another thing that we can teach our youth and adults is to wash hands. When you cough or sneeze, germs are on your hands and can be left behind on door knobs. This can then be picked up by someone healthy and they get sick, spreading the disease.
Step 2
Another thing to do is stop sharing with your loved ones. If someone is sick, do not share eating utensils or drinks. By sharing you risk picking up the germs and getting sick yourself. This is one of the easiest ways for a virus epidemic to be spread. If you have to during an illness in your home use utensils and cups that can be thrown away after each use.
Step 3
During a virus epidemic another thing that people can do to keep safe is wear a mask. It may seem silly, but the mask can help when you are around sick people. The mask will filter out the germs that are airborne and you will not be breathing these.
Step 4
Another tip for you is to use a disinfectant in your house for door handles and television remotes. These can have germs living on them and spread a virus that you thought was gone. Also make sure the surfaces in your kitchen have been sanitized.
Step 5
Another thing that you can do to stop a virus epidemic from spreading through your own home is to make sure everyone washes their hands. Every time they blow their nose or cough they should wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer.
Tips
There are a few more things that you can do to keep your family safe and stop a virus epidemic from happening in your own home:
Tell your children to stop sharing their cups and eating utensils.
Teach children to always wash hands at home and out in public.
Teach your child after using a public restroom, to grab a clean paper towel to open the bathroom door.
Use a disinfectant to wipe off the surfaces in your house. Pay special attention to door handles and television remotes.
If your child has a fever do not send them to school.
These are just a few of the things that we can all do to help keep illnesses at bay and put a stop to a virus epidemic.
