H1N1 infection control strategies
and panic control
In a pandemic, more
specifically the spread of the H1N1 virus, the first reaction of many people is
to panic. Globally, health care professionals must attempt to share effective,
infection control strategies without inciting panic, as well as deal with the
people who are already in a state of panic because of the pandemic.
This issue becomes increasingly
complex. There is panic control needed with respect to the spread of the H1N1
virus, as well as panic control required with respect to those who are
frightened because of the existing pandemic.
First, do not panic.
Where did the word panic
originate?
"The word 'panic' derives
from the Greek 'pertaining to Pan', because Pan was reputed to give a loud,
chaotic, bleeting cry, which disoriented the Titans, in Hesiod's Theogony.
"(1)
Who is Pan?
Pan is a figure in Greek
mythology and religion. He is "the companion of the nymphs, mythological
god of shepherds and flocks, of mountain wilds, hunting and rustic music. His
name originates within the Greek language from the word 'paein', meaning 'to
pasture'." (2)
One probably does think of the
name Pan or the word panic, in relation to the expression to pasture. Panic and
to pasture would appear to be opposites, but there is room for the use of the
word panic in a positive context.
In certain circumstances, a
mild degree of panic can prove to be a good thing. It acts as a trigger that
alerts people to the reality of an existing area of concern. In this case, it
would be regarding the H1N1 virus.
Consider this example.
"Pan inspired sudden fear
in lonely places, panic (panikon deima). Following the Titans' assault on Olympus , Pan claimed credit for the victory of the gods
because he had inspired disorder and fear in the attackers, resulting in the
word 'panic', to describe these emotions. Of course, Pan was later known for
his music, capable of arousing inspiration, sexuality, or panic, depending on
his intentions. In the Battle of Marathon (490 BC, it is said that Pan favored
the Athenians and so inspired panic in the hearts of their enemies, the
Persians." (3)
In this scenario, panic was the
instrument that Pan used to his own advantage, as well to help others. The word
pan is also associated with the pan flute, fashioned out of hollow reeds. The
pan flute offers a plaintive but soothing note, for those who are in distress.
(4)
Globally, with respect to the
H1N1 pandemic, there is already some degree of panic, as well as distress. Fear
is causing people to become increasingly aware of the disease. As a result,
they are concerned, as well as becoming more cautious and gradually seeking
methods of protection and prevention, with respect to the spread of infection.
This is one example of how
panic can prove to be a good thing. Panic can go to the other extreme and in
this way, prove to be detrimental.
"Panic is also known as an
acute case of anxiety." (5)
Acute anxiety can cause people
to do things that they would not normally consider doing. They may regard and
treat people differently because of mass panic related to their fear.
Sometimes, people will run like wild animals, when suddenly confronted by a forest
fire. Unfortunately, something like the H1N1 virus is not something that one
can run from.
"Panic is sudden fear
which dominates or replaces thinking and often affects groups of people or
animals. Panics typically occur in disaster situations, or violent situations
(such as robbery, home invasion, a shooting rampage, etc.) which may endanger
the overall health of the affected group." (6)
These kinds of situations could
occur in terms of mass panic related to the H1N1 virus. They are indicative of
irrational thinking and the loss of control.
"Humans are also
vulnerable to panic and it is often considered infectious, in the sense one
person's panic may easily spread to other people nearby and soon the entire
group acts irrationally, but people also have the ability to prevent and/or
control their own and other's panic by disciplined thinking or training (such
as disaster drills). (7)
When panic becomes the
infectious disease that has to be controlled, then the rational side of the
human mind may not be open to accepting or sharing any infection control
strategies. Professional health care educators have to deal with irrational
panic, before it bounds out of control and becomes mass panic. Once the panic
has been dealt with appropriately, then the global community is open to
learning, accepting and sharing infection control strategies.
Acknowledgement of the seriousness of a
pandemic is a good thing, as long as there is disciplined thinking and
training, with regard to disease prevention and control.
Re-capping Pan's mythological
feat of accomplishment, establishes a model for health care professionals.
Listening to the pan flutes in the distant pastures, calms and soothes the
soul, but not to the extent that the real issue is forgotten or ignored.
The
pandemic is real. Dealing with the fear of people during a pandemic, is not
always easy, but "Perfect love casts out fear." Medical wisdom,
scientific research and common sense have to prevail too, as health care
professionals and global communities pull together to deal with potentially
difficult scenarios, all around the world.
When people assume a
responsible role with regard to one another, panic control is not necessary.
Then, health care professionals can get on with the real task of sharing
infection control strategies without inciting panic.
For those who are in a
state of panic, it is a good idea to seek information regarding the H1N1 virus.
Seeking personal advice from one's physician is advisable. There is also
information available online or from community health organizations.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Op. cit., Panic
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
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