There have been respiratory viral outbreaks in the U.S. in at least 12 states. Could very well end up in Canada too! Efforts are underway to see if it is the very rare Enterovirus D68. Regardless of what virus, or viruses turn out to be causing the severe respiratory illnesses, what matters most is recognizing when someone is getting seriously ill, and preventing illness if possible. Children under the age of 5, school age asthmatics and school age former asthmatics are the most vulnerable. There have been no cases in adults yet. Typical cold symptoms can sometimes progress rapidly, within hours, to severe respiratory distress, requirIng intubation and intensive hospital support. No deaths have been reported or are expected however during a collapse or an emergency we may not have access to hospitals with intubation and oxygen therapy, so we need to get really good at infection control. Love to hear your thoughts!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkl0Q2N5Qqg&list=UUcXgySSIBw4CBdJfT8PAbMQ
Non-'Tubers:
CDC round-up of last outbreak (2011), U.S. and global: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwR/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6038a1.htm
CHCR this-time outbreak and map of 10 states: http://chcer.net/public-health-update-human-enterovirus-68-hev68-west-nile-and-ebola/
News pieces:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2014/09/08/rare-respiratory-virus-sending-children-to-hospital-in-u-s/
http://www.cleveland.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2014/09/respiratory_virus_hitting_nort.html
Mixed reports of 10 or 12 even as-of this a.m., and may be confirmed/released, I can't find an active travel advisory or official list on a quick search.
Key points for non-link-followers and non-'Tubers:
Normal GOOD hygiene practices are as effective on it as other influenza - proper handwashing is key.
There also seems to be a high rate of previously compromised children (asthma, immunodeficiency) and as yet it is still kids, not adults, but adults should start singing happy birthday and really scrubbing their hands, too.
Cheers,
P