Medicine in epidemics: Should the rules change?

1. During an outbreak of a life-threatening infectious disease, is a physician justified in choosing to evacuate to a disease-free zone?
Always
Sometimes
Never

2. If an infectious pandemic such as avian flu were to occur in the US today, the country is:
Prepared—we have implemented the necessary plans to respond effectively.
Semi-prepared—we have taken some important steps but need to continue preparedness planning.
Unprepared—our medical and social infrastructures would be overwhelmed.

3. Have you ever asked a physician for a prescription of an antiviral or antibiotic medication, "just in case?"
Yes
No

4. When a decision to uphold the rights of an individual patient is at odds with safeguarding the public health, a physician's primary ethical responsibility is to:
The patient
The public