Dealing With Diseases After SHTF

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Note: This article was contributed by James Smith. Read more in the About The Author section below.

Apart from preparing, planning and thinking for an SHTF situation, have you ever wondered what the most likely threat is for people? As common sense suggests, when people know a SHTF situation is eminent today or sometime soon, they will go mad stocking food and water and prepare survival tools and kits. But there is something more than this – diseases after SHTF. Even the most prepared survivalists can be faced with illness in the aftermath of disaster.

Doctors are the people who first come into our minds when it comes to any condition like this, but in a disaster situation, the doctors would be facing the same survival challenges and after all they won’t be leaving their families.

In the aftermath of disaster, people might fear for starvation the most, which can lead to death, but in actuality the real reason that increases the probability of mass deaths is even worse. Can you imagine a situation where you have prepared enough for your survival and have a very-well planned strategy for defense too? The tools, the stocked food and water, everything is enough to keep you alive – starvation does not seem crucial here. If you have thought over it, the bigger threat is of contracting diseases after SHTF!

It is likely that people might not put much thought into it so here are the details that will help you keep aware of and prepare for disease after SHTF.

Common Sources Of Diseases After SHTF

Water Sanitation And Poor Hygiene

The clean drinking and tap water that we use in our daily lives to fulfill human requirements is taken for granted by everyone. Imagine a situation where public water supplies cease to function – inevitably, there will be a rise in deadly disease then.

When proper sanction becomes no longer a simple thing, here is when you should fear for lives. Water supplies will be contaminated in a SHTF situation causing an outbreak of typhoid, diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis A, gastroenteritis and diphtheria. People might not know what to do then and this is one of the reasons why you are advised to keep a water purifier kit.

Diseases Caused By Insects

The best place to breed for insects is dirty and contaminated water and what can be better for them when you are facing SHTF disasters. I guess they would be the least bothered creatures on Earth then. Sounds funny, but is as dangerous as threatening the people’s lives.

Mosquitos, bugs, fleas, ticks, midges, rats and flies – almost like non-existent creatures could play the role of being the biggest creatures in a SHTF disaster by making you sick and that too, to such a severe extent that if not treated properly, people may die! Malaria, Lyme’s disease, Murine typhus, West Nile Virus and other contagious and life-threatening diseases spread like fire in the woods.

It is important to have the knowledge beforehand and learn to keep clean drinking water and food. An insect repellant, non-prescribed anti-biotic medicines and hygiene accessories are therefore recommended to keep in a kit of emergency survival supplies. In areas of high risk for insect-borne diseases, be sure to include a mosquito net in your bug-out bag.

Respiratory Diseases And Infections

Respiratory infections and diseases are a major concern as they spread really quickly in disastrous situations. Cold, cough, flu and sore throat can still be treated through non-prescribed medicines (recommended to keep in a first-aid kit) however it becomes more threatening as there are certain bacteria and viruses that are drug-resistant. In a situation where all you can do is carry your own self safely; non-prescribed medicines will be of no use and won’t cure them.

These bacteria and viruses cause upper respiratory tract diseases such as bacterial pneumonia. It could be a major reason for massive death –imagine the unlimited food and water you’ve stocked, would it be of any help? Of course not, so is the reason why diseases are a bigger concern in the aftermath of SHTF.

When fighting for their survival, survivalists live in groups with their families that increase the chances of transmission of air-borne diseases and infections from one person to another. Infants, elderly, and immune-deficient people are more susceptible to catching infections. The simplest example can be, you cough and then use the water-bucket that is shared, the other person uses it and here’s how he catches the disease.

Practicing good hygiene, like covering your cough, washing hands frequently, and avoiding shared utensils whenever possible will help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. If a member of your group becomes ill with a respiratory infection, it is best that they rest and limit interactions with others until they recover.

Wounds And Infections

In a SHTF scenario, it gets extremely crucial to take proper care of wounds and infections as tetanus shots and antibiotic medicines aren’t available. To clean them, you of course won’t be able to rely on other sources of water too being unsure about its contamination. Infections lead to conditions like sepsis and gangrene.

Prevention is better than cure and here would be the time to practically implement it. A simple wound in such a situation can lead to long-term disabilities, chronic wounds, infections in bone and unfortunately Death! Having knowledge and learning medical skills before such disastrous situations can help survivalists save their lives. Learning about medical emergencies, cleaning and sterilization will also help prevent infections.

In order to be able to address wounds and injuries, you will need a well-stocked first aid kit. It should include bandages, antiseptic, and tools to help you quickly tend to injuries and prevent infections. For help with planning your first aid kit, CLICK HERE.

Food-Borne Diseases

While food plays an important role in your survival, it can also be a source for harmful bacterial infections. It is better to skip a meal and continue to look for food than to consume something that is questionable. Food-borne diseases can be deadly, especially without access to immediate medical intervention.

Foods that come from animal sources, such meat, eggs, and dairy products, may be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Also, cross-contamination can occur with other foods, such as produce. In a survival situation where sanitation is compromised, it can be difficult to maintain cleanliness and thoroughness when cooking. Do not consume undercooked meat or eggs! The resulting infection can cause fever, diarrhea, and cramps lasting several days. Depending on the person’s health, this can become very severe.

Another danger may be lurking in your pantry. Food-borne botulism can be contracted from canned foods that are not processed properly. Untreated, botulism can progress into paralysis of the arms, legs, torso, and even respiratory muscles. To help prevent contracting this disease, boil canned foods for ten minutes before consuming. For more information on canning safety, CLICK HERE.

Conclusion

Your strategy for health is a major component of your survival. Dealing with diseases after SHTF requires planning ahead by educating yourself about disease prevention and treatment. Be aware of sources of contamination. Know how to recognize symptoms and do not dismiss them – even mild symptoms can be a sign of a more serious problem, especially when resources are limited. And always pack a first aid kit in your bug-out bag!

About The Author

James Smith is a survivalist, who loves to write about survival skills and techniques. He has extensive knowledge about different survival kits and other survival supplies which he loves to share with others by writing blog. Follow him on twitter @jamessmith1609.

Your Thoughts

Can you think of any other diseases that may arise post-disaster? Are you taking extra steps to prepare for disease after SHTF? Tell us about them in the Comments section below, thanks!

Pandemic Survival: Prepping For COVID-19, Ebola, H1N1, SARS & More

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With coronavirus spreading around the world, it’s understandable that people are searching for ways to protect themselves and prepare for the different possible outcomes of the spread.

The knowledge you acquire to protect yourself and loved ones in a pandemic survival situation has never been more valuable.

In this article, I am going to show you what preventative measures to take to reduce your risk of exposure before, during, and after a pandemic. We are also going to take a look at some of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available to keep the chances of transmitting an illness as minimal as possible including kits like these:

Freedom Hill Pandemic PPE Kit	Ebola Virus Preparedness and Travel Kit	Personal Ebola Preparedness Kit

Understanding How Pandemics Are Transmitted

Knowing how a pandemic is spread is the first key step in planning to protect yourself from getting sick. Pandemics are generally passed on in 3 ways – through the air, through physical contact, and through contaminated food or water. Let’s take a look at these 3 methods and the illnesses that are transmitted through them.

Transmission Through The Air

Many bacterial and viral infections are transmitted through the air. This generally happens when a sick person coughs or sneezes, which releases the microbes into mucus or saliva droplets into the air. If a healthy person breathes in these particles, in they can become infected. Here are some of the most common illnesses that can be transmitted through the air in this manner:

Bacterial Meningitis
Chickenpox
Common cold
Influenza
Mumps
Strep throat
Tuberculosis
Measles
Rubella
Whooping cough

Protecting Yourself From Air Transmitted Infection

Wear a surgical mask – Note this does not filter the air, it is designed to protect splatter or spray from coughs and sneezes from entering your mouth and nose. To filter air one would need a respirator. There is also evidence that wearing a mask prevents you from unknowingly spreading disease via droplets if you are presymptomatic or asymptomatic.
Wash your hands if you come into contact with someone who has been coughing or sneezing
Make sure any rooms you share with a person who is ill are well ventilated
If you are caring for a family member that has contracted one of the illnesses mentioned above, encourage them to wear a mask and to wash their hands as often as possible
Note that according to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), Ebola CANNOT be transmitted through the air.

pandemic survival

Transmission Through Touch

The second common transmission method is through physical contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person including:

Mucus
Saliva
Blood
Feces
Semen
Breast milk

Transmission may occur from both direct contact (touching mucus, blood, etc directly) or indirect sources (touching a surface, doorknob, or shaking hands with someone who has the mucus/blood/etc on their hands). Once you have made contact the pathogen can enter your body through broken skin or through your nose, eyes, or mouth. Here are some of the most widely known illnesses that are passed on via touch:

Ebola
Rhinovirus (common cold)
Hepatitis
HIV
Influenza

Protecting Yourself From Touch Transmitted Infection

Wash your hands frequently, especially if you come into contact with a sick person
Wipe down surfaces that have been contacted by a sick person with an antibacterial cleanser or bleach solution
Do not handle items that have come in contact with a sick person (clothing, bedsheets, medical equipment)
Wear gloves or other PPE if you think there is a high risk of encountering sick individuals or if caring for an ill family member

Transmission Through Contaminated Food Or Drinking Water

There are 2 main pandemics that are typically transmitted through drinking water:

Typhoid
Cholera

Both of these have been nearly eliminated from the western world by improved sanitation conditions and antibiotics but still regularly occur in less developed countries. In the event of a major disaster, there is the chance of these plagues returning again until our society is able to get back on our feet.

These are caused by microorganisms that thrive in unsanitary water and food. Modern water treatment techniques and food handling methods are effective at eliminating both types of bacteria.

Protecting Yourself From Food & Water Transmitted Infection

Practice hand hygiene after going to the bathroom and before preparing food
Boil water that you think may be contaminated or treat it chemically or with ultraviolet light
Cook food thoroughly before eating
Make sure your waste is being kept far away from your water source if you are setting up a camp

Prepping For Pandemic Survival

Now that we know what we are up against let’s take a look at what steps we can take to prepare and protect ourselves. We are going to look at the 3 stages of a pandemic – before, during, and after – and see what we can do to reduce our chances of exposure during each.

What to do before a pandemic

If a pandemic has reached towns in your area or a location where people in your community frequently travel to, it is a good time to start making preparations to limit your exposure to any potential carriers. You do not need to put your life on hold, but raising your level of vigilance will not hurt.

Wash hands your hands religiously

This is something we are going to see again and again through this article and throughout medical literature. Your hands are one of the most common ways that a pathogen enters your body so it is extra important to cleanse them frequently when a pandemic is on the rise. Try to instill the importance of this in your children as well if they are old enough to understand its importance.

Be aware of symptoms

Before a pandemic strikes is the best time to educate yourself on the symptoms that are caused by the illness. This will allow you to identify whether or not the people you encounter are affected. It also allows you to get medical attention to any family member who falls ill as soon as possible.

While it is good to know general symptoms for many illnesses, it is also wise to educate yourself on the specific symptoms of the particular pandemic that you see coming. If you are prepping for Ebola, you should be aware that Ebola’s symptoms are:

Nausea & vomiting
Fever
Unexpected bruising
Diarrhea (possibly bloody)
Redness in the eyes
Raised rashes
Chest pains and coughing
Stomach pain
Severe weight loss
Bleeding, usually from the eyes or other orifices (ears, nose and rectum)

Seek medical help immediately if you show ANY symptoms

You may see that a pandemic is approaching but not realize it has arrived until it is too late. Because of this, it is vitally important to seek professional medical help as soon as possible if you or a family member begins showing any symptoms of illness.

Get vaccinated if possible

If a vaccine has been developed for an illness that is spreading rapidly it is wise to take it as soon as possible. Not every illness mentioned above has a vaccine unfortunately and it will not help against illnesses transmitted by bacteria. But, if a vaccine is available this is really the only way to ensure that you are safe against infection.

Start planning for disruptions

If a pandemic becomes widespread there will be disruptions in everyday life. Some of these may be imposed to prevent transmission of the pandemic and some may be by choice to reduce your own risk. Some things to consider when planning include:

Schools may be suspended – plan childcare if you are going to still be required to go to work
Transportation may be disrupted – you may need to find alternate ways to get to your workplace. Avoiding public transportation is a good idea anyways during a pandemic, plan accordingly.
Discuss plans with work – talk to your boss about working arrangements during a pandemic. They may be planning to close the office or have employees work from home. You may need to work from home yourself to take care of a sick family member. Discuss these possibilities so you know what your options are.
Stock up on food and water – Having what you need at home means fewer trips to the store and less chance of exposure. Stock up on non-perishable items and clean water before panic hits and the shelves are empty.

What to do during a pandemic

The steps to take during a pandemic survival situation are primarily focused on avoiding exposure and keeping safe until it passes. With careful planning, good hygiene discipline, and a bit of luck we can maximize our chances of passing through a pandemic unharmed.

Avoid crowds at all costs

The more people you come into contact with, the higher your chances of exposure. During a pandemic crowds should be avoided at all costs. This includes avoiding:

Areas where people congregate
Public transportation – if you HAVE to use it avoid rush hour
Sporting events
Concerts
Stores
Schools

If you do need to go out try to stay at least 1 meter away from other people.

Wash your hands

Again, washing your hands is the easiest way to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands whenever you arrive at a destination, after you encounter a crowd, and especially if you come into contact with a person whom you suspect to be sick.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

If you do have to pass through an area where there is a crowd or it is likely that there have been sick people around, you may want to wear PPE to minimize the chances of transmission. This is also important if you are called upon to care for a sick family member. What you wear will depend on the nature of the pandemic as well as how you come into contact with these elements. We will cover PPE in detail below but for now, keep in mind that it is an option.

Have Your Stay At Home Plan Ready

Depending on the nature of the pandemic, it may be best to stay at home with your family instead of bugging out. Make sure you have a plan in place to accommodate this that includes food, water, and communicating with friends, family, and neighbors in the outside world.

If you are a single parent, coordinate with a caretaker to look after your children if their daycare center is closed
Make arrangements to work from home if possible
If you live alone or are caring for an elderly or disabled person make arrangements with another caregiver in the event that you yourself get ill
Make sure the phone numbers for your doctor, local hospital, neighbors, and family are posted prominently in the home
Avoid face to face meetings if possible, rely on phone and email to communicate
Postpone non-critical travel and gatherings

What to do after a pandemic

If you are fortunate enough to survive a pandemic you will be left with putting the pieces of the community and your own life back together. There may still be pockets of infection present, here is how we can avoid getting sick from them:

Avoid hospitals and medical equipment where pandemic victims have been treated
Do not touch the clothes, belongings, or bodies of those who were infected, wear your PPE if this is absolutely necessary
Contact local authorities to have the deceased disposed of properly
Remain vigilant when coming into contact with others, keep an eye out for lingering symptoms of the pandemic
Avoid coming in contact with objects or surfaces that may be contaminated when visiting a relative who may be recovering
Get vaccinated if a vaccine has been developed

pandemic survival

How Personal Protective Equipment Can Protect You

One of the best ways we can reduce our chances of becoming infected by a pandemic is to wear Personal Protective Equipment or PPE whenever we need to come in contact with those who are infected. This PPE is similar to what we imagine a doctor wearing in a hospital and is designed to protect the most common entry points of bacteria or a virus into the body as well as minimize our chances of infecting others. If you are prepping for an ebola outbreak or any other pandemic, the PPE that I am going to discuss here is designed to protect your:

Hands
Eyes
Nose
Mouth
Exposed skin
Clothes

PPE For Your Hands

Dynarex Black Nitrile Exam Gloves	Kimberly-Clark Nitrile Powder Free Exam Gloves	Dynarex Synthetic Vinyl Powder Free Glove

Gloves are the most commonly used PPE to protect your hands from contacting an infected person or surface. These are a highly effective barrier against infection and should be worn whenever you are in an area where sick people have been as well as if you are caring for an infected person.

Gloves are typically made from vinyl, latex, or nitrile
They come in sterile and non-sterile (but still clean) varieties
If you working in an area with rough surfaces consider wearing two pairs of gloves, remove and replace both layers if one suffers a tear or becomes heavily contaminated
Even if you are wearing gloves be conscious of what you are touching. If you inadvertently scratch an itch or rub an eye with an infected glove this has a very high chance of transmitting the illness to you.
Also avoid touching things like doors and light switches with contaminated gloves to avoid cross contamination
Make sure your gloves fit snugly and allow you to use your hands as needed

PPE For Your Eyes

Uvex Stealth OTG Safety Goggles	Pyramex Safety Goggles Chemical Splash Anti-Fog Lens	3M TEKK Protection Splash/Impact Goggle

PPE designed to protect your eyes will consist of goggles that should fit snugly around your eyes. This will prevent mucus, blood, and saliva from a cough, sneeze, or other ejection from entering your body through your eyes.

If you are going to be wearing goggles for an extended period consider applying anti-fog solution before putting them on
Personal eyeglasses are better than nothing but do not provide the same level of protection as a set of goggles
If you touch a contaminated surface with your hands or gloves be very careful not to rub your eyes or touch the inside of your goggles

PPE For Your Nose & Mouth

3M Full Facepiece Reusable Respirator	3M Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask	MSA Safety Works Multi-Purpose Respirator

There are two types of PPE for your nose and mouth. The more common one is a surgical mask. This is a semi-spherical shaped mask that is fastened around the back of your head by either tying it in place or with elastic straps. The mask should also pinch snugly around the bridge of your nose for a good fit.

Masks are generally rated based on how small a particle they will prevent from passing through, N95 is the most commonly used rating.
Note that a surgical mask WILL NOT filter the air. It is designed to stop fluids from splattering at your nose and mouth and to keep your own sneezes and coughs contained.
If you are worried about airborne pathogens you will need a respirator to keep you safe. This also fits snugly on the nose and mouth but actively filters the air you breathe. Respirators are generally more expensive than surgical masks but provide this extra level of protection.
Again, if you touch a contaminated surface with your hands be sure not to touch your face or the inside of your mask or respirator when adjusting or removing it

PPE For Exposed Skin & Clothing

Medline Basic isolation gown	Medline Industries Closed Back Coated Polypropylene Isolation Gowns	DuPont Disposable Elastic Wrist, Bootie & Hood White Tyvek Coverall Suit

If you are going to be traveling through a crowd or have frequent exposure to people infected with the pandemic you will want to protect any exposed skin and prevent your clothes from becoming contaminated.

Wearing a gown or apron is the appropriate PPE for this purpose. These typically are worn by doctors performing surgery or in other environments where blood, saliva, or mucus spray is likely.

Gowns cover arms and torso and fasten in the back with ties.
Not all gown materials are fluid resistance. If you expect heavy soiling make sure you have a gown that is fluid resistant or fluid proof.
Gowns should be donned before gloves and the wrist of the glove should overlap the gown sleeve

pandemic survival

Personal Protective Equipment Tips

Make sure your PPE fits snugly. It will not serve you well if it gets caught and tears as you move or inhibits your intended actions.
Have extra PPE on hand so you can replace damaged or contaminated items
Consider the type of exposure that you are most likely to face. Are you likely to face spraying body fluids, airborne contaminants or large numbers of infected people? Are you just trying to keep yourself safe during your commute? Will you be caring for a sick relative? Be sure to choose gear that is appropriate to your needs.
Make sure you put your PPE on before you are exposed to infected people, even before you leave your home if possible.
When done, remove PPE carefully to prevent cross-contamination. Do not touch the insides of masks, goggles, or gowns with contaminated gloves.
A full set of PPE is generally put on in a specific sequence to maximize protection:

Put the gown on first
Mask or respirator goes on second
Goggles go on next
Gloves go on last
Make sure everything is adjusted and snug fitting before you touch any contaminated surfaces to avoid having to make adjustments with contaminated gloves

After removing PPE be sure to wash your hands before doing anything else

Prepping For The Next Pandemic

Partnering these tips with properly used PPE should give you the best chance possible of making it through a pandemic unscathed, whether you are prepping for coronavirus or the next pandemic. Remember to use caution and common sense when considering traveling, congregating, or otherwise interacting with others and be sure to practice good hygiene to prevent a pandemic from spreading.

Please also note that I am not a doctor and this article is absolutely no substitute for sound medical advice. The majority of the information found here is publicly available from the CDC, Wikipedia, and other online sources. If you or someone you know is showing any symptoms of infection seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Your Thoughts?

Do you have advice for protecting your family during a pandemic survival scenario? Do you have PPE that you would recommend? Let us know in the Comments Section below, thanks!