I often think of an article I read last year stating that if ”just in time” deliveries to Southern California suddenly stopped it would only take four days to totally wipe out the stores.  I’m here to tell you it’s much, much shorter than that. 

The news of the Swine Flu outbreak became headline news on Sunday, April 26th - by Tuesday morning all the face masks and waterless hand disinfectants were wiped out.  Completely gone.  Right now we’re lucky because shipments haven’t stopped and the stores are restocking as quickly as possible, but if it gets much worse, we can expect necessities to be gone within 24 hours.

No one is hoping this is a false alarm more than those of us who are already prepared.  We understand the potential for this to be a life-altering event and certainly hope that after all is said and done we can say we overreacted.  However, I can’t stress enough that you should have a supply of necessities at home, just in case.  There’s no need to run out and purchase a year’s supply of food and water, but having enough to last a few months might be the best investment you ever make.  Also think about what you would need to take care of a sick person in your home.  Medicines, protective gear and comfort items will disappear rapidly from stores, so get yours now. 

I’ve heard people scoff and say this is hype driven by main stream media, and they might be right.  In the large scheme of things a few hundred people dying of the influenza isn’t much of an impact.  But, let’s not forget that people HAVE died.  What a sad, sad thing to happen anytime for any reason.  I am sickened by the hate on the message boards, some people going so far as to say these people deserve this.  It just reminds me that there is something that scares me more than disease, and that’s mankind.  Our ability to hate so violently and dismiss human life so easily. 

I don’t know about you, but I value every day of this life because I truly believe it’s the only one we get.  I want my children to be healthy and grow up peacefully.  I want them to love their fellow man, no matter how much they disagree with their actions and attitudes.  I want them to know that while we do have an overpopulation problem on this planet, wishing death for anyone isn’t something we do. 

My number one suggestion for you at this point is simple - have a plan.  Decide what’s the best course of action for you and your family and don’t hesitate when the decision is upon you.  Keep aware and weigh everything you read with your own common sense.

I am prepared for whatever comes from this swine flu outbreak.  I hope you are too and I hope all of our preparations are unnecessary.

Since knowledge is everything when it comes to protecting yourself and your family, be sure to check out the Influenza category to the right of this page.

Swine flu is type A influenza and mainly infects pigs - people don’t normally contract swine flu, but as we know from history it has made the leap several times.  This strain is thought to be spread the same way seasonal influenza is spread - through particle droplets in the air and on surfaces.  The best preventative for swine flu is keeping yourself away from those infected.

Educating yourself is the second best preventative measure.  Keep your hands clean, avoid rubbing your nose and eyes and if you start to feel feverish and achy, quarantine yourself after you seek adequate medical care.  People with swine flu are potentially contagious for up to and maybe over 7 days following the first signs of fever.  Children especially may be contagious longer, so you might want to plan on at least two weeks of quarantine to be sure. 

Here are the warning signs of when to seek emergency medical care:

Children

• Fast or troubled breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough liquids
• Not waking up or interacting
• Being so irritable they do not want to be held
• Flu symptoms that improve but then suddenly return with a fever
• Fever with a rash

Adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

If you or your children have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.  Thankfully no deaths have occurred in the US, and we hope it stays that way.  However, it’s always best to be over-prepared.  If you don’t have enough supplies now is the time to stock up.  Make sure to get extra filters for your humidifiers and pedialyte for the kids.  Already there is a shortage of OTC medications and face masks - get yours ready before they’re unavailable.

I have to say I’m a little concerned about this.  Mainly for my family as we are a short two hours from the Mexico/US border.  While it’s put me on alert, I know I can and will do everything to protect my family, and hopefully it’ll all be unnecessary.  Be prepared and keep aware of new developments and if things get worse, take quick action to keep yourselves away from those infected.

Check out this earlier post about setting up a quarantine room.

How often does one of your kids get a fever and you realize you only have one dose of fever reducer in the cabinet?  It’s important when preparing for any disaster scenario to be sure you’ve thought about the first aid items your family might need, and keep a supply available.  Here’s a handy list of items I keep on hand.

Alcohol Wipes

Aloe Vera

Antacids

Aspirin

Benadryl

Calamine Lotion

Claritin

Cough Drops

Epsom Salt

Hydrocortisone Cream

Hydrogen Peroxide

Immodium

Iodine

Motrin

Neosporin

Numbing Throat Spray

Rubbing Alcohol

Sudafed

Tylenol

Vicks Vapor Rub

Ace Bandages

Band aids and Bandages in Various Sizes

Surgical Tape

Ice Packs

Heat Packs

Keep in mind this is what I store - these are the most common items my family uses for basic first aid.  I have a rotation schedule for items that have an expiration date, especially the medications, but I know that in a pinch old stuff isn’t necessarily useless.  I keep two sets - one near my bathroom on a closet shelf where it’s easily accessible, and one stored away in a plastic bin for safety in an earthquake, or other disaster where it could be crushed.  I also keep some of these items in my car’s first aid kit and a small version in our survival bags.

Make a list and stock up when you have a few extra dollars.  If you buy one item every week, the impact is small.  Keep your supplies in a cool dark place and rotate regularly.  Keep items out of reach of children, especially if they’re stored in your car.  Be safe and prepared.