Preparations for The Bird Flu

Hansa44

Justine Case
I think we should start a Hi- Priority thread for preps concerning this virus. If (when) this virus hits there will be many not ready for it and will be looking for answers in what they should do.

I realize we have many prep threads but we don't want our search function turned off because so many are looking for answers.

You can list anything you want in the way of preps and also links to other prep threads that would be helpful.
 

Deb Mc

Veteran Member
Hansa,

Awesome! :applaud: Glad to see this brought up and pinned. Folks might also want to save a copy and print it off in case they're unable to access the web at a later date.


Here are a few things folks might want to consider:



Medications:


- Store up an extra "cushion" of MUST-HAVE meds (i.e. heart meds, blood pressure meds, asthma meds, etc...). An easy way of doing this is to place your re-order a few weeks early each time you do your re-order. This way you're able to build up a good-sized cache of extra meds without it hitting the wallet too badly.

The other way of doing this is to go out and buy your meds on your own (doubtful that the insurance companies would give permission). Or, perhaps your doctor might give you some samples to keep on hand, though again that might be doubtful.

- You might want to stock up on regular cold and flu meds too in case you're stuck at home and need some meds to treat a regular cold.



Food & water:


- Comfort foods for yourselves and your family. Don't forget your pets!

If your area is quarantined, you might be limited in travel for days or weeks. Best to prepare in case that is true.

- Extra water, fruit juices, etc... If storing water, remember: 1 gal./person/per day is the minimum. Also, don't store in plastic milk jugs - these break down quickly and leak. Store in 2 liter plastic bottles or camp water jugs.



Heat & Home:

- Have another source of heat if the electricity goes out.

- Extra blankets.

- You might want to have extra plastic tarps and duct tape for home repairs as well as making a "safe" entry way into your home. (Helps keep the virii out while you decontaminate your clothing.)



Pets:

- Extra food, water, meds, etc... for your pets. Plan on keeping them inside for the duration: Dogs and cats have been killed by the H5N1 virus and can carry it inside your home (bird poop on the paws, virii on their fur coats). Ditto for humans too - best to stay inside when the virus is about!
 
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kelee877

Veteran Member
Preps for children..


games.crayons,paper,
we took this long weekend to put preps in order..I made a rumolli game out of paper and took and old deck of cards to tape on the one for the board so my 7 and 8 years old would understand and away we played..we used beans from preps as the chips..lol...told the kids that could be their next meal..teehee..we had a hoot..playing.and they loved it...
Now I have to teach them cribbage and backgammon...oh well i,ll wait till we really need those ones..
 
I

ironmike09

Guest
Question

We have a few chickens and have been discussing if we should kill them. We only have 11 of them. Does anyone know the possible danger at this time? Do we have much of a cushion of time? I hate to wipe out my "flock," but safety is more important than a few eggs. Do you think there will be warnings when the flu hits the U.S.? Any advice is welcome.
 

Westbrook

Inactive
ironmike09 said:
We have a few chickens and have been discussing if we should kill them. We only have 11 of them. Any advice is welcome.

I raise chickens and turkeys and sell them as well as eggs. I have 100 chickens and 24 turkeys. Next year I will puchase another 100 chicks, to cull some older hens and again another 24 turkeys.

I live in an area where Exotic New Castle Disease as well as confirmed West Nile Virus. Thus far my poultry are healthy and happy... well I assume they are happy, but then how does one know if a turkey is happy? and we know that the only thing dumber then a turkey is a turkey farmer.. and going under that premise what do I know?

I will continue raising poultry until I notice a chicken die for no apparent reason, then I will call the appropriate ag. department and have them come out and test. If I loose my flock, it is only a temporary set back. When it is ok, I will begin again. Since I don't put all my eggs in one basket, I have other livestock to pick up the slack financially.

So in a round about way, I am saying I personally am not reacting to this, I am preparing for it. I will continue to raise my flocks as I have done these last 50 years.
 

ARUBI

Inactive
Americans' Bird Flu Concerns Addressed

By MIKE STOBBE, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 1 minute ago



Americans fearful of bird flu are peppering health officials with all sorts of questions: Is it safe to have a bird feeder in my yard? If I see a dead bird, should I report it? Is it still OK to have turkey at Thanksgiving? The answers are yes, no, and yes.

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been handling an avalanche of phone calls from the public and the media.

"It's been insane," said Dave Daigle, a spokesman for the CDC, which has been getting an average of 447,000 hits a day on its avian flu information Web page.

That's more than the CDC got from people wanting to know about the flu shot shortage last October or the West Nile virus outbreaks in 2003. And bird flu isn't even here.

It is just now infecting poultry in eastern Europe. So far, it almost never spreads between humans and in two years has infected 117 people, all in Asia. More than 60 have died.

But in the past couple weeks there has been tremendous attention on the virus and U.S. government plans to cope with a possible global outbreak. Health experts believe the bird virus may one day mutate to a form that is not only deadly, but easily spread among people.

The U.S. government has started stockpiling Tamiflu and other medicines that scientists believe might be effective against a pandemic virus.

Some people wonder if they should do the same thing. The manufacturer of Tamiflu, which was created to treat ordinary human flu, advises the drug be taken within 48 hours after flu symptoms begin. So some health officials agree it might be wise to have a supply at the ready, especially if a shortage develops.

But people should suppress the urge to pester their doctors for Tamiflu prescriptions, said Dr. Charles Woernle of the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Those who hoard Tamiflu will reduce supplies for the elderly and others at risk of serious illness and death from conventional flu, he said.

"You'd be denying some folks who have definite, immediate needs," said Woernle, Alabama's assistant state health officer for disease control and prevention.

Debbie Crane, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, said if people really want to take precautions, they should eat right, wash their hands and take common-sense steps to bolster their health and immune systems.

She also suggested getting a flu shot. The vaccine for the upcoming flu season doesn't confer protection against bird flu. But protecting people against conventional flu could make them stronger against a new illness, health experts say.

One more thing: Quit smoking, Crane advised.

In North Carolina, officials estimate that 5,600 state residents could die in a bird flu pandemic. Meanwhile, about 10,000 residents of that state die annually because of tobacco use, Crane noted.

Here are answers from CDC and global health officials to some of the questions worried Americans have been asking:

Q: Is it safe to keep a bird feeder in the yard?

A: Yes.

Q: If I see a dead bird, should I report it?

A: No. While there has been avian flu in the United States, it has not been the H5N1 strain that has spread through poultry farms in southeast Asia and into eastern Europe.

Q: We keep a small flock of chickens. Should we get rid of them?

A: No.

Q: If I feel fluish, should I ask my doctor to perform a particular test to check for the bird flu virus?

A: You may ask your doctor to conduct either a rapid diagnostic flu test or a lab test for influenza. If you have a recent travel history to an area where bird flu is endemic, inform your physician.

Q: Should I buy Tamiflu for my home?

A: Tamiflu is effective at treating ordinary flu and scientists believe it may help combat human infections caused by the H5N1 virus. However, the effectiveness of any antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu could change depending on how the virus changes.

Q: Is it safe to eat poultry? Does freezing/cooking destroy the bird flu virus? Is it safe to serve turkey for Thanksgiving?

A: Eating properly handled and cooked poultry is safe. The U.S. government has banned imported poultry from countries affected by bird flu, including H5N1. In addition, European health officials say cooking kills the virus and they are assuring Europeans it is safe to eat chicken.

___
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051016...FKTvyIi;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl
 

thyla

Contributing Member
This is a very good thread. It's obvious that once the flu starts I won't be able to just hunker down for 2 years in hiding. I will have to go out and live.

Why aren't all these health and govt. agencies making pamphlets for people to teach them how not to spread it, and what to do once they have it. Chances are you might catch it then what? They really need to stop scaring people with mortality numbers and start educating people on how to survive. I think alot of people just think they will be able to go to the doctor and get some Tamiflu and be fine. And what about people who aren't even paying attention? Those are the ones that are going to panic when they start seeing people dropping in the streets...(if that happens not sure but if it's like 1918 flu, it might).

I think the worst thing that could happen is panic. And panic will come from fear, and fear is from the unknown. And people don't know. And won't know what to do. They will just run around freaking out. And running about freaking is not going to help the situation. I am so disgusted with all the fear mongering going on with the media. They make it sound like if this thing happens we are all going to die no matter what we do. And I dont believe that. The world is just fine, it survived other epidemics. But placing this fear is counterproductive.

Thank goodness for sites like this where I can learn tricks and ideas for preparedness. It might not even happen, but I'm grateful for having this information available to me, for any type of disease or disaster really. Too bad I had to go searching for it on the internet though. Too bad it isn't available to the larger population to read and learn.

I feel confident to take on the situation if it occurs, and to keep my family safe and to survive. I just hope I don't get some horde of panicking nutcases breaking into my house and killing me for a can of soup because they are losing their minds from fear and insanity propogated by the media.

Sorry to spout off in a prep thread, but I just wanted to say this is a great idea, and I hope everyone is taking time to share their ideas with others who don't come here. (even at the risk of sounding crazy... for example i asked my mom what her plans were in case of a breakout and she asked me if i was getting 'weirded out' again like when it was y2k and i was prepping...yeesh. guess i know where she's going to head in a disaster...) Just because it might not happen doesn't mean it won't. OR something like that lol.
 

Deemy

Veteran Member
ttp://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=250

UPDATE! New Avian Flu Stats You Can't Ignore
By Allen S. Josephs, M.D.
President, Vitacost.com
11/18/2005

Before going on to this week's newsletter topic, I wanted to alert all of our loyal readers to an amazing new study that was just presented at the American Heart Association annual scientific meeting in Dallas: 18,645 patients were studied long term to determine the effect of EPAs (fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids) taken in conjunction with statins, versus a group taking statin medications alone. It was reported that those patients in the combination EPA/statin group had a 19% reduction in a variety of adverse heart events, including sudden cardiac death, heart attacks, unstable angina or sustained chest pain compared to statin drugs alone. I felt this information was important enough to bring to everyone's attention in view of the fact that there are literally tens of millions of people in the United States taking statin drugs. The addition of EPA (1,800 mg a day used in this study) provided a safe and significant health benefit.

Now on to the topic at hand. For those of you paying attention, the bird flu is in the news every day. The World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that the world may be on the brink of another pandemic. They further indicate that all countries throughout the world will be affected, since there will be worldwide illnesses. They go on to predict that medical supplies will be inadequate-both from the standpoint of vaccines and anti-viral drugs-and that large numbers of deaths may occur. The economic impact would be devastating: Severe disruptions in food supplies, utilities, transportation and gasoline could occur.

Although this may sound like doom and gloom, it represents a potential reality. The WHO has a six-level grading system, with six labeled as a worldwide pandemic. We are now estimated it to be at level three, and could jump to level six, literally, in a matter of many weeks to months. I had previously described the effects of the 1918 pandemic flu known as the Spanish Flu. Seemingly starting as innocent as a common cold, this flu ended up being a deadly killer. It is estimated that 28% of all Americans were infected by the Spanish Flu. An estimated 675,000 Americans died of influenza during this pandemic-10 times as many as in World War I. According to a Stanford University education Web site, of the U.S. soldiers who died in Europe, half of them fell to the influenza virus and not to the enemy. (http://www.stanford.edu/group/virus/uda/) It was said that the effect of the influenza epidemic of 1918 was so severe, it decreased average lifespan in the United States by 10 years. People who were infected with the illness literally died within hours to a couple of days. Remember, in 1918 the U.S. and world population were a tiny percent of what it is today!

I cannot imagine the impact that a bird flu pandemic would have on the United States now and in 2006. As it is during the typical flu season, emergency rooms can be totally overwhelmed by people coming in with muscle aches, cough and other viral symptoms. It is estimated that about 36,000 Americans die every from just the run-of-the-mill influenza. Should this pandemic hit and cause the devastation that so many are predicting, our health care system could collapse. Many doctors and nurses may fall ill or choose not to report to work. There may not be enough ventilators, beds, etc. Further, going to the hospital itself could present a host of issues, as it might be a breeding ground for the spread of infections. Unfortunately, you cannot count on local, state or federal governments to provide all the help in this matter. We saw, unfortunately, how unprepared our government can be when it comes to a natural disaster that was confined to a relatively small segment of the population.

So what can we do? I know the most important thing you can is to keep your immune system functioning at the most optimal level possible. DHEA and 7-KETO are two nutrients that deserve special recognition. As we age, our levels of DHEA plummet by 80%, and our immune system effectiveness also plummets as a result in decreased DHEA and increased cortisol (stress hormone) production. Also, our high stress and poor diets can impair immune function. There are many nutrients and healthy foods available to help boost immunity. Studies with DHEA are very promising: It appears as you age, it is detrimental to have an increased cortisol vs. DHEA ratio. In fact, a new form of DHEA called 7-KETO, appears to have special immune system and cortisol benefits as discussed in a recent prior newsletter by Dr. John Walker. Click Here to read the newsletter.

Other immune-boosting nutrients that deserve a shout-out include mushrooms. A particular component of mushroom extracts is a special polysaccharide called beta-glucans, which are particularly potent components of the mushroom extract. They may have anti-viral activity via stimulation of interferon production in the individual. I have discussed AHCC (a combination of several different mushroom extracts) in a previous newsletter, and its amazing effects on the immune system. AHCC helps increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity, and it supports healthier liver functions. In fact, a study published in the December 2003 journal Life Sciences showed that supplementation with AHCC could reduce oxidative stress to the liver and kidneys.

The amino acid L-carnitine has amazing benefits not only for the heart and brain, but also for immune function. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research (October 2004) published results from a study to determine the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on impaired macrophage function in rats. Fifty mg of L-carnitine was administered orally to young and aged rats for 30 days. Superoxide anion production in the aged rats was significantly reduced by the L-carnitine treatment. The theory is these results are based on the ability of L-carnitine to improve cellular energy at the mitochondrial level.

Certain herbs have incredible immune benefits. In a study published last month in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers conducted a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study regarding the use of North American ginseng. Three-hundred twenty-three individuals between the ages of 18 to 65 years old with a history of at least two colds in the previous year were recruited for this study. The participants were instructed to take two capsules a day of either North American ginseng extract or placebo for a total of four months. The mean number of colds per person was lower in the ginseng group compared to placebo. Likewise, the percentage of individuals with two or more verified colds during the four-month period was significantly lower in the ginseng group. The researchers concluded that North American ginseng taken in a moderate dose over four months could reduce both the incidence and severity of colds.

There was a fascinating study published in the journal Experimental Lung Research in June of this year. Mice were infected with influenza virus A. It was noted that following this, there was a significant decrease in natural antioxidants enzymes, including catalase, glutathione and supraoxide dismutase, along with a decrease in Vitamin E. This may be the reason the influenza is so toxic to the lungs-it induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine response from the body that depletes antioxidants. The good news is when the mice were given oral supplementation with a bioflavonoid called quercetin, there was a significant increase in the pulmonary concentrations of these critically-important natural antioxidant enzymes. It was speculated that quercetin may be useful as a nutrient in protecting lungs against the effects of oxygen-derived free radicals released during influenza virus infection. There are now so many studies on the benefits of quercetin for reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, etc., I recommend it to everyone.

There was just another study published this month in the journal Antiviral Research regarding the benefits of green tea/catechins on influenza virus. It was found that the component of catechins called EGCG were potent inhibitors of influenza virus replication in cell cultures. And, probiotics are another good source with immune-enhancing potential. A study was published in the International Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in July 2005 this year regarding a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 477 healthy men and women who had not been vaccinated against influenza. Half of the group was randomized to receive a probiotic multi-vitamin and mineral supplement or placebo daily for three months. The other group was randomized to receive a similar probiotic and mineral supplement or placebo for five-and-a-half months. Those treated with the probiotics had a decreased incidence of viral respiratory tract infections by 13.6%. In addition, all common colds and influenza-like symptoms recorded by the subjects during the infection were reduced in the treated group. There was likewise a 19% reduction in total symptoms score, 25% decrease in influenza symptoms and a reduction in the number of days with fever by 54%. It was found that certain helper lymphocytes were significantly increased in the treated group compared to placebo. The study suggested that dietary supplementation with probiotic bacteria and vitamins and minerals for at least three months during the winter/spring may reduce the incidence and severity of symptoms in common cold infections which may be due to stimulated cellular immunity.

When the first reports of the bird flu began to surface, the CEO of Vitacost felt it was important to provide our customers with an array of protective face masks. I thought the idea was overkill and somewhat ridiculous. However, there now appears to be a significant demand for these masks, both on the Vitacost site and elsewhere, with expectations of possible shortages domestically. The best mask available for the money is the 3M N100. It is lightweight and durable, and is said to filter out 99.7% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. The 3M N100 masks actually exceed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommended rating for infection control.

We at Vitacost have a tremendous amount of products available for immune enhancement. I strongly recommend that everyone be on a core multi-vitamin, such as NSI's Synergy multi-vitamins. They contain Vitamin C, quercetin, green tea (standardized for EGCG) probiotics and mushrooms/beta glucans, depending on the formula you choose. We also offer a large selection of various mushroom extracts, including combination products that are a tremendous value. The NSI MGC-5, MGC-6, MGC-7 and ImmunoLift are excellent additional products to add to your core multi. Try our NSI Ester-C with quercetin; it's our #1-selling Vitamin C product with good reason. NSI also has fiber products that contain not only fiber, but the aforementioned probiotics and FOS. These are known as symbiotic products-they are synergistic nutrients that support the survival and growth of the friendly bacteria that improve immunity to help ward off viruses and bacteria.

I can promise you this will not be the last newsletter I write about the bird flu. As it sweeps through Asia and Europe, it may be just a matter of time before it arrives uninvited to America. I promise to personally research and monitor the medical literature to share with you the life-saving information you need. Your best time to prepare is now, and Vitacost has bought millions of dollars in extra inventory to help ensure your protection. Because we care about you and your health... always.
 

Bill P

Inactive
Here is a HUGE site with tons of info on official Plans, Acxtions and Trigger points for HPAI.

http://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/


There is too much info there to cross post. From a quick perusal of this site it is clear to me that TPTB are expecting this to be Worse than the 1918 Pandemic.
 

fruit loop

Inactive
From my series on the Corkboard

OTHER - PREP 101: Part 14, Flu/Illness Preps

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a plan I used as a single person through several bouts of flu and pneumonia. I had no one to stay and care for me and during several battles with these bugaboos could barely stand. This might be useful during a pandemic or just a nasty round of flu. Can be adapted to fit multiple people, especially if the primary caregivers themselves fall ill.

DISCLAIMER: During a bout of "Bird Flu" ie, a "Superflu" you're going to need antiviral meds and more support....but this might aid in nursing.

Remember that flu is a virus and antibiotics aren't going to help. Your body must cure the illness itself via your immune system. Keep in mind that most people recover quickly from influenza and you aren't going to die....you just wish you would. The big danger is to young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. The odds are quite good that you'll recover fully within a couple of weeks...which may or may not be a comforting thought while it's going on.

Well. Moving right along.

The flu comes on suddenly, but you should have a day or at least several hours before you must take to your bed. This is what you'll need...and these items should already be part of your prep stock. If not, shop for them NOW.

Pick out your sickroom, which may or may not be your bedroom. Consider your needs: you'll need to cook and get to the bathroom. Which room is most vital, and which is closest? During one severe bout of flu, I lived in a townhouse with the bathroom upstairs and the kitchen downstairs. I chose to reside upstairs for the duration of my illness so I could have the toilet and shower close by. The bathroom is also a source of drinking water.

Prepare your bed. Keep extra blankets nearby for chills, and clean sheets. I suggest NOT making up the bed as usual: don't tuck in the sheets, etc. Lay the clean sheets on top so that you can simply pull or push them off when you need a change of linen. Simply unfold the clean sheets and lay them on the mattress. Remember that you're going to be weak, and even simple tasks such as making up the bed can sap a lot of energy.

Have clean underwear/nightwear next to the sheets and blankets so you can change quickly and easily.

On your bedside table, lay out your fever-reducing meds (aspirin FOR ADULTS ONLY, tylenol, ibuprofen) and your cold meds. I highly recommend Contac's Severe Cold and Flu formula and Theraflu (which tastes terrible; add a teaspoon of honey or sugar). Nose spray if you use it, lip balm for dry lips and cold sores, lotion for fever-dry skin, your boxes of tissues and some baby wipes (these are great for quick clean ups, or to freshen up if you become to weak to shower). Also have a clock and a pad of paper. This is to help you keep track of when you took your meds, which can quickly become a blur due to the drowsiness many of them cause and the disorientation caused by fever.

Put the PHONE nearby. Suggest having a buddy system with a trusted friend. Notify this person that you are ill, and arrange to have them call you at predetermined times. This person will know that if you don't answer at the proper time, something is wrong and it's time to send the paramedics to your house.

You will also need a 32 gallon trash can. This is to hold all the trash that you will accumulate during your illness. You may wish to have a second one, or at least a large laundry hamper, next to it for your dirty clothing and linens.

Chamber pot and toilet paper: Have this next to or near the bed in the event that you become to weak to make it to the bathroom. Get a large orange drywall bucket from Home Depot. Double-line it with the trash bags, and cover the bottom with kitty litter. After use, sprinkle in a fresh layer of kitty litter.Some camping stores even sell toilet seats that fit the drywall buckets!

Trash bags: for the chamber pot if you need to change it, and in case you need to vomit. used ones, filled with trash, go in the big trash can.

DINING: Remember, again this assumes that you have prepped for your illness and that these items are already in your kitchen ready to go.

Bring the microwave out of the kitchen and put it on your dresser, or someplace near your bed. Put your paper plates, cups, and plastic silverware next to it. If you have an ice chest, this should be nearby. I have the Coleman Extreme Ice Chest, which keeps ice for up to five days in 90 degree plus weather. I kept my juice, water, etc in it.

FOOD TO STOCK: Canned soups, bouillon cubes, canned pudding, bottled fruit juice or juice boxes, hot tea, sodas, crackers, powdered cocoa mix, whatever turns you on that you think you can eat.

Books, the tv, whatever for amusement if you feel up to it.


My bed is in the middle of my room. I had my nightstand for my meds and the phone. Next to that was my pile of extra blankets, then my stack of clean sheets. Then my stack of clean clothes, the chamber pot and its supplies, then the big trash can.

On the other side of the bed is my dresser. That's where I put the microwave and the foodstuffs and the ice box.

Note that all this allowed me to use the toilet, access my meds, change into fresh nightgowns, change my sweat-stained sheets, and cook and eat with a journey from my bed of only a few feet.

Hope this helps someone.
 

Dinghy

Veteran Member
flexable straws

I did a search and couldn't find this any where. After my son and hubby being sick I realized how nice it would have been to have some flexable straws to help them drink with. Neither one could really sit up and it was hard to get anything in them. It would have been a little easier with the straws. I actually had a pack stashed, but I forgot all about them. I just ran across them in the cupboard tonight!:screw:
 

ainitfunny

Saved, to glorify God.
Healthcare Personal Protection Kit $3.85 ea

1b_1_b.JPG

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7610547420&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1
This looks like a GREAT BUY.
Employee Protection Kit Complies With OSHA and Is Latex-Free

Each kit contains an isolation gown, face mask with ties, nitrile exam gloves, shoe covers, bouffant cap, facemask with eye shield and a red infectious waste bag. $3.85+SHIPPING PER KIT.
 
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Dafodil

Veteran Member
Add to food list-
Ensure-in case you don't feel like eating
powdered gatoraid or powerade-to regulate electrolytes. Pedialyte for kids.

Search the internet for a frugal homemade Pedialyte version.
FOUND IT**
Mix 1 quart of water, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add a bit of UNSWEETENED kool-aid, and you have homemade Pedialyte--but without the expense.
 

beee

Inactive
Possible cures for it .... Elderberry, Bacterial hand wipes

See this research discussion ... elderbury syrup ... Nature's Way sells Sambucol. Don't know if it will kill the mutated virus, but for $5-10 investment ... it's worth having some on hand I think.

http://www.althealth.co.uk/services/news/article.php?id=1856

Also, read yesterday where a British firm that makes those bacterial handi wipes tested it on the bird flu virus and said they were astonished that it killed it immediately. Will try to locate the article. Might be a good idea to stock up on those bacterial killing wipes/jells for hand washing.

;)
 

ainitfunny

Saved, to glorify God.
Chinese 10/$1 masks better than homemade or nothing.

Today I was looking at all the stuff in the local drugstore in their Chinese "$1 for anything" aisle and came across some masks 10/$1 that EVEN THOUGH THEY OBVIOUSLY WERE NOT AS GOOD AS AN N-95 MASK I WOULD TAKE ONE OF THEM ANY DAY OVER NOTHING OR A HOME MADE HANKERCHIEF MASK. They were molded with a metal "nose fitting" feature with double elastic straps. FOR THOSE THAT SAY THEY CANT FIND OR AFFORD REGULAR MASKS THIS WOULD BE A DARN SIGHT BETTER THAN TRYING TO "MAKE" ONE. Anyone can afford 10/$1.

also found cheap magnifying glasses(for starting a fire in emergency) for 3/$1, compasses, and quite a few other prep items where quality was not a real necessity.[/QUOTE]
 

Vere My Sone

Inactive
Dafodil said:
Mix 1 quart of water, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add a bit of UNSWEETENED kool-aid, and you have homemade Pedialyte--but without the expense.

or the lite salt which would have potassium
 

fruit loop

Inactive
Germ control

Once you're recovered, wash everything down with some disinfectant or chlorine bleach. Wash everything in the sickroom.

Bedding is a breeding ground for germs. I wash my pillows, comforter, and window curtains three times a year.

Wash bathroom rugs, toilet seat covers, etc, at least once a month.
 

meg

Inactive
more stuff

You can get N-95 masks at any hardware store or on line, they are a bit cheaper on line, but getting them at a hardware store is cheaper than getting them at the survival sites.

The CDC (and our hospital epidemologists) are recommending N-95's for any pandemic. They aren't only thinking bird flu.

I was at a conference for this recently. Although bird flu is primary on their mind, anything can be a trigger to a pandemic. They are concerned about bird flu, however because it acts like the 1918 pandemic and they don't know why.

They are expecting shortages of Tamiflu, it's already in short supply. Sambucol is very expensive and you will need A LOT to get through a session of the flu, especially as you'll have to have enough for your family.

Elderberry tincture is the better way to go. you can get dried elderberries on line. Make the tincture by putting dried elderberries 1/3 of the way up a quart canning jar and fill with vodka (It makes the best tincture). Let it sit about 2 weeks. It will keep indefinately. You can strain out the elderberries if you choose, but that's a personal preference. The dose is 2 tablespoons three times a day for the duration of your illness.

There are questions as to wheter or not to take echinecea. As it boosts the immune system and the bird flu seems to hit healthy adults. The other problem is something called cytokine storm, which will be worsened with a boosted immune system.

Also, we have to be ready for this to traverse the globe 3 times until it runs it's course, so you will have to have enough stuff to get through. I suggest getting things that will be in definate short supply (like elderberries, bleach, gloves and masks) to survive 3 go'rounds.....you can re-plenish food stuffs between each outbreak.

There is gonna be a lot of mayhem, so i suggest having bottles and bottles of tylenol (or generic equivalent) and motrin (ditto) as you can alternate the two (ie, 12-6-12-6 for tylenol, 3-9-3-9 for motrin or a time schedule such as that, based on when you start your medicine and which you start with).

Have a lot of gatorade or pedialye. Aand a little measuring cup (like the ones that come with cough medicine).

You need to keep hydrated and that is perfect for it. If you have someone who is dehydrated, and you give them 2 little medicine cups of gatorade every 10 minutes, you will keep them well hydrated and they won't be overloaded with fluid at one time. This is especially helpful if someone is nauseated. (in ANY case, not just flu)

If someone is not dehydrated, the minimum amount of fluid needed to keep from getting dehydrated is about 3 of those little cups an hour. If someone has a fever, increase it to at least twice that amount, and if it keeps on, go back to my original quantity.

As to bedding......you might want to consider having extra flat sheets and make the bed using them. Then you can use the top sheet as the bottom and launder, decreasing your laundry by half.

Back to fevers. If a fever won't come down with just medicine, remember, don't pile on the blankets and use the shower or bath....a tepid shower or bath will help drop the temp.
 

Brooks

Membership Revoked
Sambucol is very expensive and you will need A LOT to get through a session of the flu, especially as you'll have to have enough for your family.
Vitacost.com is a good supplier. Less than half of what I would have to pay at the health food store.
 

IndyGirl

Wondering
There is another good website for learning about the birdflu it is actualy where I found out about this place (TB2K).
www.flutrackers.com
I believe there are a few members from here there too.
And there has been so much speculation about using the N95 masks or any
masks at all, maybe a resperator type mask with filters who knows, I for one don't.
I believe the best way for not getting BF
will be to shelter in place. I realize that will not be an option for everyone.
Because some won't be able to work from home, my husband is one of them.
Anyway I hope this site helps, there is alot of good flu prepping info there.
God Bless........Julia
 

Siskiyoumom

Veteran Member
flutracker.com rocks:kaid::applaud:
Lots of great teaching resources for both pubic teachers and homeschoolers.
Great links as well.
Sis
 
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