Pandemic Prep

So I know there is a lot of fear out there about the threat of an Ebola pandemic. I'm not so sure that Ebola will be the world wide pandemic that wipes out a third of the population but I could easily see a mix of diseases combined to change the world as we know it. The fact is that parts of the world have evolved to a point where certain diseases have a difficult time spreading thanks to hygiene, technology, and immunizations. On the other hand, other parts of the world make it very easy to spread. Take Ebola for example, it thrives in Africa, and heaven forbid it ever hits India, but here in the majority of the United States, I don't think it would spread too easily. I do think that it is stupid that they are taking Ebola patients out of Africa in search of better treatment. I think the risk is too great, I don't care what hospital they go to. Just look into hospital acquired infections and you know this is a bad idea. But, with the traveling capabilities we have in the world, it's only a matter of time before something gets spread to an area that is not prepared for it.

Flickr photo by U.S. Pacific Command

The question is, how do we prepare for a pandemic, that could be anything, and not live in fear. Well, the best way is to be generally prepared for the most common types of diseases. The good news is that protection for most diseases is the same. Personal protective equipment (PPE), as we call it in the hospital, generally consists of gloves, masks, and a gown. The combination will protect you from almost any communicable disease. The only thing I can think of that you wouldn't be protected against would be rabies or in the event of a Zombie Apocalypse, human bites. However it is important to remember that not all masks and gowns are created equal. Here  is a link to a good mask that protects against airborne diseases. Here is a link to impervious isolation gowns.  And check out these gloves that will protect your hands from anything, they also come in black if you want a cooler color.

Now is the time to develop good habits. We have an obsession with touching our faces. Start being conscious about where you put your hands. Carry hand sanitizer with you. Put masks, gowns, and gloves in your car as part of your car's first aid kit. Remember to wash your hands and be careful when others around you are coughing or look sick. This is just good practice even for common colds and the flu. It is good to point out that the flu kills thousands of people each year so don't take it lightly. So be careful out there, you never know what someone may have.