Many survivalists prepare for natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, etc. However, the idea of a pandemic doesn’t really cross most people’s minds.
Yet, throughout history there have been pandemics such as the HIV epidemic, smallpox, tuberculosis and the Black Death that killed over 75 million people. Just 2 decades ago, there was the SARS virus, that had the world gripped in a panic.
Pandemics are viral or bacterial infections that in worst case scenarios, spread fast and are transmitted easily. This is what makes them so dangerous. As a prepper, you must be ready for a pandemic.
In fact, scientists often say that we’re overdue for one. The influenza virus mutates very easily, and it could be the cause of the next pandemic. This is a very real situation that could take place.
As a prepper, you need to be aware of just how threatening a pandemic can be. Below, you’ll find a list of questions that will help you decide how dangerous it is and how you should react.
- Has it happened before?
If the pandemic has happened in the past, most probably there will be treatments available to treat the problem. So, it’s still safe. If it’s a new pandemic, it’s high risk.
- Is it current, and is it spreading?
If the pandemic is currently happening, then it’s a high risk. This is especially true if its spreading across borders. If the pandemic is isolated and contained in one location, that’s a much safer situation.
- Can it be treated easily?
In other words, there should be a cure for it. If the pandemic has no cure and doctors are scrambling to create a vaccine or find a cure, then it’s highly dangerous.
- What’s the mortality rate?
The moment someone dies from a pandemic, then it’s a life or death matter. The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) that happened years ago claimed several lives. That made it a very dangerous problem.
With globalization and easy air travel, a pandemic can cross borders easily and in no time at all.
- Can it be transmitted easily?
Ease of transmission will dictate just how far the pandemic spreads. If it’s air borne, then it’s very high risk. Diseases like AIDS which require transmission of bodily fluids are much lower risk because you have control over the transmission.
If it’s spread through the air we breathe, or by touch, or in the water we drink, that will really escalate things.
- Will it mutate?
If the virus is able to mutate, that will make it even more difficult to find a cure or vaccine for it. At the very least, it will take time. So, this factor increases the risk of the disease.
So, what can you do when there’s a pandemic?
Depending on the factors above, if you’re self-sufficient, the best thing that you can do is stay away from other people. If you’re stuck in a closed population, for example, a hotel or apartment block, make sure there is good ventilation.
People will chronic illnesses, the very young children and the elderly, will usually be the most badly affected because of their weaker immune system. Morning sunlight, herbal steams and herbal soups will help to loosen any mucus in the body.
Frankly, there’s only so much you can do. In a pandemic, isolation is the best defense… but that will require lots of supplies and preparation. This is a factor that you may wish to consider when prepping.