Hi Tess,

For those of us who served in the military & received vaccinations for plague I & II, are we covered for this???

A Reader

Answer:

Hello,

What a relevant question you asked. I realize with the current state of the airborne transmission of the plague, many are concerned. Vaccinations are a way of life in the U.S. Military. While service members are vaccinated against various plagues, the vaccine administered may not be effective in the prevention of airborne infection. The addition of antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for such situations.

Many of the antibiotics suggested in the article can be purchased online or through pet stores. If you are concerned with coming in contact with this outbreak, I would also gather some supplies listed in this article.

Following is a list of pandemic supplies for your home:

• One month supply of emergency foods that require no refrigeration.
• Store 1 gallon of water per person per day, in clean plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
• Plastic sheeting
• 2-3 small wastebasket or a bucket lined with a plastic garbage bag (to dispose of clothing, soiled supplies, etc.)
• Gallon-sized zip-loc bags
• Portable toilet with disposable liners
• Supply of nonprescription drugs and pain relievers
• Cold medicines and decongestants
• Stomach remedies
• Duct tape
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Essential oils
• Vitamins that have immune-boosting enhancers
• Fluids with electrolytes
• Bleach or disinfectant
• Soap
• Tissues
• Garbage bags to collect soiled clothing and bedding before they are washed.
• A thermometer
• Protective eye gear and/or face shield
• nitrile gloves
• Tyvek protective suit and shoe covers
• Disposable cleaning gloves (in quantity)
• Hand wipes
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers or homemade hand sanitizer supplies
• Protective clothing
• Disposable aprons or smocks (at least 2 cases)
• Duct tape for sealing off doorways and vents
• Disposable nitrile gloves (2-3 boxes)
• Garbage bags
• N95 masks or N100 respirator masks for use when the sick person is coughing or sneezing (can be purchased at hardware stores and some drugstores)

In the event of a pandemic, because of anticipated shortages of supplies, health care professionals and widespread implementation of social distancing techniques, it is expected that the large majority of individuals infected with the pandemic illness will be cared for in the home by family members, friends, and other members of the community – not by trained healthcare professionals. Bear in mind that persons who are more prone to contracting illnesses include people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

I hope this helps!

Tess