Preparedness for when

[Deleted User]

OK not wanting to scare monger but felt I should flag this up so we are aware of it - doing a routine check on the H7N9 Avian Flu virus as I do periodically just to keep a finger on the pulse. There has been another H7 Flu virus discovered accidentally by researchers working on the H7N9 virus which is still present in chickens and ducks in china and east asia. It is the H7N7 virus and can pass between mammals, certainly between the ferrets they are using to test if it is transmitted between them. There is little information available other than it has the potential to spread between people - no it hasn't done so and no there is no danger now, so don't get worried. I just felt it would be sensible to have the knowledge that there is a flu virus that possibly could cause problems in the future. I hope I'm not causing distress by posting this, I always think forewarned is forearmed and if our preparations are in place we'll be in a safer position if anything should happen, Lyn xxx.

FairyPrincessk

Speaking of which, I thought I'd pop in and see what you preppers do in the way of preparing for illness? I'm keeping in mind that OH tends to pick up every new little infection that goes around school and I'd like to stock up for that--or anything more serious such as a new strain of flu.

Currently, I always have bleach, fever reducing medication (paracetamol and ibuprofen) decongestants, hand sanitizer and of course plenty of soap, disinfectant (either zoflora or a kitchen spray at the very least--something not bleach based) and of course plenty of herbal teas. I usually also try to make some chicken soup for the freezer, something that can be pulled out when one is in the depths of illness although i'm not sure that will happen for at least a few weeks this year. What else do you keep on hand?

FairyPrincessk

oh, I also always keep plain white rice and a few packets of jelly on hand, as well as stock cubes in case one needs a gentle diet for a few days!

[Deleted User]

FPK I always have in anti diarroeah capsues, decongestant tablets, indigestion and heartburn relief, Hot muscle rub and cold muscle rub, dry and chesty cough medicines, the usual paracetamol and ibuprophen and aspirin, I keep a menthol rub for clearing noses and balsam tissues, even the very cheapest kind is so much kinder to sore noses than ordinary tissues. If I can find it I get olbas oil too for putting on the pillow to help breathe better with a cold.

If your OH will be teaching this coming year he'll probably get everything going until his immune system can kick in, DD1 has had Noro a couple of times and found the best thing when recovering was full sugar Tango and rich tea biscuits, when the vomiting has passed judicious small amounts of both give you some energy so it might be worth having a little of each in store, just in case? Cheers Lyn xxx.

herbily

FairyPrincess, I normally keep some cough sweets and/or cough mixture - even if it's really only sugary flavoured water, psychologically I feel better! Don't know if they still make Vick's inhalers, but I've still got an ancient one for emergencies.

(And speaking of sugary water, I normally keep something along the lines of 7up for cases of dehydration after throwing up. An old trick from the Middle East for heat stroke was a bag of crisps and a fizzy drink - the combination of salt and sugar was about right for rehydration.)

Otherwise, can I recommend growing a rosemary bush within easy reach of the front door? A few rosemary leaves doused in boiling water, so you can inhale the steam, does wonders for wintery sinuses,

FairyPrincessk

OOh, perfect, Lyn! He does get everything going. He is teaching in the same school he did his second placement for his training, but I have no hopes any immunity was acquired!

I do have muscle rubs, menthol rub, olbas oil, and peppermint oil. OH, prefers to carry round a toilet roll and I have a huge stack of hankies (I hate using paper tissues!), but that does remind me that when he started training I investing in some of those disinfecting wipes for door knobs, keyboards etc. I think they saved me at least one round of colds last year! Good tip about the tango and rich tea. I once lived in a place that did not have access to clean water. Needless to say, I have some experience with those sorts of things! I'm partial to plain toast made on white bread, full sugar jelly (preferably red!) and if it can be found, full sugar gingerale. If not, then I like a bit of sprite, as lemonade often has sweetner. As such I'll get those in, as well as the rich tea-- they do sound perfect for such occasions.

FairyPrincessk

herbily, we have a huge rosemary bush right outside our front door, you must be psychic (kidding). I did not know that it was helpful for inhalation. I, personally have this weird concoction I make up. 1 tsp. turmeric, 1tsp black pepper and 1tsp ground ginger. Mix it up and take half a tsp of the mixture in a shot of hot water. It tastes pretty awful, but it does help you breathe for a bit! (This is not medical advice)

nuatha

ArthriticOldThing wrote: »

Thanks PP. That's what I needed to know. I'm very new at this. My mobility is very poor at times so would not be able to go anywhere if I had anywhere to go. Will just concentrate on prepping to stay where I am.

We have grab bags to cover several scenarios, the most likely being unexpected hospital stays. (The bags will also cover a sudden decision to have a weekend away.) The most likely scenarios for us bugging out are emergency services evacuations, gas leaks and the like. The grab bags will cover 72 hours, in addition we have camping gear packed and ready to grab, these get repacked after a trip ready for either an emergency or just the next camping trip.
Most scenarios we can come up we'd be staying put, but have the option of bugging out to friends (and we are their bug out location) if local conditions necessitate.
Unfortunately the days when I could cover 40 miles a day with a 60lb pack mountain walking are long behind me, and if they weren't I wouldn't be recommending the local uplands - there's good reasons why few folk live up there and the number of derelict properties tell their own tales.

[Deleted User]

GreyQueen wrote: »

I also got what is either a Maglite or a dead ringer

Does it have a serial number, engraved lengthways on the barrel, and a variable-focus beam?

[Deleted User]

ArthriticOldThing wrote: »

Can anyone give me more info - or direct me to more - about Bug Out Bag please?

The subject of BOBs can cover a lot of ground.

Could you be more specific?