Avian Bird Flu Preparation & Survival

Preparing for a possible avian bird flu pandemic is very important. You can be sure that flu antiviral drugs, and protective flu masks will be impossible to source once a pandemic starts. Basic supplies and essential services are highly likely to be disrupted as well.

The WHO website states this:

Supplies of vaccines and antiviral drugs – the two most important medical interventions for reducing illness and deaths during a pandemic – will be inadequate in all countries at the start of a pandemic and for many months thereafter. Inadequate supplies of vaccines are of particular concern, as vaccines are considered the first line of defense for protecting populations. On present trends, many developing countries will have no access to vaccines throughout the duration of a pandemic.

Important Note: Currently there is no bird flu vaccine available for the H5N1 virus although vaccine development is underway. Research studies to test a vaccine began in April 2005.

Your bird flu preparation should focus on the following key areas:

  • Stock up on Flu Antiviral Drugs if possible
  • Stock up on Bird Flu Masks
  • Get your Emergency Supplies in order
  • Get Healthy& boost your Immune System

Bird flu antiviral drugs

According to the Center for Disease Control CDC, there are four different influenza antiviral drugs that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of influenza.

  • Oseltamivir ( Tamiflu )
  • Zanamivir ( Relenza )
  • Amantadine
  • Rimantadine

All four have activity against influenza A viruses. However, sometimes influenza strains can become resistant to these drugs, and therefore the drugs may not always be effective. For example, analyses of some of the 2004 H5N1 viruses isolated from poultry and humans in Asia have shown that the viruses are resistant to two of the medications (amantadine and rimantadine).

Bird flu masks

Bird Flu masks serve two purposes. First, they reduce the risk of infection from an infected person and two, they also stop the spread of infection from someone who is infected.

Emergency Supplies

Planning ahead of time will allow you to reduce your risk of exposure to the bird flu and to take better measures at protecting yourself and your family.

  • Always have at least $100.00 of ready cash on hand.
  • Ensure you have an alternative source of heat in case power is disrupted. Small portable propane heaters are a good option. Make sure you include a supply of fuel as well. Keep extra blankets and warm clothing available.
  • Store enough bottled water for five days. Bleach can be used to disinfect, a few drops followed by aeration or boil for at least five minutes.
  • Stock up on basic food items. Plan on having at least a months worth.
  • Make sure you have plenty of tissues, toilet paper, diapers, bleach and paper towels on hand.
  • Make sure you have enough over the counter flu medications to last a few weeks of illness
  • Keep your vehicles as full as possible and fill any gas cans you have.
  • Make sure your first aid kit is up to date.
  • Make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medicines you may need.
  • Get a hand-cranked radio.
  • Camp stoves or gas bbq's with full propane tanks are always useful as well as lanterns - if battery operated make sure you have plenty of batteries.