One of the most likely large-scale threats, and one that has the very real possibility of being a global killer, is the threat of a pandemic outbreak. A pandemic outbreak is usually caused by a new virus, or a new strain of an existing virus, that the public has either no or very little immunity against.
Based on what we’ve seen throughout history, the threat of a pandemic is very real and very predictable—the way we live, travel, and buy our food makes us more susceptible to pandemics than any other time in the history of mankind. Places in this world that were once remote, and have active diseases that much of the world hasn’t seen, are now only a plane trip away. It’s not a matter of if it can happen; it’s only a matter of when.
Based on past pandemics, we know that millions upon millions of deaths is a real possibility. With the advent of modern technology and travel, that number will likely be much higher than anything we’ve ever seen.
During the 1918 flu pandemic over 500 million were infected, and it’s estimated that 50 million of them died. Even in areas where mortality rates were relatively low, the population was still severely affected by the outbreak. Hospitals were quickly overwhelmed, schools were closed, and people had to make do with what they had in their homes because very few stores were open for business.
From utilities and municipal water supplies to food delivery systems and everyday commerce, our technology-based infrastructure needs people to maintain the incredibly complex systems that we’ve grown so dependent on. As people start to become ill, those systems are going to quickly become overwhelmed. Without people to work, protect, and maintain our infrastructure I believe you will quickly see the entire system come to a screeching halt.
If we’re not prepared to deal with it, the consequences of an infrastructure shutdown will likely kill more people than the actual pandemic.
It’s very unlikely that a pandemic will start in a developed part of the world. In all likelihood, it will begin in a region where sanitation and animal-handling standards are lower than we see in developed and modernized countries. If a pathogen starts to spread, those living in a modernized country will probably have at least a little bit of a warning. Any widespread outbreak of disease is going to make headlines.
During a pandemic outbreak, the best way to minimize your risk of becoming infected is to stay away from people. This means avoiding public places such as the grocery store, which is why you need to have enough food, water, and emergency supplies on hand to outlast the outbreak.
Previous pandemics have gone through communities in a matter of six to eight weeks, so keep that timeline in mind when planning for how much you need to buy.
As with all communicable diseases, the key to prevention lies in good hygiene. Hand washing is obvious, but even a simple alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains over 70 percent alcohol can be enough to kill most pandemic pathogens. During a pandemic, carry hand sanitizer with you and apply it any time you touch a commonly handled item such as a door, light switch, public countertop, and money.
Don’t re-wear any clothing you have worn outside of the house during the outbreak without washing it in a bleach solution first. Regularly use alcohol or bleach-based cleaners to wipe down frequently touched surfaces in your home during an outbreak (doorknobs, light switches, sink faucets, etc.)
The best way to improve your chances of staying healthy during an outbreak is to practice social distancing. This means limiting your contact with others and staying at least six feet away from people if you do have to go out.
If a pandemic reaches your area, here are some things you can do to increase your odds of surviving.
If you’re sick, then by all means you probably need to consult with a medical professional for advice. That being said, hospitals will be ground zero in the war and should be avoided if possible. Avoid shelters or any area where large groups of people are gathered.
Limiting your exposure to other people will limit your exposure to any type of disease. Don’t go out unless absolutely necessary.
If you absolutely have to go out, wear a mask. Masks are a last resort. They cannot be relied on to stop infection. Respirators are designed to help reduce, not eliminate, exposure to the infection. With that being said, I would not leave the house during an outbreak without wearing an N95 particulate respirator mask.