Flu Pandemic

During the 1918 pandemic, 675,000 Americans died. A comparable figure today is 1.7 million. Cities were hardest hit with the mortality rate at approximately 2.5%.

People are highly contagious for 2 or 3 days before they have symptoms and 7 days after symptoms end. A general rule is to stay at least 6 feet from someone to avoid contagion. Avoiding crowds or close contact is essential including public transportation, even elevators.

Flu pandemics tend to spread in three waves. In 1918, each wave lasted 6-8 weeks with several months between waves. There can be up to 12 months between waves. A highly contagious and deadly flu pandemic will cause major disruptions in government, communities, businesses, transportation, distributions systems. In 1918, most retail stores, restaurants, and many businesses closed and employees refused to work. In cities, it became very difficult to obtain food.

Preparations for 2-3 Months Self-Quarantining

- Purchase latex or vinyl gloves and N-95 paper facemasks. The NIOSH rated N-95 mask protected people from the SARs virus and is the best protection available. 3M brand N-95 masks costs US$80-$90 for 20. Masks need to be disposed of after each use.

- Prepare for possible electrical and water supply problems by stocking: working flashlights, portable radio, and extra batteries, potable water containers (1 gallon per person per day), oil lamps, long-burning candles, and kerosene heaters.

- Stock non-perishable food supplies to last 2-3 months: foods that you enjoy and would use over time anyway. Examples include: canned meat, dried beans and rice, salt, sugar, cooking oil, vitamins, powdered milk, toilet paper, light bulbs, candles, matches, cash.