The Prepper Life:

Prepping for Ebola

Prepping for the Flu

Prepping for Viral Outbreaks

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Prepping for Ebola

Prepping for Ebola is a brief guide designed to give you an overview of Ebola and to offer suggestions for preparing your family. You’ll learn the signs and symptoms of Ebola, discover tips for improving your family’s immune systems, and even find some talking points for discussing Ebola with your kids.

This book is not a medical guide, nor does it offer a complete overview of the history of the Ebola virus. It is specifically designed for moms and dads to start preparing their homes and families for the possibility of an Ebola outbreak on American soil.

Prepping for the Flu:

Prepping for the Flu is a brief guide designed to give you an overview of the flu and to offer suggestions for preparing your family. You’ll learn the signs and symptoms of the flu virus, discover tips for improving your family’s immune systems, and even find some talking points for discussing the flu with your kids.

This book is not a medical guide, nor does it offer a complete overview of the history of the flu virus. It is specifically designed for moms and dads to start preparing their homes and families before an outbreak.

Prepping for Viral Outbreaks:

Prepping for Viral Outbreaks is a brief guide designed to give you an overview of viral outbreaks and to offer suggestions for preparing your family. You’ll learn what to expect when people in your community begin to get sick, learn about how to improve your family’s immune systems, and even learn how you can bring up the subject of prepping with your kids.

Prepping for Ebola

Penelope Hoyt

Copyright 2014 by Penelope Hoyt, The Nerdy Survivalist

If you enjoyed this book, make sure to check out these other books by Penelope Hoyt:

City Preppers: How to Build Your Pantry and Develop the Skills You Need to Survive, Even When You Live in an Apartment (Prepper Guides Book 1)

City Preppers: How to Create a Bug Out Bag That Works (Prepper Guides Book 2) 

City Preppers: What to Do During a Power Outage When Your Kids Are Bored (Prepper Guides Book 3) 

Penelope Hoyt is an urban survivalist, homeschool mom, and author of:

The Nerdy Survivalist: How to Protect and Care For Your Family in the Direst of Circumstances 

Prepping Made Easy #1:

Prepping For Ebola

Simple Tips to Help you Get Ready
Note: This is a 20-page guide to keeping your family safe during an Ebola outbreak.

CONTENTS:

What is Ebola?

What are the Warning Signs of Ebola?

What do I need to have on hand?

What should I do now?

How should I prepare my family?

Further Resources

What is Ebola?

If you’re reading this guide, chances are you’ve heard about the Ebola scare this week.

Ebola is a deadly virus that exists primarily in Central and West Africa. Once in your bloodstream, Ebola attacks your organs and causes massive internal and often external bleeding. There is currently no cure and no vaccine available for this virus that results in death up to 90% of the time. While many preppers didn’t feel concerned about the recent Ebola scare in Africa, the tables have turned as the virus has now been brought onto American soil.

NPR reported in June that the risk of Ebola spreading to the United States is very low; however, this report was made before two Americans contracted Ebola and were brought back to the U.S. for treatment. At the time of this publication (3rd August, 2014), the virus has not spread further in America.

That said, this is also the first week that the Ebola virus has ever been present in the U.S., which has many preppers concerned.

So what do you need to know about Ebola?

A lot.

Of course, the first thing that you need to remember is to stay calm and become as informed as possible to analyze your personal risk. Panicking never helped anyone. Instead of becoming worried and emptying your local grocery story’s canned goods aisle, use this time to prepare yourself and your family for the potential of an Ebola outbreak in America.

It’s also to remember that many times, the media tends to overexcite people about the potential of illness. Instead of worrying each time you hear a news story about Ebola, consider it a great chance to learn more about the virus, how it is spread, and what you can do to keep yourself and your family healthy and safe.

This book is a brief guide designed to give you an overview of Ebola and to offer suggestions for preparing your family. You’ll learn the signs and symptoms of Ebola, discover tips for improving your family’s immune systems, and even find some talking points for discussing Ebola with your kids.

If an Ebola outbreak should actually occur in America, you’ll be able to rest assured knowing that you have taken every step possible to prepare your family, your home, and yourself for such an event.

What are the Warning Signs of Ebola?

While the early warning signs of Ebola can mimic other diseases, it’s important to visit your doctor to get tested if you think you may have been infected. Ebola is spread through fluid contact with an infected person. This includes blood, sweat, semen, urine, and saliva. Symptoms typically show up within 2-21 days after exposure to the virus, but the disease can be fatal in as little as 10 days.

Here are some of the early warning signs of Ebola:

Fever

Muscle aches

Weakness

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Rash

Hiccups

Nose bleeds

Coughing up blood

Spitting up blood

While there is no cure for Ebola, early treatment is key to survival. Current treatment includes monitoring of vitals, administration of liquids, and treating secondary infections.

Also remember that even if someone doesn’t look infected or if someone has recovered from Ebola, they can still be contagious. In fact, the virus is often still present in blood and bodily fluids, including semen, after a patient has been declared “healthy.” Even if someone is walking around and looks like they’re “okay,” play it safe.

In other words, don’t touch people you don’t know, aren’t close with, or who have open wounds. Don’t go near someone who is coughing, sneezing, or complaining of muscle aches. If you suspect someone is ill or you know someone who has recently been around infected persons, avoid contact.

While it’s possible that people will think you’re being rude by not hanging out, not shaking their hands, or by washing your hands frequently, remember that your health and your family’s health comes first.

It’s also important to know that the two Americans who contracted Ebola were aid workers, which means they were working in close quarters with infected persons. For most people, the odds of coming in contact with someone who has Ebola are quite low. Even during an outbreak, minimizing your personal contact with other people is key to avoiding infection.

What do I need to have on hand?

The time to prepare your house is before Ebola reaches your area. Remember that there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to access many medical products or health items during a widespread disaster or virus, so the time to get ready is now. Here are just a few things you should consider having on hand ahead of time.

Bleach, Nolvosan, Lysol, or another disinfectant for cleaning surfaces: Keeping your home environment clean is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of Ebola.

Water, Gatorade, sports drinks, and other liquids: Hydration is incredibly important at all times, but it’s even more important during a viral outbreak. Keep enough water on hand that you can keep your family hydrated even if your power goes out or your local water supply becomes contaminated. Aim to have enough fluids to last your family for two weeks. Don’t forget about your pets. Always plan to have extra water on hand for your furry family members.

First aid supplies: Things like gauze, bandages, Tylenol, splints, and medical gloves are all a “must.” Stock up on your first aid gear now before you actually need it. Also go ahead and have any prescriptions refilled that you need on a regular basis. During an Ebola outbreak, seeing your regular doctor for something like birth control pills or a new asthma inhaler could be tricky.

Plastic garbage bags: If someone in your home does become ill, one of the symptoms of Ebola is bloody vomiting. You’ll need plastic garbage bags to dispose of anything the infected person throws up on before you get him or her to the hospital.

Plastic shower curtains and duct tape: Want to go full-prepper? Have this on hand so that you can seal off your doors and windows if you really want to play it safe. While the virus is not airborne, you can use this to seal off rooms in your home where someone who was infected spent time before going to the hospital. You can also use duct tape to tape your sleeves to your gloves when you go out to further prevent the spread of infection.

Immune system boosting foods: Stock up on foods that will help your immune system. Garlic, yogurt, chicken soup, and green vegetables can all help improve your body’s ability to fight off illnesses. While following a healthy diet isn’t going to guarantee that you won’t contract Ebola, it will help your body’s ability to fight it and improve your chances of survival.

Things to do: One of the biggest reasons that people leave the house during a crisis is simply boredom. Avoid the temptation to hang out with a friend if an Ebola outbreak becomes a reality. Instead, stock up on fun things you can do at home. This could be anything from puzzles, board games, and new toys to books, movies, and new video games. Hit your local thrift shop for cheap buys or even look on eBay for new ways to entertain your family. Also remember to stock up on batteries.

Your doctor’s phone number: Have quick and easy access to your doctor’s phone number if you suspect that you may have been exposed to Ebola. Keep medical records and emergency contact lists handy, as well. Know where the nearest hospital is and how to get there quickly. If your city tends to have crazy traffic, get to know your back roads now, before you need to use them.

What should I do now?

First off, don’t panic. At the time of this writing, there is not an Ebola outbreak in America. This doesn’t mean there won’t be one, but you have plenty of time to prepare your family. You don’t need to go on a fear-induced shopping spree. You can get ready slowly, as long as you get ready.

When it comes to prepping, remember not to let others scare you. There will be people who think there’s no way an Ebola outbreak could occur in America. There will be others who think an outbreak has already begun. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, try to keep a level head.

Repeat after me: Panicking doesn’t solve problems.

Worrying isn’t going to save your family. Worrying isn’t going to accomplish anything. That’s why you’re reading this book, right? You want to know how you can get started safely and easily. You want to know what steps you can actually take to reduce your chances of getting sick and to improve your odds of survival.

Ready to get started? Here are a few things you can do to keep your family safe.

Build up your pantry.

Start shopping. You don’t need to buy everything at once, but go ahead and grab a few extra packages of beef jerky and an extra bottle of vitamins the next time that you’re at the store. You really can’t go wrong stocking up on pantry items that your family already uses on a regular basis. Some of my family’s favorites are dried fruit, nuts, and canned peaches.

Remember that if an outbreak does occur, a lot of people will panic and run to the stores. Items like water, bread, and canned food will be hard to buy. This is why you stock up on these items now. Also make sure that you have masks, plastic gloves, a stocked first-aid kit, vitamins and supplements, necessary medications, and soap.

Fill your gas tank.

Don’t let your gas tank get below half-full. Again, an Ebola outbreak won’t happen overnight, but if and when it does occur, people will panic. One of the first places to run out of stock will be your local gas station, so try to always keep your gas tank at least half-full.

Know the warning signs and symptoms.

Know how to identify Ebola. Again, the symptoms can mirror similar illnesses, but never ignore symptoms when you see them in the people around you. If someone keeps claiming that they aren’t sick, but they can’t stop coughing up blood or their eyes are red and bloodshot, it’s time to excuse yourself and get away.

Avoid contact with others.

Minimize your contact with non-family members as much as possible. Avoid it completely if you can. While Ebola is not currently airborne, it can travel on surfaces for a short time. This means that if someone sneezes into their sleeve and you then touch their sleeve, you could potentially become infected. If you do spend time out of your house during an outbreak, always change your clothing as soon as you get home. It’s also a good idea to shower and wash your body and hair. Remember that your hair tends to trap a lot of germs, so be safe by remaining as clean as possible.

Wear a mask when you’re around other people.

Take as many safety precautions as possible when you do need to be in public. Wear a surgical mask, wear gloves, and never let someone kiss or hug you when they might be infected.

Boost your immune system now.

While it’s always a good idea to work on boosting your immune system, it becomes even more important when an infectious virus is about to spread. To start boosting your immune system, cut out sugar, skip the cigarettes, start exercising, drop a few pounds, and start watching the nutrients in your food. Choose things that are high in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and skip foods that are bad for you. Remember that even if something bad for you tastes amazing, it’s not worth sacrificing your health for.

Note: While many parents do choose to vaccinate their kids, don’t buy into the myth that vaccinating your child for Chickenpox will somehow confer immunity to Ebola. It doesn’t work that way.

Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.

Keeping your home clean is important, but it’s even more important during a viral outbreak. Clean surfaces in your home before you prepare meals, after you prepare meals, after someone uses the restroom, and when you suspect someone is becoming ill. You should also make sure to clean things like blankets and sheets in hot water to kill viruses and germs.

Don’t touch anything an infected person has touched.

This includes tissues, your couch, clothing, anything. The Ebola virus can survive at room temperature for at least three days, so play it safe and sanitize before you touch anything.

Get enough sleep.

If you aren’t sleeping enough, your body is going to have a much more difficult time fighting off an illness. Make sure that you’re getting enough sleep each night to feel well-rested. While this is going to be tricky if you have a newborn or children who still don’t sleep through the night, do your best to rest as much as possible. Remember that you can also take naps during the day as a way to catch up on sleep: not all of your rest has to be at night.

Reduce your personal stress levels.

Stress can cause your immune system to weaken, so do what you can to minimize your stress levels. Don’t spend time around people who make you frustrated or feel anxious. Exercise on a regular basis. Try yoga. Meditate. Pray. Find things that make you happy and that help you relax, then focus on those things instead of on fear.

How should I prepare my family?

One of the most important things that you, as a parent, can do is to talk with your kids about Ebola. Chances are that they’ve seen you watching the news or have overheard other adults discussing Ebola, but they might not know exactly what the virus is. They might even be worried about Ebola, but not know why.

Remember that part of being a prepper means helping your kids learn to prepare for the unexpected. Don’t shy away from discussing the possibility of an Ebola outbreak with your kids. Let them know how the virus works, what it does, and how they can stay safe if such an outbreak does occur.

Here are just a few talking points you can bring up with your kids when it comes to discussing Ebola:

There are 5 types of Ebola, but there are no vaccines for any of the strains.

Scientists are researching how to create a vaccine for this virus.

Most early symptoms of Ebola replicate those of the flu.

Ebola is primarily found in rural areas in Africa.

Staying hydrated is important even before you get sick.

Not everyone who contracts Ebola dies.

Not everyone who contracts Ebola experiences extreme bleeding.

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water can reduce the spread of Ebola.

Avoiding contact with people who are sick can reduce the spread of Ebola.

Boosting your immune system can reduce your body’s contraction of Ebola.

When you talk with your kids about Ebola, make sure that you focus on the prevention of the spread. Don’t tell your kids that the world is going to end. Don’t freak out. Don’t panic. Your kids will look to you for guidance, help, and reassurance. You have a unique opportunity to help your youngsters know that you can get through this together.

If it makes your kids feel better, consider reading more on the “how” and “why” of Ebola. Discuss how it is spread and let your kids help you come up with immune-boosting ideas. Include them. Let them be involved.

If there is an outbreak in your area, you’re still going to have to stay calm and strong for your kids. If you panic, they’re going to, as well. You can do things like draw smiley faces on your child’s face mask or play fun games at home instead of going out. Just remember to try to focus on the positive instead of the negative. As a parent, staying strong for your kids is one of the most difficult, yet most important things that you’ll do.

Further Resources

Want to do more reading on Ebola? Check out these resources for more information on the virus, it’s current locations, and how to reduce the spread. You can also follow #ebola on Twitter or Facebook for minute-by-minute updates from virus watchers around the world.

HealthLine: Ebola Virus and Disease

This article explores the virus, subtypes, and tips for preventing transmission.

Medscape: Ebola Virus Infection Treatment & Management

This article discusses the future of treatment in Ebola cases.

World Health Organization: Ebola Virus Disease

The WHO discusses the types of Ebola and the history behind the disease.

Prepping for the Flu

Penelope Hoyt

Copyright 2014 by Penelope Hoyt, The Nerdy Survivalist

If you enjoyed this book, make sure to check out these other books by Penelope Hoyt:

City Preppers: How to Build Your Pantry and Develop the Skills You Need to Survive, Even When You Live in an Apartment (Prepper Guides Book 1)

City Preppers: How to Create a Bug Out Bag That Works (Prepper Guides Book 2) 

City Preppers: What to Do During a Power Outage When Your Kids Are Bored (Prepper Guides Book 3) 

Penelope Hoyt is an urban survivalist, homeschool mom, and author of:

The Nerdy Survivalist: How to Protect and Care For Your Family in the Direst of Circumstances 

Prepping Made Easy #2:

Prepping For the Flu

Simple Tips to Help you Get Ready
Note: This is a 20-page guide to keeping your family safe during a Flu outbreak.

CONTENTS:

What is the Flu?

What are the Warning Signs of the Flu?

What do I need to have on hand?

What should I do now?

How should I prepare my family?

What is the Flu?

Influenza or “The Flu” is a respiratory virus that causes a number of symptoms, including fever, chills, and body aches. Many adults make the mistake of confusing the stomach flu with influenza, most commonly referred to as the flu. The stomach flu is a gastrointestinal virus that causes nausea, stomach aches, and vomiting, while influenza typically involves the respiratory system.

Unless you’ve been living in the woods, you’ve heard of the flu before.

You’ve probably even heard of people panicking about the flu.

Perhaps you’re wondering what the fuss is all about or what you can do to avoid contracting the flu this year. Maybe you’re confused about the flu vaccine and want to know if there’s anything else you can be doing to improve your immune system. You might be curious to know what sorts of things you should have on hand in case your family gets sick.

This guide offers a brief insight to the influenza virus, how it’s contracted, how you can tell if you have it, and what steps you can take to keep your family safe during flu season this year. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or scared about the flu virus, remember that the more knowledge and information you have about it, the better prepared you’ll be to cope with the flu this year.

Remember that before you start to worry when you hear reports of flu, you first need to make sure to stay calm and keep your cool. While panicking can be a normal reaction, it’s not helpful. If you consider yourself a prepper, learning how to handle emotional stress and frustration is a “must.” In a true medical emergency or critical situation, you’re going to need to keep your head. There’s no room for panicking or freaking out. Handling the flu and preparing your family ahead of time is a great way to practice patience, determination, and keeping calm in a crisis.

What are the Warning Signs of the Flu?

Influenza is a virus that is transmitted through air particles when someone with the flu sneezes or coughs, but it can also be transmitted through secretions. This means that if you’re a fan of sharing drinks with your friends, it’s time to cut back and start being a little selfish. At the very least, it will minimize your chances of contracting the flu.

Influenza is characterized by the following symptoms:

A high-grade fever

Shakes

Chills

Sudden and extreme fatigue

Body pain and aches

Headaches

Sore throat

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Weakness

Symptoms of the flu can start between 1 and 4 days after you become infected. That said, you may become contagious before you start to experience symptoms. Flu victims tend to be contagious up to 1 full day before their symptoms appear and up to one week after symptoms begin.

If you suspect that you or a family member has the flu, it’s important to stay home, stay hydrated, and rest as much as possible. The biggest concern that most caregivers have about influenza is that it can lead to pneumonia. Fortunately, most people who catch the flu recover without a problem. If you’re concerned, however, you can visit your family doctor to find out if you are actually suffering from influenza or something else. Remember that because the flu is a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics.

What do I need to have on hand?

The most important thing to remember when you’re dealing with any virus is that prior preparation is going to make the situation easier and healing a lot faster. While many families avoid preparing for something as simple as the flu, when they do become ill, they find it unbearable. Having a few simple items on hand won’t necessarily stop you from contracting the flu, but it will help you to recover more quickly and stop the spread of flu amongst your family.

Soap – Have plenty of soap on hand. This includes soap for washing your hands and your clothes. If your family members get sick, you’re going to be doing a lot of laundry and you won’t want to have to try to head to the store to pick up detergent.

Probiotics – Probiotics are a fantastic thing to have on hand when someone gets sick. You can pick up probiotics for both adults and children in your home. If you don’t have probiotics available, yogurt is a good source of probiotics.

Water and sports drinks – If someone gets sick, hydration is an important part of quick healing. Consider having sports drinks and water bottles on hand “just in case.” Water will help keep you hydrated. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, will also help your body by providing electrolytes.

Extra towels – Vomiting happens. Have towels on hand if you have young children in your home. Unfortunately, little ones don’t always make it to the toilet to throw up.

Painkillers – Have some painkillers and fever reducers on hand. If you want to let your body fight the flu naturally, that’s fine. Have some Tylenol on hand anyway. You might be uncomfortable enough that you want a bit of relief, but making your way to the store in a state of not having showers in three days might be more than you bargained for.

Vitamins – Vitamin D and Vitamin C will help your body fight the flu. You can get this from foods, of course, but have some actual vitamins on hand in case you can’t keep food down.

Easy-to-prepare meals – Even if you’re the one who is sick, your family still has to eat. Have some simple meals on hand that your family can easily make for supper. You could prepare freezer meals that you can throw in the crock pot or even have some Lunchables or sandwich materials available. Just have something that your kids can consume.

Diapers – If you have a small child or an elderly family member who wears diapers, make sure that you always keep an extra box or two on hand. One of the symptoms of the flu is diarrhea, so chances are that you’ll be using more diapers than usual if someone does become ill.

Toilet paper – Again, not something you’re going to want to have to run to the store for. Stock up.

Thermometer – Have a working thermometer on hand. Yes, every house has a thermometer around, but when was the last time you used yours? Have one that works in case you begin to feel sick. While a fever isn’t the only indicator of the flu, it’s important to be able to check if your temperature is getting too high.

Ice packs – Ice packs are one of the most important things that you can have on hand. They can help reduce your fever and make you feel better. Even though an ice pack won’t heal you, it will help minimize your pain.

You’ll want to modify this list, of course, to meet your family’s own individual needs. Just remember to ask yourself this question, “If a family member gets the flu, what things will I need on hand if I can’t leave the house?”

What should I do now?

If someone in your household catches the flu, it’s important to make him or her feel as comfortable as possible. While the flu virus runs its course, try to alleviate any aches, pains, and discomforts the person may have. Here are just a few ways that you can begin to make the sick person in your home feel a bit more comfortable.

Run a humidifier

You can pick up a humidifier at any pharmacy or general store. Make sure that you run a humidifier in the room where the person spends the most time. For example, if the person wants to lay on the couch watching movies, keep the humidifier in the living room.

Provide cold compresses

Fevers and headaches are uncomfortable, so try to use a cold compress as a way to offer some pain relief for the sick person at your home.

Take warm showers

Have your family member take a hot shower or simply sit in the bathroom while the hot water runs. The steam will help alleviate chest and nasal congestion related to the flu.

Drink plenty of water

Keep your family member hydrated. Even if they can’t keep anything down, encourage the person to suck on ice cubes and sip water. If their body is dehydrated, they’ll have a difficult time fighting off the flu.

Enjoy some chicken soup

Chicken soup is the go-to meal for anyone sick. Not only will the soup nourish your family member’s body, but the steam from the hot soup will also reduce nasal congestion.

Try sinus sprays or irrigation

If nasal congestion is a huge problem during the flu, consider having your family member try using a saline nasal spray or Neti Pot to relieve nasal congestion. Note: if your family member utilizes a Neti Pot, ensure that they use distilled or boiled water. Never use tap water.

Rest as much as possible

When someone in your home is sick, don’t be afraid to head to the store and pick up some movies to rent or books to read. Resting is a “must.” The more that your family member is able to rest, the faster his or her recovery will be.

Elevate their head

Elevation seems simple, but it can make a huge difference. Have the person who is sick elevate their head, rather than lying flat. This will help reduce congestion and sinus pressure for a bit of relief.

Drink tea

Green tea is especially beneficial for fighting off illnesses, but any type of hot tea can help break up congestion and reduce respiratory symptoms. Hot water can also help: just add a bit of lemon and honey.

Start the vitamins

When your family member becomes ill, start encouraging them to take vitamin C. Vitamin C can help boost their immune system and help them heal faster.

How should I prepare my family?

One of the first things that most families do is run to the pharmacy and get a flu vaccine; however, recent studies indicate that the flu vaccine is not as effective as advertised. It’s also important to remember that the flu vaccine is not without potential side effects. While most people who get the flu shot don’t have any problems, side effects do occur. Additionally, if you have egg allergies, you are ineligible for the vaccine. Fortunately, no matter what your opinion is on vaccinations, there are a number of ways you can start getting your family ready for flu season.

First off, remind your kids to wash their hands. Not only should your children wash their hands after they go to the bathroom, but before they eat, when they get home from school, and after sneezing or coughing. Washing hands greatly reduces the chances of transmitting or contracting the flu.

Another “must” for flu season is to change your clothes when you get home. Make it a habit to have your kids put on a new outfit when they get home from school. While this certainly creates more laundry for you, it will minimize the spread of germs in your home. You can even have your kids wear a sweatshirt to school and then have them simply remove it when they get home.

Before flu season hits, go ahead and start boosting your children’s immune systems. Take vitamins every day, follow a healthy diet, and make sure that your kids drink plenty of water. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Elderberry are all fantastic supplements to help boost your immune system before your kids are exposed to the flu.

You should also talk with your kids about the realities of the flu. Remind your kids that sharing germs is a bad idea and that they should avoid sharing drinks with their friends. Talk with your kids about what the flu is, how it works, and how they can avoid contracting it. Remind your children that even if they do catch the flu, they’ll most likely be fine, but you should still focus on healthy lifestyle habits, anyway.

Finally, remember to avoid people who are sick or who have recently been sick. This seems simple, but you’ll be surprised at how many of your friends don’t stay at home when they’re feeling ill. Even well-meaning coworkers may come to work when they’re contagious, but try your best to postpone play dates or lunch meetings with anyone who may be sick.

Prepping for Viral Outbreaks

Penelope Hoyt

Copyright 2014 by Penelope Hoyt, The Nerdy Survivalist

If you enjoyed this book, make sure to check out these other books by Penelope Hoyt:

City Preppers: How to Build Your Pantry and Develop the Skills You Need to Survive, Even When You Live in an Apartment (Prepper Guides Book 1)

City Preppers: How to Create a Bug Out Bag That Works (Prepper Guides Book 2) 

City Preppers: What to Do During a Power Outage When Your Kids Are Bored (Prepper Guides Book 3) 

Penelope Hoyt is an urban survivalist, homeschool mom, and author of:

The Nerdy Survivalist: How to Protect and Care For Your Family in the Direst of Circumstances 

Prepping Made Easy #3:

Prepping For Viral Outbreaks

Simple Tips to Help you Get Ready
Note: This is a 20-page guide to keeping your family safe during a viral outbreak.

CONTENTS:

Why should I worry about viruses?

What are some things I can do to stay safe?

What should I do if I get a virus?

How should I prepare my family?

How should I react if a virus becomes widespread?

Why should I worry about viruses?

You shouldn’t.

At least not a lot.

Let me explain:

While it’s certainly important to be aware of viruses and illnesses in your community, you shouldn’t become worried about them.

Worrying is incredibly ineffective when it comes to preparing for an outbreak. If you’re worrying about what might happen, you won’t be level-headed enough to appropriately respond to what is happening.

Prepping for Viral Outbreaks is a brief eBook designed to help you start thinking about the possibility of a viral outbreak and what you can do to prepare for such an event. Unlike many prepper books, this isn’t designed to guide you through a post-apocalyptic situation. I’m going to promise you that the electricity is going to shut off or that zombies are going to start running around. What I will do is talk with you about how viruses spread, what you can do to prevent becoming sick, and how to respond if you do get ill.

As with any emergency situation, one of the first things that you need to do is to remember to stay calm. If you overreact, if you panic, and if you become afraid, you’re going to forget something. You’re going to forget how to respond to the situation and you’re going to make mistakes that could be deadly.

Most people make the mistake of hearing something on the news about an epidemic or even a pandemic and then responding in panic. “There’s going to be a pandemic! We need to go to Wal-Mart!” Unfortunately, this isn’t generally the best way to respond. Even if there is an outbreak of a viral illness in your area, running to the store after an illness has begun to spread is one of the worst things that you can do.

Why?

Because many people go to the store even when they’re sick. If you head to the grocery store to pick up a gallon of milk or a case of water, you’re going to be touching things that sick people have touched. Everything from the handle on the freezer door to the shopping cart to the pen on the credit card machine could harbor germs. Instead of panicking and racing to the store, you should instead start to prepare yourself before a viral outbreak occurs in your community. This way, should something actually happen, you’ll be ready to deal with whatever comes your way.

Remember: Don’t panic. Chances are that you can deal with whatever might be coming your way. Stay level headed, try not to respond rashly, and always think about the situation as much as possible before you react to it. When you prepare ahead of time, you’re going to save yourself a lot of stress, anguish, and stress.

What are some things I can do to stay safe?

When you hear about a viral outbreak in your area, it’s normal to feel nervous or scared. Instead of starting to worry, though, keep in mind that there are many ways you can stay safe. Anytime you start to think, “What if X happens?” Instead, ask yourself, “What can I do to get ready in case X happens?”

First off, stay home as much as possible. Of course, you’ll have to go to work and your kids will probably head off to school, but minimize your extracurricular activities during the outbreak. The more time that you spend shopping, hanging out at the park, or even at play dates, the more likely you are to contract an illness, especially if everyone in your area is sick.

You should also change your clothes when you get home. You’d be surprised at just how many germs get on the things that you wear. While it might seem strange when you first implement the habit of changing, you’ll quickly get used to it and you’ll enjoy minimizing the amount of germs that make their way into your home.

Don’t forget to take off your shoes when you get home, as well. Even though it may be difficult to get used to not wearing shoes inside, wearing them is a fast way to track dirt and pollen throughout your home. If it’s easier, consider keeping a pair of slippers or house shoes by the front door that you can slip on when you get home.

Wash your hair on a daily basis. In general, it’s best to wash your hair at night so that you can clear the germs from the day before you go to bed. Doing so will also remove pollen from your hair that may have gotten trapped there during the day. While most people realize that the people around you tend to cough on your clothes or face, not everyone realizes that these germs can also become trapped in your hair. Prepare yourself.

You’ll also need to wash your hands frequently, especially during times when a virus is making the rounds in your community. Most people don’t really consider just how much touching they do between hand-washes that could affect their health or exposure to germs. Have you turned on a light switch that other people touch? Have you touched a doorknob? What about your credit cards? Have you touched books at the public library? The keypad at a Redbox kiosk? Wash your hands.

When you must touch something in public, do your best to use your shirt to open it or grab a paper towel. Some adults even carry a handkerchief or washcloth to use for touching things in public. If you must touch something, avoid wiping your eyes, touching your toes, or rubbing your ears until you have a chance to wash your hands again.

Wearing a mask is something that a lot of people feel uncomfortable with, but that can actually be incredibly beneficial. If there’s a virus in your area and you cannot avoid leaving your home during this time, consider wearing a face mask or even a bandana over your mouth. While it won’t necessarily provide 100% protection, it will greatly reduce your chances of breathing in the virus.

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, rather your hands. While you ideally won’t be in public when you’re coughing or sneezing, things happen. Try to minimize the amount of germs you’re spreading yourself by avoiding sneezing on your hands, which you use to open doors and shake hands.

What should I do if I get a virus?

Nearly everyone, at some point, is going to contract a virus. This could be anything from influenza to the measles to varicella (chickenpox). Unlike with bacterial infections, viruses cannot be fought with antibiotics. For most viruses, you simply have to work on boosting your immune system and hoping that your body will be able to fight it off. That said, there are a few things you should do if you get a virus.

First off, stay at home. Don’t go to work or school if you’re sick. Don’t go to the PTA meeting. Don’t go to the play date. Stay home and rest. Resting is incredibly important when it comes to fighting off an illness. Don’t worry about conquering the towering pile of laundry or cleaning the dirty dishes. Just focus on relaxing, sleeping, and lying around. Try not to exert yourself or to do anything that’s going to cause stress. If you have children, don’t worry about educational activities or watching too much TV for a few days. If surviving a 3-day Toy Story movie marathon is what it takes for you to recover, so be it.

You should also make sure that you hydrate. This doesn’t mean drink one glass of water, so don’t have a water bottle and then say you’re fine. Drink a lot of water. Drink so much water that you get tired of going to the bathroom. If you can’t stand to drink water, get some flavored water, add your own flavoring, or even add some fruit to your water. Just make sure that you’re drinking plenty of fluids to help your body stay nourished. If you’re throwing up, you may find that a sports drink, such as Gatorade, is helpful.

If you begin to feel uncomfortable or a part of your body hurts, there are a number of ways that you can ease your discomfort, including:

Sucking on a popsicle for a sore throat

Sucking on a cough drop

Eating a spoonful of honey

Taking a warm bath

Putting a warm washcloth on your head

Drinking tea

Eating chicken soup

Taking over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen

Utilizing essential oils, such as lavender, to relieve tension and pain

Taking an oatmeal bath to minimize itching (for chickenpox or measles)

Make sure that you’re sanitizing common areas of your house. If you’re too sick to get up, have a family member or friend help you clean up. Spray Lysol or DoTerra’s OnGuard on your doorknobs, sink faucets, and light switches. While cleaning doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, it can help reduce the spread of the virus to your family members.

When you’re sick, you also need to make sure that you’re aware of how your body is handling the illness. If you’ve been throwing up for more than 24 hours, you pass out, or you cough up blood, it’s time to stop treating yourself at home and get to a hospital. Medical professionals will be able to administer IV fluids and determine what other treatments you may need.

One of the biggest concerns during a widespread viral outbreak is that the hospitals will become overrun and that there won’t be enough doctors to treat everyone. If this happens, you’ll need to use your judgment on whether you want to risk heading to the hospital or if you want to stay at home and try to weather the storm on your own.

If you’re experiencing a minor viral outbreak in your community that isn’t bad enough to impact your electricity, your cell service, or your normal daily life, chances are that you’ll be okay to head to the hospital. The problem with hospitals is that many times, they’re understaffed when it comes to handling things like pandemics. Just pay attention to the news and to what’s going on in your area and you’ll be fine.

If you do become sick with a virus and are concerned that you’re becoming dehydrated or taking a turn for the worst, an urgent care center can also be a fine place to seek treatment. In addition to urgent care centers, some doctors do make house calls. This is a more expensive option (typically $250-$400 per visit) since doctors who make home visits don’t typically accept insurance carriers, but it can be a good way to get help without leaving your home. 

How should I prepare my family?

If you suspect that a viral outbreak is looming in your future, the time to prepare is now. There are many ways that you can help your family get ready for the possibility of a widespread illness. Whether you have a few children or you live on your own, remember that preparing ahead of time is the best way to survive, no matter what you’re facing.

Following a healthy diet should be your first step in preparing your family and loved ones to deal with a virus. While it seems like something that might be unimportant, the truth is that eating the right foods will drastically improve your chances of surviving illnesses. Certain foods actually boost your immunity and make your body stronger and better at fighting off viruses.

Foods that boost your immunity:

Oranges

Broccoli

Garlic

Ginger

Red bell peppers

Spinach

Almonds

Blueberries

Raspberries

Mushrooms

Honey

Yogurt

Fish

Even if you can’t eat each of these foods every day, make an effort to include them in your meals on a regular basis. Similarly, avoid things like sugar and caffeine which can weaken your body’s ability to fight off disease.

Another way that you can prepare your family for viral outbreaks is to start building up your prepper pantry. Do you have masks at home? Do you have food on hand? What about diapers? Medications? Cleaning supplies? Tampons? Even if you’re a very relaxed, semi-prepper, you should have enough supplies on hand to deal with a viral outbreak before one occurs. At the very least, you should have enough to live off for 3-7 days without needing to run to the store.

Just a few things you should have on hand before an outbreak occurs are:

Facial masks

Hygiene supplies

First aid supplies

Diapers

Wipes

Lysol or OnGuard (for disinfecting surfaces)

Bottled water

Water purification tablets

NetiPot (for cleaning your sinuses if you get sick)

Allergy or decongestant medication

Cough drops

Honey

Gatorade

Snacks you can eat without cooking

Saltine crackers (for nausea)

7-Up (for nausea)

Emergency phone numbers for your doctor and hospital

Humidifier

Extra batteries

Nasal spray

Cash

During any kind of viral emergency, you aren’t going to want to have to go to the store. After all, that’s where most people will be. Sick people in close quarters is never a good idea, so save yourself some trouble and stress and just stay home. While the above list is a great starting point, you also need to customize it to your family. If your son tends to get respiratory viruses, for example, make sure that you have a nebulizer on hand.

Finally, make sure that you talk with your kids about viruses. Explain how they spread, how your child can catch a virus, what he should do to avoid them. Remind your kids to wash their hands, not to share drinks with friends, and to let you know if they begin to feel sick.

You should also reassure your child that even if a serious viral outbreak occurs, that you’ll be there to take care of them and to protect them. Many kids will catch glimpses of the news or hear media reports and become scared. Remind your little ones that you’re preparing now so that even if something bad happens, you’ll be ready to handle it.

How should I react if a virus becomes widespread?

Should a widespread viral outbreak become a reality, you should remember to keep your calm. Even though viruses can be deadly, stressing out or panicking isn’t going to do anything to help you or keep you safe. Take a deep breath, go for a short walk, or take a nap. Calm down, collect your thoughts, and then start getting ready.

The first thing you need to remember is that people around you will panic. People will become scared. They’ll make poor decisions and they’ll act out of character because they’re afraid. Don’t spend a lot of time with your neighbors. Don’t tell people around you that you’re prepared. Don’t talk about your water storage or the extra food you have on hand. While people might make fun of you ahead of time for getting prepared, your door is the first one they’ll be knocking on when things get bad.

Also make sure that you know when it’s time to get out. If you live in the city, you should have a safe place where you can go hole up until things clear up. This is called “bugging out.” Most people bug out to a farm or rural property (that they own – not that they take! Don’t go breaking into someone’s farmhouse.), a house on the edge of the city, or an isolated campground. Essentially, you want to be somewhere that sick people are not.

Also remember that most citizens won’t leave the city until it’s too late or until the area has already been quarantined. If you think that something bad is going to happen or that your city is going to be shut down, leave sooner rather than later.

If you do decide to stay at home during a viral outbreak, try to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Don’t let your neighbors know how many supplies you have or that you’re still there. Don’t go grilling out in the backyard. Don’t let people know that you have something they might want to take, or they might just come take it. Many preppers plan to cover their windows and doors with plastic sheets or shower curtains to further minimize the spread of a virus. If this is something you think you’ll want to do, make sure you stock up on these items now. Otherwise, you may not be able to access the items that you need.

Finally, get creative when it comes to entertaining your kids and keeping them busy. If your community experiences widespread power outages, for example, you’ll need to have books, toys, puzzles, and batteries available. You’ll want flashlights on hand. You’ll want activities you can do that don’t require electricity. You can go on walks, play games at home, or even work on craft projects. Just remember that even during a serious event, your kids are going to get bored and to feel restless. It’s normal. Plan for it so you can avoid the stress of dealing with a bored child at your bug-out location. Even if the world around you is sick and struggling, your toddler is still going to want to play and have fun, so you need to remember that even during an outbreak, the world doesn’t stop turning.