'Tis the season for heading over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house, but with the recent news of
17K birds being culled in Hong Kong and
the creation of a
very virulent strain of H5N1 many of us will be traveling far from our supplies for the holidays.
From my reading of the news, it doesn't appear that it is time to hit the panic button, but greater caution should be instituted. While I am
confident in my preparations for dealing with a pandemic while at home, obviously I will be far less prepared for an outbreak when I am 2000 miles
from home. Add to the fact that we will be traveling with children, through one of the busiest airports in the world and trapped in a metal tube with
circulated air, you can understand why I am slightly concerned.
The aforementioned Grandma's house, while it doesn't possess the supplies that my own home does, it is located in a far better area (i.e. very very
rural. nearest community is also very isolated, etc.). The problem comes from the fact that a pandemic is a slow burn type disaster and not an
immediate, life changing event. In the event of a nuclear holocaust, it is obvious when to switch to survival mode. A flu pandemic creeps up on you.
The proverbial frog in the vat of boiling water.
So, what advise does the community offer myself and others that will be traveling this holiday season? Again, there is nothing in the news (yet) that
makes me convinced to throw away thousands of dollars and cancel the trip, but there is enough concern to warrant addition precautions.
I will be including in my carryon bag, N95 respirators, protein bars, more cash than I normally would bring, latex gloves, etc.
Any other suggestions?
I would like to take this time in advance to thank you for your input.
edit on 22-12-2011 by LordOfArcadia because: (no reason
given)