Bird Flu Survival Kit

Your basic bird flu survival kit should contain these items:

Protective Equipment

Respirators and masks: These should be FFP3 standard, to give the highest level of protection against bird flu viruses in the air. A good respirator gives 99% particle filtration efficiency and can be either reusable or disposable. Masks and disposable gloves are probably the most important protective items in your bird flu survival kit.

Shoe covers, goggles and disposable aprons (or gowns) are also important, since wearing them reduces the risk of contamination from the bird flu virus, especially if you are caring for a sick person, cleaning the sickroom area, and washing contaminated laundry. Click here for protective clothing.

Bird Flu Treatments

Obtain antiviral drugs, if they are available, and some natural flu remedies, which may ease the symptoms of bird flu.

If you can afford it, buy a ventilator and ask your doctor about appropriate inhalants, for relief from breathing complications caused by the bird flu virus. Purchase plenty of disposable tissues for coughing and sneezing episodes, if masks aren't available.

Arrange for your annual influenza and pneumonia vaccinations, and be sure to buy plenty of your usual prescription medicines.

Cleaning Equipment

Buy plenty of disposable paper towels, liquid soap and appropriate dispensers, for handwashing at home. (Bars of soap often spread infections.) And purchase a good alchohol-based handwash, for disinfecting your hands when you are not able to use soap and water.

Disposable paper towels, utility gloves, and detergent and bleach will be necessary for cleaning up spills of body fluids contaminated with the bird flu virus. Use special containers for storing contaminated laundry and waste.

Other

You will also need to stockpile food, water, a radio and batteries, and ways of providing heat during winter and light at night. Click on this link to find out more about bird flu preparation.