I think I pointed out before that there is a lot of extra "hype" around Ebola, but if the recent instances of patients infected with Ebola entering the country have proven nothing else, it's that this potentially deadly virus is not contained to a single locale. The good news, of course, is that we enjoy a much higher standard of medical care than other parts of the world, possibly increasing the chances for survival by a significant margin. But most of us would rather avoid contracting the Ebola virus if at all possible. And in the event of an outbreak, it's a good idea to be prepared to remove yourself and your family from harm's way and weather the storm in a safe and protected environment. Having some common sense guidelines to go by can help to ensure that you're prepared if and when Ebola becomes an unavoidable issue.
- Understand the risks.
Currently, those at greatest risk for contracting the Ebola virus are on the continent of Africa, namely in the West African countries of Liberia, Nigeria, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, although of course, a few cases have reached American shores. The latest reports indicate that nearly 10,000 people have contracted the virus and close to 5,000 have perished to date in this most recent outbreak, although the World Health Organization has warned that unreported cases could double the existing number. Currently, Americans are at a very slight risk for exposure to the Ebola virus, but of course, it's not a bad idea to avoid contact with anyone who has recently spent time in West Africa.
- Know the symptoms.
Early Ebola symptoms may mimic the flu, including sore throat, fever, aches, and so on. But if you think you or a loved one has an increased risk of contraction due to some kind of exposure, it's a good idea to get tested before more definitive symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bleeding start to occur. Knowing the symptoms associated with Ebola can help you to determine if a visit to your primary healthcare provider or even an emergency room is necessary.
- Check out medical facilities in your area.
If you somehow contract the Ebola virus, proper care could make the difference between life and death. Because there is no cure for Ebola, supportive medical services are of the utmost importance in the recovery process. And although your chances for recovery depend partially on your body's own immune response, the presence of trained and knowledgeable healthcare workers can certainly play a role. So don't hesitate to check in with local hospitals to find out if they are prepared to deal with cases of Ebola should they arise.
- Understand treatment options.
There are relatively few treatments available for patients suffering from Ebola. Like most viruses, the best form of treatment is still remaining hydrated and getting plenty of rest. Of course, this can best be accomplished in a hospital setting, where qualified medical professionals can monitor vital signs, administer fluids, regulate oxygen, treat infections, and protect themselves and others from becoming contaminated in the process.
- Plan for suspension of services.
If an Ebola outbreak (or any outbreak, for that matter) were to occur, standard public services, such as transportation and schooling, for example, would likely be suspended or at least disrupted. So you may need to plan to be at home with your family until schools and businesses reopen.
- Stock up on essentials.
In the event that businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations close during an Ebola outbreak, you'll want to make sure that your household is well-stocked. As a prepper, you probably already have a plan in place for food and water. But you may also want to have medical supplies on hand since hospitals are likely to be overrun and they're likely the last place healthy people will want to go during an outbreak. You should also have fuel safely stored for occurrences such as evacuations or even power outages (when you may want to run a gas-powered generator).
- Create a communication plan.
It's possible that your family could become separated in an outbreak scenario. If this is the case, you need to come up with a plan to meet up or at least communicate during the interim so that nobody panics and everyone stays safe. Giving children cell phones for emergency use only and making sure they're charged daily might be a good place to start, considering pay phones are pretty hard to find these days. As an alternative, kids should know where to go for help and to get in contact with you, such as to a school, a police station, or a friend's house - any location that you've agreed upon as a backup.
Preparing for an Ebola outbreak may seem like an unnecessary precaution, but with several infected patients already reaching the United States, it's certainly not outside the realm of possibility. And being well-prepared could help to keep you and your loved ones safe should the worst come to pass.
