Post Collapse Sanitation, Diseases and Antibiotics

When we think about Typhoid, Cholera and Dysentery visions of the old west come to mind, but in a situation that causes a societal breakdown these diseases could rear their ugly head again.

These are the bigger diseases that could become prevalent in a post collapse society, but even getting the common cold could put a damper on your plans.

In the next couple of weeks Lisa and I will go over some of the sicknesses and diseases to look out for in a SHTF situation, and possible ways to cure them, including natural remedies.

SPP305 Post Collapse Sanitation, Diseases and Antibiotics

This week we talked about some of the major disease’s, how to cure them, some of the antibiotics that are needed and how to prevent them with proper sanitation.

I will also list which fish antibiotics are good alternatives to the human antibiotic. I also wrote a post that goes into detail about fish antibiotics here.

IMPORTANT: Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics can have adverse affects if improperly used. Lisa wrote an article a while back about the dangers and precautions of using antibiotics here. 

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Symptoms include; headaches, nausea and loss of appetite, and is a bacterial infection which gradually brings on a high fever.

Diarrhea and vomiting are not common with Typhoid, however weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, and headaches also commonly occur with the fever. Without treatment, symptoms may last weeks or months.

Treatment includes antibiotics, which is typically Ciprofloxacin. The fish antibiotic alternative is Fish Flox.

Cholera

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if left untreated. Cholera is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholera. The disease is most common in places with poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine.

Cholera was prevalent in the U.S. in the 1800s, before modern water and sewage treatment systems eliminated its spread by contaminated water. Rehydration is the first priority in the treatment of cholera.

Single-dose therapy with Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Furazolidone, or Ciprofloxacin has been shown effective in reducing the duration and volume of diarrhea. Fish Flox (Cipro) is the only alternative antibiotic.

Dysentery

Dysentery is a type of gastroenteritis; an inflammation of the intestines causing diarrhea with blood, and is caused by a number of types of infection such as bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, or protozoa.

Treatment includes antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin. The fish antibiotic alternative is Fish Mox.

Water and Food Related Illnesses

Salmonella bacteria may cause food poisoning when contaminated meat, poultry and eggs that are eaten raw or undercooked or foods come into contact with contaminated foods during preparation.

Symptoms usually occur within hours to two days and may include nausea, fever, headache, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomiting lasting two to seven days.

Salmonella almost never requires the use of an antibiotic, but in severe cases ampicillin or amoxicillin can be used. The fish antibiotic alternative is Fish Mox.

Staphylococcus is carried on your skin and in throat infections and may be transmitted during food handling and preparation. Meat, poultry, salads, cheese, eggs, custards and cream-filled desserts are potential food sources.

Symptoms may develop within one to eight hours after eating and may include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal cramps lasting one to two days.

This requires a doctor to perform tests to identify what type of staph bacteria is behind your infection, so antibiotics are not recommended.

Botulism is most frequently associated with foods that are canned at home and are either improperly prepared or are stored in poorly sealed containers.

Symptoms may develop within 4 to 72 hours after eating and may include nervous system disturbances such as double vision, droopy eyelids or difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing.

Untreated botulism can be fatal. If you or a family member have botulism symptoms, get medical help immediately.

The use of antibiotics such as penicillin G or metronidazole may be helpful in eradicating in wound botulism. Antibiotic use is not recommended for infant botulism because cell death and lysis may result in the release of more toxin.

An Ounce of Prevention…

We’ve all hear the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and with proper sanitation we can prevent all these diseases. Proper hand washing, trash removal, disposal of human waste and proper sanitation can greatly reduce your risk of contracting one of these diseases.

In the podcast we went into much more detail about prevention, symptoms and important precautions for using antibiotics. Make sure and give it a listen.

Diseases and Infections of the Respiratory System

Next week Lisa and I will be talking about Illnesses and diseases such as the tuberculosis, whooping cough, flu, colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. You can subscribe to get new posts via email when they are published, just look in the right sidebar to subscribe.

Academy Discount for Podcast Listeners

I mentioned in the show that I am adding the videos of the classes we did at The Preparedness Experience conference last year to the Academy. I also mentioned a discount I am offering for podcast listeners, and you can get that discount here.

Here is a short video recap of the Preparedness Experience Conference…

https://youtu.be/HRb6zyB0K2o