Writer's Block: Swine Times

[lblanchard]

[Error: unknown template qotd]I think it's a bunch of hype -- this is almost certainly another very mild flu for all but the very old and the very young.

Still, it's not a bad idea to be prepared in any case, so I bought myself some hand sanitizer and masks and have squirreled them away in my Doomsday Box along with the tabletop Butane stove and the hand-cranked radio-and-cellphone-charger.

Comments

[kightp.livejournal.com]

Jim McDonald, an EMT who's a regular contributor to Making Light, wrote a very level-headed post in 2006 about practical steps to prepare for a flu pandemic, including a link to misia's most excellent recipe for a household Flu Kit. I imagine you've got some of that in your Doomsday Box, but it can't hurt to take a look at the list. I tend to stay well-stocked with everything recommended.

(I'm not particularly worried about this particular flu, but having been as sick as I've been with no more than a garden-variety rhinovirus for the past week, I've certainly been more diligent about hand-washing than usual - as much to protect others from my bugs as vice versa).

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

I'm good on everything on that list except an extra bottle of glaucoma drops, and I thought of that one today meself.

I've been building my Doomsday Box in installments by picking up a few of the things I'd need for every hypothetical disaster that might come my way. Next up: a water barrel, just in case.

[karenkay.livejournal.com]

Don't the glaucoma drops have to be refrigrated? (Mine do.) Also, I wanted to mention that hand-sanitizer has an expiration date. I don't know if you've checked that.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

My glaucoma drops don't. I've been using Xalatan for three years and my pressure is nicely under control.

Thanks for the heads-up on hand sanitizer. I'm thinking about stocking up with a couple of bottles of rubbing alcohol anyhow, since that's the active ingredient.

[karenkay.livejournal.com]

The current bottle you're using of Xalatan doesn't need to be refrigerated, but unused bottles do. Mine even arrives from the pharmacy (I have to do mail-order) in a cold pack.

This is why Mormons always have this elaborate plan for rotating their stockpile.

I think hand sanitizer is easier to use on your hands than rubbing alcohol. And not as harsh. (I still have my stockpile from when my immune system was working less well.) Btw, I don't remember if sanitary wipes have an expiration date or not, but they will definitely dry out over time.