Bird and Swine Flu Survival Guide

Adapted from guidelines from the World Health Organisation on infection control.

At least buy masks, goggles, gown, gloves, disinfectants and food.

Face shield/ goggles - The Swine Flu and Bird Flu virus is capable of infecting people through the eyes.
Normal swimming goggles are a good alternative.

High efficiency masks - MUST be Type P2N95. (95% efficiency) These can be bought at a
Medical Supply store or from a First Aid Equipment supplier for approximately $45 for 20. It may
be possible to recycle masks. Normal surgical masks, dust and paint masks are almost useless
therefore are potentially dangerous to use. Rubber masks with organic gas filters are a safe
alternative if you are unable to obtain high efficiency masks. These cost approximately $45 from
hardware stores. Buy extra filters as they may need replacing.

Disposable gloves and gloves for cleaning

Long sleeved plastic gowns - Plastic raincoats with plastic pants could be suitable using elastic to
seal arms, body and legs. Can be disinfected in light bleach solution and then detergent after each wearing.

Theatre cap (plastic shower caps)

Shoe covers - plastic bags over shoes and sealed with large rubber bans or elastic.

Fan Heater - For heating room

Bag valve mask - For emergency breathing relief if the patient becomes too tired to
(‘ambo bag’) breathe by themselves. Obtainable from First Aid suppliers and costs about $70

Enema kit - For weak dehydrated patients.

Fan - Place on window of patient’s room facing outside and seal around
sides with tape if possible. When turned on (no heat) it can create a negative air pressure in the room. Helps prevent virus escaping to other rooms.

Alcohol based hand wash - Alternatives could be Methylated spirits or light bleach solution followed by soap. It is extremely important to sterilise yourself after each visit to prevent spreading the disease to other members of the family.

Soap - Preferably antiseptic soap or alcohol based gel soap

Thermometer - Must be sterilised after use.

Disinfectants - The virus is killed by chlorine or 70% alcohol. Bleach solution (1 part
to 5 parts water) is very good for most jobs except metals. Methylated spirits contain 95% alcohol but let it dry. Avoid flames. Expect supplies to be depleted in the stores.

Plastic spray bottles - To assist with disinfecting.

Washers, sponge, towels - For both patient and carer

Wash basin

Tissues

Drinking water and glass - For patient

Toilet pan, Toilet paper

Large disposable nappies - For seriously ill patients or invalids

Plastic sheeting - To cover bed mattress (shower curtains will do).

Plastic buckets - For cleaning, bathing

Large bucket with lid - For collecting used protective wear, patient linen, towels etc for washing and sterilising. Soak in bleach solution, then wash. Always wear gloves when sterilising.

Foot operated garbage bin - Near patient

Heavy duty garbage bags - For waste disposal

Plastic bags For lining contamination bins

Tape For sealing fan and door

Shower curtain A shower curtain could be placed over the outside entrance of the
patient’s door to act as a second barrier to prevent airborne viruses escaping. Also over mattress to prevent it being contaminated.

Candles, matches, flashlight For power blackouts

Water, Food For quarantines or for food shortages caused by panic buying

Soups During recovery

 

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