Although I am of the opinion that a full scale societal breakdown is unlikely (about 10%), the ramifications are so huge as to make certain preparations necessary. If the infrastructure does collapse for more than a short time (10 - 14 days), certain diseases will inevitably occur. Typhoid, cholera and diptheria are the prime candidates. Make sure you get your immunizations in the summer of 1999. Figure out in detail how you will handle sanitation issues before Jan 00. Stock some electolyte solutions (Gatorade, Pedialyte,etc) in your food reserves. This is especially important for the very young or old.

-- Ronald Herring (drherr@erols.com), September 02, 1998

Answers

Ronald:

I to have given this some thought. Living in an enviorment without running water or proper waste disposal will surely bring on diseases. Would I ask for a shot work up as though I were going to travel in the Jungles of S. America? Africa? Why wait until the summer of 99? Do the effects wear off? I wonder if my HMO would pick up the tab?

-- Bill Solorzano (notaclue@webtv.net), September 02, 1998.

Bill, Unless your family doc is Y2k aware, I would just say that I'm preparing for a third world trip January, 2000. Cholera immuninzation is a series that only lasts for about six months so that should be as close to 2000 as reasonable. Typhoid is good for about three years. You should also be up to date on tetanus.You don't need yellow fever immunization. Remember, in war diseases usually kill or injure more combatants than the actual combat. Keep in mind that the immunizations will make you feel flu-like post injection.

-- R.D. Herring (drherr@erols.com), September 03, 1998.

May I interject here?

When you travel to other countries, it is the other countries that tell YOU what shots you must have in order to enter their country. And each country has it's own disease problems, usually somewhat unique to itself....so.....

What I am trying to say is that it's not as wasy as going to the doc or health dept. and saying "I'm planning a trip to some third world countries, so give me the works!". It will take some research and planning to get these shots.

sylvia

-- sylvia (msbrit@usit.net), September 08, 1998.

Actually Sylvia, it really is that easy. I have travelled abroad extensively and all I did was go to my county health department and say "Hi, I'm going to the Middle East and Africa for 4 months and here is a list of the immunizations that I need." Allegheny Health department of Pa had no problem (and it was the truth). I will again caution that the immunizations can make you ill for a short while. It is true that you need to know what you need per previous post.

-- R.D. Herring (drherr@erols.com), September 08, 1998.