CHAPTER 1: Pandemic 101

How disease spreads and the effects it can have on your life

Despite massive media coverage of swine flu outbreaks around the world, very little is known about the REAL effects on our everyday lives.

This chapter aims to set the record straight by explaining the TRUE FACTS:

• What is a pandemic?
• How does it spread?
• Life-threatening problems caused by pandemics.
• The importance of preparedness.

CHAPTER 2: Influenza viruses with pandemic potential

Swine A(H1N1), bird A(H5N1) and more

Do you remember when, a few years ago, the bird flu virus was in the news? Is it still out there? Does it still pose a danger to us? Are other flu viruses threatening us?

Includes:

• What is a flu virus? If you're like me, you'll want to know and understand the enemy. You'll discover just how many types of virus are out there, and how to deal with them.
• A full explanation of the reason why healthy young people are more susceptible to complications if they catch swine flu.
• The facts about both swine and bird flu… signs and symptoms and how to spot them quickly.
• Other viruses with pandemic potential, like the Australian flu… this killed more than 800 people in just a few weeks, two years ago, in Australia.
• Recognizing bird flu in poultry. Essential reading, if you are keeping poultry or visiting food markets abroad.

CHAPTER 3: Swine flu is not new

Looking at past pandemics

Contrary to popular belief, H1N1 isn’t new. It has been around for decades. Here, you’ll discover the catastrophic effects and consequences of previous flu pandemics caused by this virus.

Includes:

• The Spanish Flu of 1918/19. This isn’t a history lesson, but a lesson from history. There are still survivors from this tragic event and we'll reveal the valuable lessons they learned.
• Learn why the discovery of the remains of a woman who died from Spanish Flu is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in years, and could save hundreds of lives.
• Ninety years on… and survivors still remember…

CHAPTER 4: Treatment options for pandemic influenza

Vaccines and antiviral medications

Can swine flu really be treated or prevented? This chapter looks at what is currently available and what the future is likely to bring.

• Prevention and treatment. The challenges you face getting the right medication.
• Vaccines… are they really the ‘magic bullet’? Are they safe?
• Antiviral medications. Are Tamiflu and Relenza the same as vaccines? Side effects… and the problem of drug resistance.

CHAPTER 5: The financial impact of the pandemic

How will it affect you?

Includes:

• The financial impact of the swine flu pandemic at home… from illness and unemployment to difficulties in finding food in stores and accessing your money in the
  bank.
• Key strategies to avoid panic and improve your long-term welfare… pandemic or no pandemic! All you need to know about reducing debt as well as saving, investing
  and much more.
• How a flu pandemic could affect every level of modern day society (Are you in commerce, tourism, healthcare or agriculture? Even if you aren’t, the consequences could still be dramatic, so please read carefully…)

CHAPTER 6: The importance of self-reliance

You can’t depend on the government to keep you safe

Once a pandemic really takes hold, you could find new challenges feeding your family. Something we give you detailed guidance on here, with sections including…

• Back to basics… how to prepare for food and water shortages.
• The survival skills you need to develop in order to maintain your standard of living.
• Maintaining access to proper medical care and meet transportation needs.

CHAPTER 7: Getting your household ready

What you can do to stay secure during the pandemic

Building on the foundations of Chapter 6, Chapter 7 goes beyond your physical and shelter needs, and discusses the practical non-medical aspects of any pandemic, including a potential breakdown of law and order.

We give you the A-Z guide to home security:

• How to protect your valuables… four ways to guarantee your financial security and bartering power during a pandemic.
• The five simple ‘intruder roadblocks’ you can install in your home… all great ways to see off would-be looters.
• What weapons can you use to deter ‘unwanted house guests’? A controversial topic for many people; here you will find the laws that govern weapon ownership. Complying with them is paramount.

CHAPTER 8: Stocking up on supplies

Making sure your family has enough to survive when provisions become limited

Once your home is secured you need to plan for the longterm future, because once a pandemic starts, the essential supplies you now take for granted at your local stores will go FAST.

So, we give you the essential checklists of items you WILL need to stock up on to tide you over during the crisis.

• Start now, no matter how small your first steps will be.
• Know the crucial items that will likely disappear from the shelves. For example, as the infection spread from Mexico, stores ran out of antibacterial hand gel within days.
• Preparing your 72-hour survival kit… in 30 minutes or less!
• Food storage tips and recommendations… how to put together a one-month supply that meets all your nutritional needs.

CHAPTER 9: Water

Your most important resource

The average adult could survive 2-3 months without food, but only 2-3 days without water. And, if a pandemic takes hold, people will, as you might expect, begin stockpiling water in every receptacle around their home.

As the water levels sink lower and lower, we could also face the very real possibility of shortages… and contamination. This makes storing and maintaining a steady supply of clean drinking water your number one priority.

Includes:

• How to avoid dehydration. Your body can lose up to 2-3 liters of water each day… you’ll discover the various ways to avoid and compensate for this, even when water is scarce.
• How to keep your water supply fresh and safe… disinfecting water before drinking or cooking.
• The best water purifiers and filters to use. These devices require no electric or mains water pressure. One should be available for use at any time.
• Sanitation without water? Probably the single most important item you should have in your home, but what happens if stores run out? We’ll show you how to make your own – cheaply.
• Waste disposal and ventilation measures. Know how to build your own dry toilet. Okay, no one wants to talk about it, but what would you do if your flush toilets become useless?

CHAPTER 10: Cooking your stored food

Here, we give you tips on nutrition, to help you stay in good health even if some foods are in short supply.

Includes:

• Food groups… which ones work best for you… ensuring your family’s optimum nutritional intake… and much more.
• The Overall Nutritional Quality Index. Find out which foods are the most nutritious, so that you can make wellbalanced choices to best suit your needs.
• Our exclusive 14-day menu plan. Simple, delicious meals and snacks… made entirely from shelf stable food. Includes recipes that have been adapted to help you cut stress and planning time in already trying circumstances.
• Cooking without electricity. At some stage, you may need to use an alternative cooking source. And it’s actually easier than you might think. You’ll find a number of practical
  methods here.

CHAPTER 11: Developing self-sufficiency

Going that extra mile

As the H1N1 flu spreads, there is an elevated chance that local services may be unable to continue working. Therefore, we must develop new skills and use new (and old) tools to look after ourselves. This chapter tells you about:

• Essential tools and gardening supplies you’ll need to see out the pandemic. If supermarket shelves are stripped bare, then you'll need to adapt. How? Easy… because you've already prepared.
• Solar cooking… how to make a simple, inexpensive solar oven… and harness some free power!
• Heating without electricity? Discover the number of options available for how to achieve this.
• Choosing the right generator. Can you imagine life without electricity? Meaning – you need to start thinking of generating your own. I’ll give you the facts on what to look for…

CHAPTER 12: Taking care of your basic medical needs

First Aid and medications you must have

A working knowledge of First Aid becomes a ‘must have’ for dealing with the unexpected. Learning the basics is much easier than you might think, as you’ll soon see in this chapter.

Topics include:

• First Aid basics. The simple, yet essential, items to have on hand for most minor medical situations.
• Over-the-counter medications. Are they really essential for your wellbeing in a crisis?
• Simple ways to safely store and dispose of medications. It may seem obvious, but correct storage and labeling is essential… children’s hands (and pets) can get anywhere!

CHAPTER 13: Keeping H1N1 infection at bay

Infection prevention tips

Perhaps the biggest threat to our health is direct transmission. The H1N1 virus has found its ideal means of transportation in its quest to spread and infect. Remember that viruses need to replicate to survive… and we are a natural host.

However, contrary to popular belief, there are many ways in which you can significantly reduce your chances of infection that do not involve full-scale biohazard suits or cleanrooms
etc, which are quick and easy to implement… all at very little cost.

In this chapter, you will learn about:

• Food hygiene. Seven secrets for safe meal preparation. Simple strategies to assist in disinfecting around the house.
• Pets. The recommended hygiene tips on how to prevent infection to you.
• Personal protection… gloves, masks, and more. Could they be giving you a false sense of protection? Could they actually do more harm than good? We’ll set the record straight..
• Hand washing and respiratory precautions. Read why the medical experts place so much importance here… and the startling mistake that most people make. Does this include you?

CHAPTER 14: The cost of living

How to prepare when you’re on a budget

Here, you’ll find the essential economic steps you can take during the pandemic… helping you to insulate and protect your cash.

• The financial matters you must attend to. Some would say it’s ironic, or just downright cruel, that we've had the worst financial crisis since the 1930s and now we are faced with a threat to our greatest asset… our health. Time to fight back!
• Managing your household finances. We’ll show you how to take control of your money and reduce credit card debt.
• How to protect your savings, pension and finances so you can sleep soundly at night.
• Investing. Discover which commodity some savers were queuing in the streets to buy… even when stocks were at their lowest.

CHAPTER 15: Prepare and protect your family

Meet their emotional needs

• How to explain the swine flu situation to your children… without frightening them.
• Helping your family overcome their fears. Putting things into perspective… of course, this has to be handled sensitively, but don't they deserve to be told the truth? It's all about the right communication.
• Keeping your children healthy. How to spot flu symptoms and react promptly and effectively. Plus, your very own ‘question checklist’ – vitally reassuring and accessible information, available at any time of day, just when you need it.

CHAPTER 16: Preventing and fighting infection naturally

Tips for a healthy lifestyle

Discover the many ways you and your family can eat a wellbalanced diet, exercise, sleep well and more, in order to keep healthy and better cope with the challenges ahead.

• The basic principles of a healthy diet. How to make balanced, healthy food choices.
• Exercise tips to keep you fit and increase energy levels. No, we aren’t talking about running marathons on a treadmill, but getting you and your family healthier together, in practical and enjoyable ways… in ways that can save you money, too!
• How to have a good night’s sleep… every night, even if you have a lot in your mind.
• Nutritional supplements. Don’t get taken in by some of the hype… we outline the pros and cons, so for your own sake make sure you find out what they are.
• Herbal Remedies. We’ll give you an objective viewpoint on them.