I've assumed that, at a minimum, a tetanus vaccination in the near future makes sense. It's relatively cheap and lasts a good long while. It hass been several years since I've had one so I'm thinking it is a prudent precaution.

I will also get next years flu vaccine as early as possible.

Our physician also offers other 'travelers vaccinations' (yellow fever, et al. for specific areas where these pathogens pose a threat). These are more expensive ( and 'a la cart' so it's not just a single shot) and I'm not certain about the real risk versus the costs. I cannot afford to throw $1,000 at a wide spectrum of vaccinations.

If it it's cheap and easy or if the threat is large, then I would consider it, otherwise I'll just mark it as 'economically unfeasible' or 'low risk of occurance'.

I'd like to hear what others are doing and what they think makes sense for their areas. Especially those of you who travel quite frequently and must take precautions against the indigenous bugs.

Now on to the more controversial vaccinations...those that might be needed in the event of terrorist activity.

I've considered smallpox vaccinations, however, from the reading I've done, it appears that most stores of smallpox are weaponized - that is, they have been genetically altered to be especially aggressive and the existing available vaccines would be of little or no value. Thoughts?

Gulf war vets: do you know what types of vaccines you received prior to deployment?

Finally, is there anyone here who considers anthrax a big enough threat that they've already started on the anthrax series? If so, how did you approach your physician? Does anthrax have the same 'weaponized' consideration as smallpox?

Thanks in advance.

-- Arnie Rimmer (arnie_rimmer@usa.net), January 13, 1999

Answers

From what I've read, one big advantage of anthrax is that it's easy to obtain from the wild in a lot of countries. I think the military anthrax vaccinations for soldiers are the same ones that veterinarians use.

More important than potential bioweapons is probably diseases likely to arise from poor sanitation, such as cholera.

-- Shimrod (shimrod@lycosmail.com), January 13, 1999.

I was thinking of this the other day when I heard about another antrax threat in LA. I read up on anthrax and what I read scared me. The DOD has the best information about anthrax. One thing I did learn is that all military personal are being vaccinated right now for anthrx and that it takes several months of shots to be fully innoculated. Anthrax is fairly easy to make, it is called the poor man's chemical weapon. A very small amount can kill a whole lot of people. Anthrax can cause sores or can be inhaled. Sores can be treated, inhalation usually means death. CNN did a story on anthrx recently and evidently their reporter did not read the same information I did. Their report made anthrax sound the common cold. (If it is the truth and if it is ugly, don't tell it) I wanted to ask my doctor for a vaccination for anthrx but was embarrassed.

-- Linda A. (adahi@muhlon.com), January 13, 1999.

North recommended smallpox in his new years resolutions. I think pox and plague can resurface in unsanitory conditions (read RATS)...any health experts out there want to comment?

-- a (a@a.a), January 13, 1999.

Consider Hepatitis, lyme disease, tetanus, small pox. Make sure the kids are upto date on everything recommended by the peds doc. Cholera is only good for six months following innoculation. I'm still considering it. Its important to stockpile some antibiotics for emergency use. Consider a 2 week supply of erythromycin, Bactrim (sulfa drug) and ciprofloxacin. These are for truly emergent use only.

-- RD. ->H (drherr@erols.com), January 13, 1999.

I'm wondering if those of us who live in the country would be at a risk for these diseases since we won't be traveling to town or inviting anyone from the outside in to join us?

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), January 13, 1999.

"I'm wondering if those of us who live in the country would be at a risk for these diseases since we won't be traveling to town or inviting anyone from the outside in to join us?"

I'm not an expert on diseases, but I would think that many pathogens will find their way to you, regardless of whether you move around or not. Consider wind, rain, animals, and people. They'll all find their way to you.

-- Ted Markow (not@this.time), January 14, 1999.

Rabies comes to mind. It's possible to get rabies shots for yourself, usually at the local health department. Physical prevention is very important, of course: surgical masks, insect repellent, lots of soap, disinfectant, bleach, screen (or "bug out" ) suits, sold in garden catalogues, like Gardeners Supply (on-line) and Real Goods (also on-line). Fibreglass screening--may be able to sew your own suits if you're handy. Keep a roll in inventory anyway, use for repairs and making food covers. If Y2K is no problem, you can always use it for replacement screens. Handy too for covering drainage holes in flower pots. Does anyone know the lifespan of fibreglass screens compared to aluminum?

-- anon (anon@spamproblems.com), January 14, 1999.

As an alternate viewpoint, some once e-mailed me this link for:

NATIONAL VACCINE INFORMATION CENTER

Vaccines, immunizations or inoculations are recommended for every child born in the United States. A vaccination shouldn't hurt a child but sometimes they do. Before your child takes the risk, find out what it is. ...

http://www.909shot.com/

Interesting.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), January 14, 1999.

Best thing for lyme disease, if you're going to be in the woods, is check yourself thoroughly for ticks at least twice a day. If you find one remove it carefully by the head, using tweezers or one of the special tick removers. If you squeeze the body you inject pathogens. The lyme comes in when the tick drools on your skin to dissolve it and release, so until then you're relatively safe. The lyme vaccine is brand new and not totally effective, though it does help. Oh yeah, you're probably aware, the big danger is from the deer ticks which are very tiny, just a little speck really. You'll need a hand mirror or a really good friend.

-- Shimrod (shimrod@lycosmail.com), January 15, 1999.

Do what Diane suggests. Thoroughly investigate vaccines. They are not necessarily all they are cracked up to be in this day and age. And you cannot expect to get a vaccine for every possible problem that could surface in our very uncertain future.

Then investigate blood electrification for viruses, bacteria, pathogens, microbes, etc. This "technology" has been around since the early 1900's and there is a recent medical school patent on it. You haven't heard about it because it is far too inexpensive and way too effective for the medical establishment to profit from. Oh, well. Another conspiracy. What can I say. Only now were talking about your health and the health of your family. Still care to pooh pooh it???? I do own one and multiple family members have used it. It is virtually harmless, no side effects and most anyone can use it with relative safety.

Do a search on blood electrification or go to this website which sells units but also has reference sites of other companies.

http://www.ioa.com/~dragonfly/

From what I can extract, the only occurence it cannot handle is mad cow disease which is caused by a mutant protein that cannot be neutralized by any means currently known to man. You can't sterilize against it, you can't inoculate for it and you can't stop it's progression once infection occurs. In other words, ya can't kill it.

-- Bumble Bee (bumble@icanect.net), January 17, 1999.