Prepping for a pandemic...4

[wheresmymojo]

Third thread on prepping for a pandemic and following the risk of a COVID pandemic.

General COVID Info

The estimated replication rate is R= 2 to 4.8 based on latest expert estimates. This means each infected person spreads the virus to between 2 and 4.8 people. Experts estimate that, unchecked, it could infect 60% of the population.

Around 15-20% of cases are thought to be severe - that is resulting in the need for hospitalisation. Around 3-5% requiring ventilation.

The estimated mortality rate is around 1-2% at the moment (compared to 0.01-0.1% for flu). This may change as it is very difficult to estimate mortality.

Children tend to have milder symptoms. Those over 60 with underlying health issues and a history of smoking are more likely to be severe (although not exclusively this type of person).

Spread of COVID

It is estimated that the average incubation period is 3-5 days but can be as long as 24 days.

It can be spread with no symptoms.

It can be spread via droplet (cough/sneeze), aerosol (breathing same air in very close quarters), bodily fluids, fecal/oral route and formites (via surfaces, up to 28 days in the right circumstances but up to 3-5 days in more typical circumstances).

Updates

As this is a novel virus and knowledge is constantly being updated - I will post updates as they become available with links to source.

I am not a medical expert so any opinions or conjecture of my own should be taken with a pinch of salt!

Actually I can get 30 of the ones echobench posted a link to for the same price as the Wickes one and one set of replacement filters so going with those.

No. The mask has two filters so it will take both to replace. Instructions say filters good for a month... Will go and check. Will take a photo soon too.

Better to get your dentist’s appointments now while they still have masks and while the number of cases of CV is low.

www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/cheltenham-news/cheltenham-gp-surgery-suspends-online-3849773

Fingers crossed, it comes to nothing!

Hehe @Burpeesshmurpees I love it !

That would definitely be a Breaking Bad style prep list.

I actually think it's possible global supply chains for sanitary towels and tampons will be quite heavily disrupted.

The same fibres are used to make face masks and many of the factories that make them have been converted into making face masks now (and I can't see that changing any time soon).

If anyone has been thinking of swapping to cloth STs, period pants or a mooncup it's probably a good time to start.

Instructions for Wick's mask.

Got all the stuff ready for homemade pads. Just need to find the sewing machine under the junk

That Cheltenham thing is just a GP surgery saying they have to triage rather than letting people do online booking. Presumably to weed out people with coronavirus symptoms

The masks with the replacement filters will last much longer than the single use disposable ones. The filters last for over a month when you're using them for sanding, plastering etc (very dusty environments). They'll last longer in a normal environment.

I bought a load of cheap night time pads as I bleed heavily. I also have washable pads for daytime.

www.portsmouth.co.uk/health/portsmouth-gp-surgery-closed-due-coronavirus-deep-cleaning-1741656

Portsmouth GP surgery closed 'due to coronavirus' for 'deep cleaning'

Interesting thread on Reddit (obviously can't be validated as true) suggesting the turnaround for testing has been increased from 72 hours to 7 days due to the volume of testing.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ChinaFlu/comments/f3tr10/amaaselfisolatingginukkreturningfrommone_of/

I actually think it's possible global supply chains for sanitary towels and tampons will be quite heavily disrupted. The same fibres are used to make face masks and many of the factories that make them have been converted into making face masks now (and I can't see that changing any time soon).

I stockpiled sanpro massively before Brexit only to hit the menopause before I could use any of it, so if any of you get desperate I'm your woman. Alternatively, perhaps I could fashion it all into very ladylike facemasks? I feel sure someone here is going to know how.

Sorry if TMI.

The Reddit thread above has a link to the advice being given to those self-isolating

www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-self-isolation-for-patients-undergoing-testing/advice-sheet-home-isolation

Checking in to the new thread.

Annoyed as the mountain of paracetamol I bought from the US is just about to go out of date - was very handy to have just the one large bottle to keep out of sight/reach of tiny hands rather than having to track multiple UK regulation packets. I’ve read paracetamol isn’t toxic post use by date; it just may be less effective; so I’m planning on keeping hold of it as an emergency back up figuring it’s be better than nothing (would still stick to listed tablet limits to be on the safe side).

We have no masks. Advice was they were of no real benefit. Now panicking because can't find any reusable ones

Checking in.

We have plenty of food so will be ok if we have to isolate for 2 weeks. Although we may be bored with tinned sweetcorn and tuna by the end of the fortnight! I have 2 big blocks of cheddar in the freezer but ds and dh don't like cheese so I'm ok for protein but they will struggle.

I experimented last week with a tortilla made with tinned potatoes and chorizo. It was surprisingly good. I made it with 4 eggs and that was perfect for 3 adults. I read on here that eggs can be frozen so am planning to do that so I can knock up a store cupboard tortilla if necessary.

😷 😷. 😷

Love these threads. Feel like prepping keeps me calm. My super stash arrived today complete with fray bentos pies as a joke because DH was mocking me. I've never eaten one so this could be a good time to pop my pie cherry.

On masks I haven't got any and my finger keeps hovering over the click to buy button but then in keep reading they won't help and are more for sick people to stop spreading their lurgies. Is everyone getting them in case they need to go to the hospital for eg. My thinking is if we're on lock down we just won't be going out.

It's not true to say that they don't help.

They do help, they just aren't 100% effective and the wearer needs to not forgo social distancing and regular, thorough hand washing just because they have a mask.

Also it's only surgical masks (less good but okay) and FFP3/N95 masks (better but pretty hardcore).

Cotton ones/dust masks won't make any difference as the virus is so small it will just pass right through.

Okay good points Mojo, will order them now. Would hate not to be able to go to the shops for an emergency dash.

www.standard.co.uk/news/london/coronavirus-london-summit-mp-victim-a4362206.html
Coronavirus hits Westminster as victim linked to super-spreader attended same London summit as MP and minister

Is anyone else relieved that it’s half term now? I’ve given my colleagues hand gel as we work in tourism and go in and out of places multiple times a day and the thought of the germs on the keysafes makes me feel sick.