When we think about Typhoid, Cholera and Dysentery visions of the old west come to mind, but in a situation that causes a societal breakdown these diseases could rear their ugly head again.

These are the bigger diseases that could become prevalent in a post collapse society, but even getting the common cold could put a damper on your plans.

In the next couple of weeks Lisa and I will go over some of the sicknesses and diseases to look out for in a SHTF situation, and possible ways to cure them, including natural remedies.

SPP139 Post Collapse Sanitation, Diseases and Antibiotics

This week we talked about some of the major disease’s, how to cure them, some of the antibiotics that are needed and how to prevent them with proper sanitation.

I will also list which fish antibiotics are good alternatives to the human antibiotic. I also wrote a post that goes into detail about fish antibiotics here.

IMPORTANT: Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics can have adverse affects if improperly used. Lisa wrote an article a while back about the dangers and precautions of using antibiotics here. 

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Symptoms include; headaches, nausea and loss of appetite, and is a bacterial infection which gradually brings on a high fever.

Diarrhea and vomiting are not common with Typhoid, however weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, and headaches also commonly occur with the fever. Without treatment, symptoms may last weeks or months.

Treatment includes antibiotics, which is typically Ciprofloxacin. The fish antibiotic alternative is Fish Flox.

Cholera

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if left untreated. Cholera is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholera. The disease is most common in places with poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine.

Cholera was prevalent in the U.S. in the 1800s, before modern water and sewage treatment systems eliminated its spread by contaminated water. Rehydration is the first priority in the treatment of cholera.

Single-dose therapy with Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Furazolidone, or Ciprofloxacin has been shown effective in reducing the duration and volume of diarrhea. Fish Flox (Cipro) is the only alternative antibiotic.

Dysentery

Dysentery is a type of gastroenteritis; an inflammation of the intestines causing diarrhea with blood, and is caused by a number of types of infection such as bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, or protozoa.

Treatment includes antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin.