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| Trust in God and be prepared. |
The thesis I want to defend here is that people should have stored and ready three things, penicillin, ampicillin and oxy-tetracycline at least. [This last one comes in pills. or liquid at the vet. The vet's stuff is probably better.]
For external things boric acid and clotarimazol are best. That is, they are good in case of external bacteria or fungus and work best together. For a wound Iodine is best because because Iodine not just stays there but also goes deep into the tissue and gets rid of bacteria that medicine that is not absorbed can not reach.
Boric acid is good in case there is some bacteria in the ear. But the ear in such a case should be rinsed anyway with clean running water.
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Typically, bacteria are classified either "Gram-positive" or "Gram-negative" due to their structure and staining characteristics, which reflect their susceptibility to certain antibiotics. The Penicillin family of antibiotics has been effective against Gram-positive infections. Alternatively, the Tetracyclines have been used successfully to combat Gram-negative agents. These will be discussed in more detail later.
Near the beginning of a widespread biological attack, it may be extremely difficult to determine precisely the causative agent, and thereby select the proper antibiotic. This is due to: 1) the latency, or slow growth period of the germ within exposed individuals, and 2) biological weapons specialists often mix microbes to be used in such a manner as to confuse diagnosis and delay effective treatment.
For instance, a consensus of authorities predicts inhalation anthrax is among the likeliest biological weapons to be used by terrorists. This is due to its relative ease of manufacture, durability of spores, and difficulty of delayed treatment. Anthrax is a Gram-positive rod-shaped Bacillus. To be more effective in killing large populations, authorities suggest that Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pasteurella tularensis, may accompany such attacks. This germ is likewise rod-shaped to confuse accurate diagnosis and delay time-critical treatment.
For the above reasons a "combination therapy" may be indicated and most useful in saving lives following a biological weapons attack.
Weights and Measurements
Safe and effective antibiotic dosages depend on accurate weights and measurements. For this reason, the following recommendations and basic knowledge is provided for lay civilians under emergency situations:
To accurately weigh antibiotics in an emergency, use the chart below. Begin by placing a ceramic cup on a postal scale. Weigh it. Next, add the powder you wish to weigh to the desired amount. For instance, if the cup alone weighs four ounces, and you require one ounce of powdered antibiotic (where, according to the chart, one ounce equals approximately thirty (30) grams, that is, thirty 1,000 milligram [mg.] doses), set (or tip) the scale at five ounces with the desired antibiotic.
The same method may be used for measuring liquid doses. However, one ounce of liquid antibiotic may weigh less than once ounce on a scale. For this reason it is wise to use a graduated measuring containing, if possible, for measuring liquids.
Weights, Measures and Conversions
Solid Weights and Measures
1 ounce (oz.) of solid = nearly 30 grams (Gm.)
1 pound (lb.) = 454 grams (Gm.)
1 kilogram (kg.) = 2.2 pounds (lb.)
1 gram (Gm.) = 1,000 milligrams (mg.)
1 grain (gr.) = 64.8 mg.
Liquid Weights and Measures
1 ounce (oz.) of liquid = nearly 30 milliliters (ml.)
1 pint = 473 ml. (sometimes rounded up to 480 ml.)
1 teaspoon (tsp.) = 5 ml.
1 tablespoon = 15 ml. (that is, half [.5] an ounce)
1 milliliter (common droppers held upright) = approximately 20 drops of liquid
Antibiotic Conversions
400,000 units of penicillin = 250 milligrams (mg.)
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Antibiotic Usage and Duration of Treatment
Under normal circumstances, antibiotics are intended to be used for approximately one to two weeks. This duration is prescribed in order to kill more slowly growing germs, such as those initially in spore forms that require incubation for disease expression.
Emergency situations may require less careful treatment durations. This is particularly true if antibiotic shortages occur as expected following a biological weapons attack. In this case, rationing may be necessary and helpful in saving more lives. The shortest duration of antibiotic coverage recommended following a biological attack is from the onset of symptoms to at least 72 hours after the person's symptoms completely disappear.
Ideally, antibiotic prophylaxis (for prevention of disease) should begin as soon as a biological weapons attack is confirmed for individuals at risk of exposure. In other words, it is best to leave risky environments in advance of possible exposures. Certainly, urban populations are at greatest risk for biological and chemical weapons attacks.
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Common Allergic Reactions to Antibiotics
Again, under normal circumstances, individuals who are hypersensitive, or allergic, to antibiotics should avoid taking them. However, following a biological weapons attack, it may warrant the risk of allergic reaction, particularly if antihistamines (such as Benadryl) are available, rather than contracting the infectious disease which is often more life-threatening. In this case, individuals who develop symptoms of allergy, including skin rashes, should ideally be under the care of a physician or hospital staff. Careful monitoring of even seemingly benign skin rashes is advised because of more urgent conditions that may result from simple allergic reactions.
Individuals with known allergies to specific antibiotics should, obviously, try to avoid taking these antibiotics. Alternative antibiotics, in this case, should be sought and used. For example, people allergic to penicillin may be able to effectively substitute erythromycin.
As detailed below, there are several types of penicillin, all of which may cause severe allergies and fatal reactions. Penicillin G and penicillin V have been known to cause more severe reactions than ampicillin. Similarly, penicillin injections have been known to cause more severe reactions than similar doses taken orally.
Approximately ten percent of people allergic to penicillin are also allergic to the cephalosporin antibiotics. The good news is that the incidence of deadly reactions to the entire class of cephalosporin antibiotics is very low.
In some liquid penicillins, manufacturers mix the anesthetic procaine (i.e., Novocain) into their formulas. Therefore, persons allergic to this commonly used dental anesthetic should avoid taking liquid penicillin suspensions.
The antibiotics suggested below for use in case of bioterrorism or biowarfare do not contain sulfur or "sulfa" drugs to which many people are allergic.
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Preventive Foresight Regarding Pharmaceutical Supplies
The likeliest source of breaking news concerning a biological or chemical attack, launched by terrorists or other foes, is the mainstream media. By the time you hear such reports, it is likely that hospital emergency rooms, and doctor's offices, will be full of ailing victims. It typically takes a day or longer for symptoms of infectious diseases to manifest. The first signs and symptoms of a covert attack include inexplicable headaches and flu-like symptoms.
Such is the case with anthrax. The first indication of an anthrax attack, providing the strain had not been modified, is cattle becoming sick and dying. This can happen in a matter of hours. Moreover, this is an indication to begin antibiotic prophylaxis.
Under such trying circumstances, you can expect there to be tremendous demand for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals in the wake of a terrorist attack. It is, therefore, highly advisable to consider beforehand what medical supplies might be essential for your survival and the protection of your loved ones.
Obviously, people on a regimen of prescription drugs should stock, perhaps, a three months supply in a cool, dark, and dry closet or basement.
Antibiotics can be purchased in bulk from pharmacists or livestock and veterinarian supply stores.
In case you need to leave your home or workplace in an emergency, try to plan, in advance, transporting your antibiotics and other medicinal requirements with you. Maintain access to standard emergency kits, particularly during times of possible trouble. Keeping one in your car is a good idea, providing the car doesn't overheat.
Given these constraints, diabetics, on the move in an emergency, should try to keep their insulin at room temperature until they are resettled. Above 80 degrees and while freezing insulin will begin to degrade.
In general, when traveling or storing antibiotics and medications in your car, be aware of extreme temperatures. Extreme heat and cold often inactivates, like insulin, many medicines.
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A Simplified Guide to Antibiotics and Their Uses
Penicillins
The original penicillin-G (Pen G), along with more the common penicillin-V (Pen V), are used to fight gram-positive bacteria, such as anthrax (gram-positive). [Remember: "p" penicillin and "p" for positive.] Pentids, the brand name for penicillin-G, come in 400 and 800 mg pills. Brand names for penicillin-V include V-Cillin-K and Pen Vee K. The basic Pen G may be purchased from farm and veterinary stores for far less expense than through pharmacies, though make sure you only buy the refrigerated brand. The active ingredients in the un-refrigerated variety are far lower and potentially inadequate.
Pen G must be taken on an empty stomach. This is not as critical for Pen V. A dose of 250 mg (i.e., 400,000 units --that is a medium sized capsule.), for people weighing 50 pounds or more, is taken four times daily. A rule of thumb for children weighing less than 50 pounds, the dosage should be reduced by 20% for every 10 pounds of less body weight. [250 mg is the usual amount of one medium capsule.]
These penicillins are more likely to cause allergic reactions, and fatalities, than synthetic penicillins such as ampicillin. Some of the allergic reactions are caused by procaine (Novocain) that is added in some Pen G formulas.
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Ampicillin
Brand names of this synthetic penicillin include Principen, Omnipen, Polycillin and Totacillin. These are also effective against gram-positive microbes such as anthrax (gram-positive).
Dosages of ampicillin are the same prescribed for penicillin. This antibiotic should be taken, ideally, on an empty stomach.
Strains of anthrax (gram-positive) that resist penicillin may be more susceptible to destruction by ampicillin. Also, ampicillin may be more helpful than penicillin for killing a broader spectrum of infections. [I think there are things that penicillin works for that ampicillin does not. That is why I say to have both available.]
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Cephalosporins
These are also effective against anthrax (negative). One gram of Cephalexin taken every six hours is recommended. Brand names for this are Keflex, Keflet and Keftab. One gram of the related Cefadroxil, brand named Duricef, should be taken every twelve hours.
Most people are not happy with this. It is only for extreme circumstances.
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Erythromycin (Macrolide family of antibiotics)
Erythromycin and its relatives provide a broader spectrum of coverage than penicillins. Brand names of Erythromycin Pediamycin, Erythrocin, Eryc, EES, Ery-Tab, PCE, Ilosone, and E-Mycin. Other related antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) and azithromycin (Z-pak or Zithromax) may also be effective. A liquid form of erythromycin, called Gallimycin, is available for injection. The oral dose of this injectable product is the same.
Taken on an empty stomach, this may be used to treat more difficult cases of anthrax (gram-positive). If upset stomach occurs, it should be consumed with a bit of food. Avoid eating citrus fruits or products, which deactivate these antibiotics during digestion. Note: Fatal heart attacks may result from taking these antibiotics in combination with Seldane (terfenadine), Hismanal, or Seldane-D.
For individuals weighing 150 pounds or more, a 500 mg dose is recommended. People weighing less should reduce their dosage proportionately.
I should mention most people hate this stuff and think it does not work. But sometimes when nothing else works, it is a good last resort. For some reason it is the the Army Survival book that I have a link to here. Some people call it poison.
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Aminoglycosides
These antibiotics that are effective against anthrax (gram-positive), tularemia (gram- negative), and the Bubonic plague (gram negative), include: Streptomycin, Gentamycin, and Neomycin. They can all be extremely toxic. Primary organs at risk for destruction by the aminoglycosides include the kidneys and inner ears.
Each of the aminoglycosides must be injected, and cannot be taken orally. The oral dosage forms of these antibiotics are effective only against gastrointestinal (GI) tract infections of the stomach and intestines.
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Gentamycin (Garacin) powder can be purchased in bulk. It cannot be absorbed when taken orally, but it can be effective against certain biologicals striking the GI tract such as botulism.
Again this is a last resort type of thing.
Gentamycin, is effective against tularemia (gram-negative) and the plague (gram negative). [I.e., it is for gram negative.] It should be injected intramuscularly or intravenously every eight hours in emergency measures of 1.7 mg per kilogram body weight. As soon as symptoms of disease disappear, the dose should be reduced to 1.0 mg per kilogram of body weight for the remaining 7-10 day period.
This antibiotic is available in bulk through veterinary stores. It is likely that this less expensive product may be successfully used orally to defend against the plague or tularemia germs infecting the gut.
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Streptomycin, taken two to four times daily, in one to four gram doses, equally spaced throughout the day. It can be used in combination with tetracycline until the person's fever breaks. Then the tetracycline can be continued alone. Otherwise, streptomycin should be used consistently for a week to ten days. The preferred treatment of plague is streptomycin administered as soon as possible.Alternatives include gentamicin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
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Neomycin, when given in doses of 500 mg, four times daily, may be helpful against anthrax (gram-positive), plague(gram negative), and tularemia (negative), though it has not been traditionally prescribed for these. Use this only if the other aminoglycoside antibiotics are unavailable.
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Fluoroquinolones
In daily doses of 300mg per kg. of body weight (i.e., 65 mg. per pound), Ciproflavoxin (Cipro) is effective against tularemia (gram-negative) and anthrax (gram-positive). The daily dose should be divided into four doses taken every six hours for two weeks. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, this extremely expensive drug has been in high demand as the FDA's antibiotic of choice against anthrax.
People seem happy with this stuff as a rule.
[Some people think it is for political reasons that the FDA recommends it. But it could be simply because it works.]
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Chloramphenicol
Effective against anthrax (gram-positive), tularemia (negative) and plague(gram negative), Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) has a relatively high rate of lethal side effects. Thus, persons allergic to safer antibiotics should only use it, or in the event other medications are unavailable. More expensive than other antibiotics, this injectable product can also be consumed orally and absorbed effectively into the bloodstream. Ideally, taken on an empty stomach, it may be consumed with food to reduce stomach upsets.
Chloramphenicol has the same spectrum of activity as erythromycin. Thus, it should never be given with erythromycin unless under emergency conditions at the first sign of biowarfare-induced illness. It may, however, be taken with Tetracycline for a broader spectrum of effectiveness. This combination may be wise if it is unclear which biological weapon is causing illness, and if rationing is not in effect.
The injectable form of chloramphenicol tastes awful! For people weighing 200 pounds or more, 2,500 mg doses recommended.
It is for emergencies only. And there are side effects and many eye conditions it can hurt.
Only use in case of the above mentioned situation.
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Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines (brand named Sumycin and Achromycin-V) are broad-spectrum antibiotics available from farm supply shops and veterinary stores in the form of oxytetracycline. These can be used effectively against all most strains of anthrax (gram-positive), plague, and tularemia (gram-negative).
[In Russia and Ukraine these are known by their actual names- not brand names.] [They also have it in cream form for local infections.]
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Oxytetracycline comes in bulk powder form under the brand name Terramycin-343. It also comes in combination with livestock feed (Advance Calf Medic). This could be used in a pinch if other antibiotics were unavailable. There are 3 grams of active antibiotic in each pound of feed. A low dose could be provided by consuming almost 1.5 ounces; a high dose twice that could be measured and eaten.
Two newer classes of tetracycline are Doxycycline and Minocycline . Brand names for these tetracyclines include the Doxycyclines-Vibramycin, Vibra-tabs, Monodox and Doryx; and the Minocyclines called Minocin.
Tetracycline is typically taken four times a day, doxycyclines once per day or twice per day when taken with Minocycline. The two newer cyclines can be taken with food, not the older tetracycline. They, thus, tend to cause fewer stomach upsets. Doxycycline is typically less costly than traditional tetracycline, and Doxycycline and Minocycline provide a broader spectrum of antibiotic effectiveness than the old standard. Stains of biological weapons the may have been manufactured to resist tetracycline might be more susceptible to the newer cyclones.
As a rule of thumb, four 250 mg doses of tetracycline are prescribed daily, that is, one dose every six hours for your typical 100-pound person. For persons weighing less than 100 pound, reduce this dose accordingly. For instance, if a 100-pound person receives 1,000 mg per day, then a 50-pound person would receive 500 mg per day, or four 125 mg doses q. 6 hours. The Doxycycline dosage is typically 200 mg the first day, and 100mg doses following for up to ten days. The oxytetracycline (Terramycin) dose is the same as standard tetracycline. Another alternative tetracycline, called demeclocycline (Declomycin), may be substituted for standard tetracycline employing the same dose schedule as well.
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Preserving and Administering Your Antibiotics
Most antibiotics and drugs can be preserved by refrigeration, so long as they are kept dry. If traveling through extreme temperatures, antibiotics should be encased in Styrofoam containers, at best, and efforts should be made to avoid heat or freezing cold.
Warning: No drug should be consumed beyond its expiration date, especially Tetracycline antibiotics. Severe reactions may result from this expired antibiotic. However, when faced with a life-or-death situation, as might be presented with biological warfare or bioterrorism, such chances might have to be taken.
Antibiotics are typically administered orally or by injection. However, if the patient is comatose, the oral route may be circumvented rectally by using a plastic oral syringe available in most drugstores. This should be inserted as deeply into the rectum as possible. Use of a few drops of water, then larger amounts of cocoa butter, for dissolving the antibiotic. Cocoa butter is available in most drugstores in sticks that are melted in a jar placed in hot water. The butter is commonly used for suppositories and will hold the antibiotic for absorption better than water. Water may run out of the rectum and thereby precious antibiotic may be lost. So if water is all you have, use as little as possible to dissolve and inject the measured amount of powdered antibiotic.
Antibiotic tablets can be crushed and powdered by placing them between two napkins on a hard surface and pounding them with another flat hard object or instrument.
The absorption of active antibiotic is less, given the rectal route of administration. For this reason, the dosages should be increased to compensate.
Biological Weapons
The following chart presents the biological weapons most likely to be used during a terrorist attack, and details concerning its diagnosis and treatment:Agent Gram Staining First Symptoms and Treatment
Anthrax positive Headache, fever, coughing, confusion, rash, joint and
joint and muscle pain. Tx: Tetracyclines, Pen G, ampicillin and erythromycin.
(Treatment for anthrax infection and other bacterial infections includes large doses of intravenous and oral antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin), doxycycline,erythromycin, vancomycin, or penicillin.]
Botulism [gram-positive] Weakness, blurred vision, difficulty in speaking and swallowing, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, spreaking weakness, Tx: Horse antitoxin.
The Heptavalent Botulism AntiToxin — HBAT, made by Cangene Corporation
The Iraqi government admitted in 1995 that it had loaded 11,200 liters of botulinum toxin into SCUD missiles during the Gulf War. Luckily, these special missiles were never used.
Adults with botulism are treated with an antitoxin.
Antibiotics are not effective.. Botulinum toxin is one of the most powerful known toxins: about one microgram is lethal to humans when inhaled.
I do not know what they call Horse Anti Toxin in the Ukraine or Russia. Maybe "HBAT" Or "Kon anti toxin" I would guess. You have to walk into a pharmacy and try different things until you stumble across the way they recognize it. Mostly Russians and Ukrainians recognize things by their actual names and not the brand names
Bubonic plague negative Fever, headache, abdominal distress, inability to sit or stand, swollen glands particularly in the groin, Tx: Hydration and Tetracycline [The preferred treatment of plague is streptomycin .Alternatives include gentamicin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.]
Cholera (gram negative) Watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, Tx: Hydration and Tetracycline. [I might have had this in the Ukraine. I went to the local hospital, and the doctor forced me to drink something like about ten or more glasses of water, and sat there to make sure I did.]
Dengue fever parasite Intense aching in head, muscles and joints, and fever. Second bout is accompanied by a destructive rash . Tx: none but symptom management.
Ebola virus headache, fever, malaise, cough, rash, and bleeding out. Tx: palliative
Enterotoxin B positive Staphylococcus causes headache, nausea, fever and weakness Tx:
Tetracycline, Doxycycline or broad spectrum antibiotics.
Encephalitis virus Fever and headache, meningeal irritation, swollen parotid glands like mumps, skin rash with some, seizures, brain dysfunction. Tx: palliative
Smallpox variola virus [not gram positive nor negative] Severe headache, high fever, skin rashes with vesicular and pustular stages of lesions. Death by secondary infections. Tx: palliative.
[ A side note: The first clear reference to smallpox inoculation was made by the Chinese author Wan Quan (1499–1582) in his Douzhen xinfa (痘疹心法) published in 1549. Inoculation for smallpox does not appear to have been widespread in China until the reign era of the Longqing Emperor (r. 1567–1572) during the Ming Dynasty. In China, powdered smallpox scabs were blown up the noses of the healthy. The patients would then develop a mild case of the disease and from then on were immune to it.]
Tularemia (rabbit fever--can come from tick or handling animals that are effected) gram-negative Fever, malaise, headache, liver swelling, ulcerating skin lesions, possible lung involvement with coughing. Tx: Streptomycin, Tetracycline and chloramphenicol.
Chemical Weapons
The following chart presents the chemical weapons most likely to be used during a terrorist attack, and details concerning diagnosis and self aid:Agent Type Smell Symptoms and Self Aid
Tubun 'GA' Nerve Fruity Tightness in chest. Difficulty breathing. Runny nose. Eyepain and blurred vision. Nausea, seating, salivation, elevated pulse, heartburn, vomiting, giddiness, muscle spasms, involuntary urination, paralysis and respiratory arrest. Tx: Wash off immediately and completely. Inject 2 mg atropine into thigh, followed by 4 gm. Shot of parlidoxine mesylate (oxime). If symptoms persist, give atropine again-two more 2 mg doses at 15 minute intervals. Apply emergency first aid, including CPR for artificial respiration for approximately 2 hours if breathing stops. Atropine can cause serious side effects and must not be used unless there is certainty that nerve gas has caused the poisoning.
Sarin 'GB' Nerve Little Same as above.
Soman 'GD' Nerve Camphor Same as above.
VX Nerve Unknown Same as above.
Mustard Blister Garlic Eye and skin irritant causes blistering of skin and lung damage. High risk of developing pneumonia. Symptoms delayed for up to 48 hours. Can be fatal. Tx: Wash off contamination immediately and completely with water. Later washes will cause worse pain. Use mydriatics, antibiotics, and local anesthetics to reduce pain. Treat blisters palliatively as burns. Bed rest.
Phosgene Choking ? Lung damage. Causes victim to drown in own mucous. Tx: Same as above.
"CN" Incapacitating Blossom Eye and skin irritant. Tearing with breathing difficulty. Nausea and headache common. Tx: Codeine for cough and plenty of warmth, oxygen and bed rest.
"CS" Incapacitating Pepper Severe eye irritant. Causes coughing, tearing, flu-like symptoms, nausea, and breathing problems. Tx: Wash eyes thoroughly with warm soap and water. Breath lots of fresh air. Bed rest.
"BZ" Incapacitating ? Skin flushes. Heart pounds irregularly with hastened pulse. Hallucination, giddiness and maniacal behavior. Tx: Restrain victim. Quiet bedrest.
Clean Water and Adequate Hydration
Having a pure water source following a biological or chemical weapons attack is critical for two main reasons: 1) Victims frequently become dehydrated, and 2) Purified, or distilled, water is needed for detoxification of blood, liver, and kidneys. Following a biological or even chemical weapons attack, water supplies may be contaminated. Water distillers may be purchased, but most require electric power to run.
Healthy Food Intake and Supplies
Consider what could happen to food supplies in the wake of an anthrax attact. Cattle herds would likely need to be slaughtered causing a run on remaining beef and dairy supplies. Prices for these commodities would skyrocket. Contaminated grains might also need to be burned to prevent further spreading of the anthrax spores during harvesting and transport. Prices would likely rise here as well. There may be greatly increased demand for flour, grains, dried cereal, and probably other baking supplies as well. This is why many people have begun to stockpile some of these resources as well.
