Cholera
Posted by Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 133 comments
I will be going to India soon on a business trip. I will be in country for 8 days. Although no shots are required, several are recommended. Among these are typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera.
My research indicates that even tap water is a real danger. Warnings include avoiding ice in drinks and raw fruits and vegetables washed with tap water.
For me the lesson to learn is this: in a SHTF situation, water can kill me. I have stored water and filters but I need medicine to treat water borne diseases. The risk is real.
What are your thoughts and plans for this hazard. Avoidance is not guaranteed.
LowkeyAcolyte@reddit
I'm pretty sure lifestraws can make just about any water safe to drink? Not sure tbh as I'm not a medical expert!
sixshooter4570@reddit
Purchase a Grayl Water filter bottle.
TheLostExpedition@reddit
Water treatments I've used. Bleach tabs, Iodine tabs, uv light, micron filtration, sunlight, fire.
Currently I use a Berkey with carbon filters and it's worked for over two years without issues.
But I'm treating USA water not India water.
Halo22B@reddit
That's what happens when you have a million people shit in the only potable water supply.
Fragrant-Customer334@reddit
Lmao this is peddling misformation to the T. Reeks of racism.
Halo22B@reddit
So cholera doesn't come from drinking human shit contaminated water? Or is it more or less than a million people?.....where is the misinformation? Btw 10% of the population of Montreal in the early 1600s died of cholera and there were zero SW Asians present so Cholera can't be racist.....please enlighten us.
BleedMeAnOceanAB@reddit
have you seen the videos come out of india?? the place is filthy
Fragrant-Customer334@reddit
I have. Sensationalist ones especially. Algorithm often feeds negative videos and gullible viewiers eat it up.
ursoyjak@reddit
A million people is unfortunately an underestimation
pajamakitten@reddit
And it is much, much more than just shit. It is more than just human shit at the very least.
Background_Wear_1074@reddit
Cholera, typhoid, pathogenic e-coli, listeria and most other things you get from water and food that's been in contact with contaminated water are bacterial. The best rated camping water filters take out anything larger than 0.02 microns in size and are very effective against these bacteria in water. Some of these filters claim to also be effective against viruses but I'm less confident in their virus killing ability. Viruses are too small to remove by filtration and so they rely on exposing the viruses to silver in the filter. The only protection from all these organisms in food is if it's cooked to at least 160 F for 5 to 10 min. Best bet is take your own water bottle and a water filter and only eat in higher end restaurants.
redsouledheels@reddit
I had my doctor vaccinate me and send me with antibiotics when I went to Dominican republic. Thank goodness I did too because after a waterfall tour, I was the sickest I've ever been lol. The meds helped and made it possible to take my plane home two days later. Maybe you can get a prescription to bring with you?
Followyourtroves@reddit
Water Safety and Disease Preparedness Guide
1. Vaccinations and Preventive Measures
2. Water Safety During Travel
3. Medications for Waterborne Diseases
4. SHTF Scenario Preparedness
5. Additional Preparedness Measures
Remember: While proper preparation significantly reduces risks, no method is 100% foolproof. Always stay vigilant and seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of waterborne illness, such as severe diarrhea, fever, or abdominal pain.
apscep@reddit
It's safer to drink beer)) when I was in India I drank rum and gin with any food and didn't catch anything.
davidm2232@reddit
SHTF is not going to change the quality of a stable water supply. As long as you have a reliable well with clean water today and means to pump the water, it is not an issue.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
True but I assume most people prepping do not have a reliable well. For the average person SHTF could eliminate their sole source of water. Obtaining and treating water could be a life or death situation for most people impacted by SHTF. Granted this could be short term due to a storm or power outage but it could be permanent due to a complete meltdown.
davidm2232@reddit
I wouldn't consider anyone to be even a basic prepper without a well. That usually means they are in a big city where you can't even really prep anyway. As soon as you get outside the cities, pretty much everyone has their own well. At least in the US
drgrimzd@reddit
Say you’re unfamiliar with the concept of mineral rights without saying it. /s Not all of us are able legally to own a well outside of the city in the US.
feudalle@reddit
Never been myself. But I have plenty of friends that have. Deli belly is a real thing to expect. For healthy people it's usually a crappy day or two.
MeatTornadoLove@reddit
A few days of having the shits is standard for most of my international travel.
babyCuckquean@reddit
Try travelan next time!
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
After India I go to Scotland. I only expect hangovers from that trip.
cryssHappy@reddit
Single malt, kills all bugs, cures all ills.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I will test this theory when I go to Scotland in November. For India I may need to buy a bottle and drink in my room.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
This is my first international trip for work so I have been doing a lot of research. My shots and prep kit cost $1000 so being safe is not cheap.
feudalle@reddit
Your insurance didn't cover the vaccines?
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
The place I went does not take insurance. I was able to expense it so I expect a few reimbursement.
feudalle@reddit
Hmm. I get my vaccines just at my pcp. They can order anything normally.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I went to a facility that specializes in international travel. In addition to recommended shots by destination, they educate the travelers on risk, avoidance and treatment for area. For example we discussed risks from food, water, insects, and animals. It may not be the cheapest option but it was educational and I feel prepared for this trip.
For reference I travel a lot within the US but the only danger is over indulgence at the hotel bar.
babyCuckquean@reddit
Or getting shot. Much less likely to get shot in india.
Uncle-rico96@reddit
Emphasis on avoiding fresh fruits and Veggies. I went to Tanzania in 2018 and made the mistake of eating a fresh salad at a hotel. The hotel was very nice and thought I would be safe. I got really sick and was pooping constantly for 3 days until I finally went to a clinic for antibiotics.
ONLY EAT COOKED FOOD.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
The consultant I talked to warned about eating anything that is not served hot. I also would have assumed a salad at the hotel would be safe. In the US I typically have the fresh fruit for breakfast at the hotels. I will have to avoid it on this trip.
babyCuckquean@reddit
Just avoid fruit that can be rinsed, or rinse it yourself. At your hotel though you should be safe. Ask them about their food safety.
thepete404@reddit
Lifestraw. Little index cards to remind you. My wife opened her mouth in the shower. It didn’t turn out well. I did the same brushing my teeth. Just a swish and spit. Did t turn out well . Couple of days of Gatorade and bed rest did the trick. So yea tap water is quite sketch for foreigners .
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I plan on putting my shaving kit in the sink as a reminder not to use the water.
thepete404@reddit
Oh yeah, good luck becoming accustomed to getting your milk hot, like for breakfast and such. Tip the food handlers well. They do t want to see you fall ill if you’re tipping!
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I think I will avoid the milk.
thepete404@reddit
Noooo, that’s all part of the fun! You certainly don’t eat your cereal with water do you? /s
Luckily lays chips were 5¢ a bag when I was there in 2007.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I guess I could buy all the chips in stock and live on bourbon and potato chips.
babyCuckquean@reddit
Really? Youre going to the home of curry, and youre planning on junk food or starvation? How american. They do curry well. Im not sure id trust their pizza though.
Its really simple. Eat indian food from places recommended by your hotel, or at your hotel. Take travelan. Any fruit that you dont eat the skin or wash is fine, so watermelon, banana, papaya, mango etc all fine. Any others rinse yourself in bottled water. Take travelan. Dont waste a trip to india eating western junk food! The only exception in my mind is cans of soft drink, which you clean with bottled water before opening.
India has a LOT of great food, dont miss it. Just eat smart. Get recommendations from people who will care if you get sick. And im repeating myself on purpose, take Travelan. Seriously. E-Coli is the poop germ, if you can get some protection from that youre on a winner. Also some immune system support vitamins will help.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I usually have cereal once while on a trip. I think I can skip it this time.
thepete404@reddit
The dominos pizza was my go to while wifey was out working.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I think I can get pizza near where I will be. I think it could meet the requirements of fully cooked and served hot.
sorean_4@reddit
Avoid steak as well. Anything beef really, I think it’s obvious however I know at least two people who made that mistake.
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Terrible product unless you like carrying 100 filters.
thepete404@reddit
Slightly more terrible if you end up getting sick while in…. India.
Randomized007@reddit
This isn't abnormal, bottled water only for the third world. And nothing from a road side stand, cart or small restaurant. Your safest bet is (assuming you're getting a nice hotel) is drinking their bottled water only. I've seen some crazy videos of Indians repurposing collected empty bottles and reselling them with "soda" or "water"... good luck✌️
guntotingbiguy@reddit
Also to add, in my experience, they won't serve white people tap water or ice. I asked for ice because I injured myself and I had to convince them that I wasn't going to ingest it. Same for brushing teeth use bottled water, don't let the shower water get in your eyes, nose, mouth either.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I think the hotel will be 5 stars by their standard. I am told they target international business travelers so I expect them to be aligned with my position.
I am even considering bringing a little food for emergencies. I am thinking about a large jar of peanut butter since it will be filling, high calories and won’t take much room.
Lyralou@reddit
Their tap water will still be the same tap water as everyone else’s. The advice on drinking, washed food, and brushing your teeth still stands.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I won’t touch the tap water or ice. I will have to be smart about foods at hotel. I will look for options that are only served hot. A simple example of a burger has risks. The meat will be cooked but not the lettuce, onion or tomato. This would not qualify as being served hot.
less_butter@reddit
I know that's just an example, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get a burger with raw veggies in India.
I used to work for a big software firm in the US and I knew tons of people who had to travel to India regularly. They weren't anywhere near as paranoid as you and none of them talked about getting sick. And they'd regularly eat food from street vendors. Just following basic precautions like only drinking sealed bottled water is fine.
Also, there have been plenty of cases of people in the US getting seriously ill from raw veggies, including stuff like Hepatitis. And that's from restaurants not washing their veggies. Where do you think migrant farm workers go to the bathroom if one isn't provided in the field?
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
Wow that is nasty. Being paranoid does not always mean wrong. I’m older with other health issues so I will only eat at the hotel and drink bottled water. If that makes me paranoid then ok. It’s a little comical that I’m called paranoid for researching a potential concern on a “Preppers” thread. My lights are on but I still have a flashlight. I have more food than I will eat this week. I have over the counter meds even though I feel fine.
vba7@reddit
I would stick to your rules and dont listen to the guy above.
I have some friends who traveled to India - one is a big fan of travel (all continents, like 50 countries etc) and she does not want to go to india. Other friend as well - constant constant food poisoning. Also they said something about the smell.
I guess your option is junk food: coca cola in cans (disinfected with alcohol?), maybe some chocolate bars and similar stuff.
Although 8 days on junk food is difficult - so I guess "business" food in expensive restaurants - and exactly as you wrote: everything cooked. Including the veggies. You can take some vitamins before you leave.
On a side note, the story of my friend having constant shits sound hilarious (and when he didnt have the shits, his wife had), but he said that at some point he thought he would die from starvation, since he became "empty".
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
A coworker going on this trip is from their and even he has stressed the importance of being careful. The bottom line is as an American my body is not able to handle the low quality water they have. I will be talking to some people from the UK that just got home from the same location. I will see how they did. It should be a decent gauge of what to expect.
babyCuckquean@reddit
Take Travelan every day youre away. Its very effective. Dont be thinking its a shield of steel, its not, but it will help you to not get e-coli related illness and gird you against other tummy upsets causes too.
babyCuckquean@reddit
Take "Travelan" every day you are away. Its actives include bovine colostrum enriched with anti-E coli antibodies. I am prone to "bali belly", and took travelan while i was in Cambodia. Ate at various small restaurants including a floating one (small but recommended by my trusty host Sim Sao, that man never gave a bum steer. RIP) and i never got sick once. I dont do street food, and better advice than looking for burgers in india is to eat what they cook best. In india, eat curries because they know what theyre doing, and it will be fresh. Dont order an indian curry in italy. Order what they cook best, they know what theyre doing and it will be fresh.
There. Also yes, taking a tiny jar of your favourite spread is always a good idea, others countries nut butters are crud imo (im australian so vegemites in my suitcase). A tiny one. If your hotel is any good youll have buffet breakfast, take advantage of that and fill up on non fatty foods like fruit, scrambled eggs and muesli and grab your days worth of water bottles before you head out for the first part of the day. If you are not in airconditioning all day you might want to allow time to return to the hotel early afternoon for a rest and shower.
AdvisorLong9424@reddit
Check customs rules, I doubt you can bring in food. Maybe peanut butter is fine if it's unopened.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I have done a little research and it appears to allow some foods. I will take advantage of this allowance. Hopefully it will serve as unnecessary insurance but that’s better than a. 8 day forced fasting.
AdvisorLong9424@reddit
You should be fine in the hotel as far as food goes. Stick with bottled water, preferably take it from the hotel each day.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
My company will pay for a really nice hotel so I should be good. No street vendors for me.
YYCADM21@reddit
I've done humanitarian aid trips to countries where there is no such thing s potable water for westerners unless it's bottled and sealed, and even then, the caps need to be sterized with alcohol before you open them.
You need to be EXTREMELY careful. Don't touch anything that has been prepared in any way with local water. This can include baked goods like naan & chipatis. Eat in your hotel, and take bottled water with you From your hotel...NO exceptions.
Rhaj-no1992@reddit
There is a reason why armies used to drink low alcohol beer in the field. It was a lot safer than drinking water.
Water contains all sorts of pathogens and in cities and areas contaminated by industry there will be chemicals like mercury. You’ll need filters to remove dirt and pathogens and carbon filters to remove chemicals.
superspeck@reddit
Hard disagree on this and it’s been debunked repeatedly and in detail at /r/askhistorians - low alcohol beer doesn’t do much to stop waterborne pathogens.
Rhaj-no1992@reddit
Well you proved me wrong, thanks. So today I learned that was just a myth.
superspeck@reddit
I think the thing to remember is that safe fermentation includes understanding of germ theory and the ability to test for it or it includes overly safe canning and cooking practices. So kiss rare meat goodbye and prepare to boil things excessively or constantly.
mountainsformiles@reddit
I suggest you take some Pepto bismol chew tablets for minor stomach upset and diarrhea. I also suggest electrolyte drink powder packets. If you do get sick these will help you feel more comfortable until you can get more medicine.
Yes, only eat cooked food. Most likely if you get sick it won't be cholera. It will be Giarda or amoebic dysentery. You'll still be miserable, though. More serious illnesses are certainly possible. It sounds like you are well aware of what you need to do. So I'll just say good luck and I hope you will find things to enjoy while you are there!
AdditionalAd9794@reddit
Just drink bottled water and avoid the slums and you should be alright. Usually the cholera outbreaks are in the more impoverished areas in india
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I will be in Bangalore so I think it will be as good as it gets.
superspeck@reddit
Yeah, having been there, Benglaru is by far one of the most outlander-friendly places in India. Main advice is to travel with locals you trust.
olympiadinsider@reddit
Remember: a Medevac to Europe or Dubai will be infinitely better than riding out severe illness in india
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
That’s good advice. My thoughts have been on avoidance but I should consider recovery also. I will be going through Dubai. That would be a good place to get to if I get sick.
superspeck@reddit
Remember to validate that your travel insurance will cover such an evacuation.
SubstantialCoat9149@reddit
I will say when I went to India I was the only one in the group that did not get diarrhea… and that’s because all I ate was rice and French fries. Nothing with meat and nothing raw. Everyone else ate whatever they wanted and felt horrible coming home.
Qwawn72@reddit
Do not drink any water that isn't in a sealed bottle. Also watch for ice in a drink. Finally take at least a box of immodium. Speaking from experience.
Sh3rlock_Holmes@reddit
Had a friend go for a wedding. He never got allergies but on this trip his eyes were puffy and red the entire time. Maybe pack some stuff for allergies or allergic reactions as well. Look forward to hearing how it went.
Swmp1024@reddit
I Have been to India. I wouldn't recommend eating any fresh vegetables. Also, aside from water contamination their handling of meat is sketchy compared to western standards. I ate mostly vegetarian other than a few nice restaurants.
I went there in a business trip and everyone that ate salads or western style food at the hotel got terrible diarrhea. I kept ducking out to go eat street food... which was awesome. I didn't get sick and had a great time.
Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Also being some oral rehydration salts, zofran, and have your doctor write you for a course of azithromycin (preferred treatment of Travelers diarrhea in this region). The dosing is typically 1000mg over a day, as opposed to the typical "z-pack" regimen.
Also, if you want to make your own rehydration salts a liter of safe/boiled/bottled water, 1/2 tsp salt and 2 tablespoons (6 teaspoons) of sugar.
Also, if you are in a situation where you think you might be exposed to contaminated food, you can preventively take pepto-bismol which can decrease your chances of getting travelers diarrhea
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3820443/
Dakan-Bacon@reddit
So how would cholera and most diseases like it be cured in a major SHTF scenario? If at all?
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I think the lesson to learn is the importance of prevention which requires prior planning and awareness
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I don’t think it will cure anything but I was told to take along things like Imodium and pepto bismol encase I do get sick. For prevention I was given shots for typhoid and hepatitis A and something I drank for cholera. I will pick up a prescription for malaria.
NohPhD@reddit
Typhoid and cholera can be deadly because of severe dehydration caused by severe diarrhea.
The WHO publishes a simple recipe for an electrolyte replacement therapy (WHO formulation ERT) drink but you must get components before you need them. The drink replaces salts lost via fluid loss, so it keeps you from crashing out because of electrolytes.
I carry a half dozen sachets whenever I’m traveling out of area for my insurance. It’s lightweight, takes very little volume and literally can be a life saver if you get the shots.
There are folks who say electrolyte sports drinks are acceptable replacements. They are not. While better than nothing they are poor substitutes for actual ERT drinks.
Amazon sells actual ERT drink in little Mylar sachets. Add to a liter of water and you’re in business. It’s $39 for a box of 100, so IMO it’s an extremely good buy for a prepper.
Search Amazon for “TRIORAL Rehydration Electrolyte Powder - WHO Hydration Supplement Salts Formula”
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
Thanks. I will get some of this for my preps.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
For me the worst part is because of availability of flights I will be in country twice as long as needed.
shutterblink1@reddit
Take a couple of extra toothbrushes because you'll inevitably run one under the faucet. Toss it out. Hold your head down in the shower so no water gets on your lips. I learned the hard way.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
We buy 10 packs of toothbrushes so I was planning on taking a few extra.
shutterblink1@reddit
Yep. If you accidentally run it under the faucet toss it right then. Don't think this 1 time will be ok. Also, ask your doctor for prescription meds for diarrhea. My doctor gave me doxcycline and Phenergan. I was in Brazil last month and got pneumonia. I was by myself and just prayed Delta would let me on the plane. I ended up in the hospital when I got home. I take everything medicine I can think of when I travel even to Europe. You can't get over the counter cough meds there. I rarely get sick traveling but I have stuff just in case.
Capital_Sherbet_6507@reddit
You should be traveling with immodium and ciprofloflaxin and probably pepto bismol. If you don’t have cipro, see a doctor and tell the you’re going to India. They’ll write a script for you.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I have a kit with common over the counter belly meds. I will pick up some scripts before leaving.
Emergency_Button_910@reddit
Consider some activated charcoal
Capital_Sherbet_6507@reddit
Cipro is key. You’ll likely not get cholera, but if you did the cipro would take it out. You WILL likely get traveler’s diarrhea, which cipro knocks out in one dose.
Syenadi@reddit
Two thumbs up for Immodium. 'For when you absolutely positively need to stop stuff from coming out of there.'
Edhin_OShea@reddit
Take medicine to combat the symptoms if allowed.
Mechbear2000@reddit
In shift it will kill more people than bullets. Diarrhoea occurs worldwide and causes 4% of all deaths and 5% of health loss to various forms of disability or loss of function. It is most commonly caused by gastrointestinal infections which kill around 2.2 million people globally each year,
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
The threat is real. I think it was the leading cause of death on the Oregon trail. In the US we are conditioned to trust our water. If SHTF, all water will be a potential point of exposure. My previous preps focused on quantity. Now I will shift to reducing exposure and treating illness. Of course the more water I have stored, the longer I can go before drinking from that pond or mud puddle. Once I get down to that, I need a plan.
Edhin_OShea@reddit
😆 yes. We all died of cholera on the Oregon trail at some point, 😆
Edhin_OShea@reddit
Yes, it is real risk. I have a keen interest in medicine and diseases.
coccopuffs606@reddit
This is why if you boil your water before you use it; boiling kills most things that’ll kill you.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I agree. For this to work though you need a scenario that is accommodating. If on the move you may not always want a fire, either for time or security. If bugging in, a fire may draw undesirable attention also. It is the most effective solution but not always the most desirable. Again that is why we are all discussing this.
VA3FOJ@reddit
Im lucky enough to live in a part of the world where there are very few people and we have litteraly the most fresh water in the world.
In all honesty i dont realy know what the chance of contracting a water born illness in a wild unpoluted source is.
I've drank wild untreated water many many times, especialy if i run out of water on a canoe trip. But again, most of the lajks and rivers i visit pribably see less then 1000 humans in a year and have little to no development around them.
I do have a portable platapus water filtration system that i do use if i set up somewhere for a few days- i.e. backwoods camping. But for when im traveling or dont wanna set up the filter, i follow the old advice my grandpa gave me- slow moving warm water is sketchy, stagnent water is dangerous, fast flowing cold water is usualy pretty safe, a spring is the safest
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
That sounds like a good life. I have 1 year left in the city then I’m off to the mountains of KY.
cryssHappy@reddit
KY is nice, the mountains of W Montana and N Idaho are awesome
Syenadi@reddit
Cholera 101: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera
In a SHTF scenario, basic hygiene and sanitation are very high priorities for this and other reasons.
(One more arguement to prioritize access to water, ideally already potable or easily filtered water. Also, stock up on soap!)
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
This is why I started this discussion. While my situation is one off, the water concern could affect any of us.
27Believe@reddit
Sorry to hijack, what are thoughts on Vietnam travel?
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I would have the exact same concern with Vietnam.
Princessferfs@reddit
Having to travel to any 3rd world country for work is nightmare fuel for me. Thankfully the odds of me having to go is very slim in my current role.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
Most of my trips are to the West coast (US). While the left coast is not as desirable as it was 40 years ago, I can at least get bourbon on the rocks.
SINGCELL@reddit
Grayl Geopress might be a good purchase. It's rated for everything from protozoa to viruses.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I have some in a “kit” for this trip. I think I need some for my emergency preps. That is part of my new plan.
SINGCELL@reddit
Reasonable. If you haven't looked into Grayl I'd say its work considering - for a low profile setup or compact go-bag it's probably one of the more efficient options. Just my two cents.
As for stationary water purification, reverse osmosis is really quite solid but requires power. Again, maybe worth looking into.
Syenadi@reddit
RO requires some minimum pressure (usually around 40psi for household models I think). Getting that pressure may require power, or if you're lucky, stored water at a higher elevation than your filtration point. Gravity is apathetic about SHTF scenarios ;-)
SINGCELL@reddit
Ah good point, i hadn't considered that. 🧠
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I like RO as a means to purify water also but you are right, power could become an issue. It’s good while water and electricity last.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
Sorry I misunderstood on the Grayl Geporess. I thought it was something else. I may try to get one before my trip. My current plan is to avoid drinking anything that does not come in a sealed container.
OnTheEdgeOfFreedom@reddit
You stock treated water; you sunlight-treat and then boil what comes out of a tap, and you use filters first for anything from rainwater to lakes. In a disaster, if you do all that, you should be ok. Avoidance is absolutely possible if you've prepped correctly and don't slip up. That, of course, is where it gets hard.
Medication for cholera is generally not required if you can replace lost fluids and minerals fast enough. There are other diseases where medication is required; the problem is, if memory serves, most of them have short shelf lives. Your five year old bottle of amoxicillin is not going to cut it. And you're very likely to misdiagnose and use the wrong med to begin with; it takes a lab to know which parasite, bacteria or virus you hosted. Drugs that treat one can actually make others worse.
I say it often - water is the most important prep. If you're in a place where water could be a problem for six months, store six months of treated water. It's a whole lot of work and expense but all the alternatives are distant seconds. If you get cholera in a disaster, then meds or not, you are completely incapacitated until the condition clears. That's just another way to die.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
For normal scenarios I see the need for separate solutions for bug in vs bug out. Large volumes of water are not easily portable. The important thing is to understand the risk and plan for both scenarios.
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Polar pure. Iodine based water treatment. You can literally re use that bottle for a crap ton of gallons. You re fil it from your cleaned water. Let it sit for a while. Pow. New water treatment solution.
Also chloroflock. But need a container, preferably a bag. Also removes dirt. But kind of a pop one and then it is gone.
Boiling. But time and energy intensive.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I will have to look into these options for home.
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Yeah, mobile overseas eating in a city. Crap option.
Camping. Backpacking. Yes. Yes and yes.
Bad water at home? Also triple yes.
Amd remember kids. Never squat near the streams. Might need a drink later on.
SicTim@reddit
Boiling your water (bring to full boil for at least one minute) prevents all three.
Maybe not helpful in a hotel room or on vacation, but helpful if you don't have other options.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I agree but N/A for a hotel stay. I am wondering about microwaving foods before eating. Not to cool but nuke enough to kill bacteria
Ok-Scar7729@reddit
Grayl
Own-Marionberry-7578@reddit
Similar to traveling in Mexico. I never drank water or iced drinks anywhere, except with straight alcohol over 40% abv.
A good thing to store is plenty of carbon block filters, which everybody knows. I also keep a uv lamp that's made for aquariums and doesn't take too much power. 10-15 minutes inside a container should kill anything alive. It's also a good idea to store pool shock in powder or tablet form. You can make your own bleach for sanitation, but you can also treat larger containers of water. You'll have to be careful about mixing it in the right amounts and of course, letting it evaporate before it's consumed. There are formulas available online for doing this, but I don't have them ready at hand.
fatcatleah@reddit
I went to Bangalore for a wedding back in January 2019. Stayed at the Marriott. It was easy peasy to only drink the bottled water there. Spent 8 days there and then moved on to Dubai. Bottled water there too. Never got any shots though. You'll be fine.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
That is encouraging. I will likely stay at The Zuri in Bangalore Whitefield. If I can’t confirm the reservation tomorrow then I will stay at one of the Hiltons. The Zuri is near my meetings but I typically stay at Hilton or Marriott in US since I get points for those stays. A coworker from India has recommended the Zuri and he knows what I typically get. It should be fine.
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
Have multiple water filters.
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
I have filters for home use and straws in all our BOBs. I’m thinking I need a bigger system for bugging in that can support daily need for a family.
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
Depending on your location, something like the HydroBlu versa flo kit would work where you can use 5 gallon buckets to make a bulk gravity filter.
I'm the US they can track viruses and cysts in the water systems.
Eredani@reddit
Similar water safety concerns when I was in Korea and the Philippines. The answer was always bottled water.
TonyBlairsDildo@reddit
Take a boat load of probiotics in the week or two every day before you leave for India, and continue while you're there.
Eredani@reddit
My sense is that in the event of a long-term grid down or collapse scenario, more people will die from dysentery and cholera than starvation and certainly gunshot wounds.
Water storage is fine, but like any stockpile, it will eventually run out. A local water source and the means to treat it are essential.
In my area, there is a shitty creek full of the worst city runoff you can think of. The plan is to collect water in 5-gallon jugs through basic layers of cloth. The water is then pre-filtered through a bucket system of gravel, sand, activated charcoal, and one micron filter materia.l This will remove some of the particulates and chemicals. Next, the water is boiled to kill biological contaminants. Finally, the water can be run through a commercial countertop gravity filter.
Rain catchment using tarps and buckets is also an option but should be treated the same way. Especially rain collected from a rooftop with composition (asphalt) shingles.
I have Berkey, Waterdrop, and ZeroWater systems, all new with spare filters. Note that many of these filters are designed to be primed using pressurized water from a faucet, so understand alternative methods. In any case, these systems are intended to treat tap water. You do not want to run muddy swamp water through them. It will drastically shorten the life of the filter.
Regarding boiling, I suggest a robust solar generator and an efficient induction cooktop. Have propane, butane, and wood alternatives as well.
Final note: You can do everything right, but the people around you will get sick and spread disease to everyone. Same goes for most sanitation issues, like human waste management. Your options are either train them or isolate from them. Your call.
filletmignone@reddit
Ive been to India and havent gotten sick. Ive travelled a lot and spent long periods of time in developping countries so I think my belly is bullet proof by now.
Just make sure you wash your face and brush your teeth with bottled water. If you have an open wound be careful when you shower. Apart from that, just basic common sense eating out and drinking out, dont get too obsessed, itll ruin your trip and it wont keep you any safer, your inmune system needs to be relaxed!
Also if youre going to crowded places, mask ofc. And hand sanitizer.
Please dont spend any more money, its just an illusion of safety at this point.
Have an amazing trip!
Foreign_Analyst_5659@reddit (OP)
Thanks. Luckily I can expensive everything so far. I plan on only eating at the hotel and drinking from sealed bottles so I really think I will be ok.
More than anything, it has opened my eyes to holes in my preps for SHTF plans. I am more concerned about dealing with long term water needs. This trip will help me think it through and practice dealing with it.