The Aftermath of a Hurricane

November 1st, 2012

Hurricane Sandy might have passed, but the devastation has only just begun.  In my practice, I have already seen some potential health problems caused by the storm.  Here are some points for staying safe.

• Don’t eat anything in the fridge that could remotely be spoiled.  Even if you put ice in the refrigerator and it is still solid, without air circulation your food may still be at a temperature that can hasten bacterial growth.  Getting diarrhea can be devastating and likely require hospitalization if dehydration occurs.
• Drink only bottled or boiled water, even if the health officials say it is safe in your area.  The main source of water may be fine, but you can’t be sure that the individual supply to your building has not been contaminated.  It’s better to err on the safer side than to contract diarrhea.
• Be wary of restaurants in your neighborhood that have reopened in areas that could have lost power.  Can you trust that their food was refrigerated properly or that they have clean running water to wash their hands before preparing your food?  Again, it is better to be hungry than to eat contaminated food, even if it’s cheap and convenient.
• If you do develop diarrhea, you need to hydrate with an electrolye-containing fluid.  Water is not enough, as you lose significant amounts of sodium, chloride, and potassium each time you have watery stools.  A sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade is ideal, but coconut water also works.  If you do not have these, you can add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of water.
• Don’t step into water that may contain raw sewage.  Contaminated water is a breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli and tetanus.  Any small cuts or openings in the skin can get infected very quickly.
• Take care of your wounds, be sure your cuts and scrapes are properly cleaned and apply antibiotic ointment (bacitracin or Neosporin) to the areas.
• Get your flu and tetanus shots.  If you have not gotten these vaccines, get them now.  With the stress of the storm, our immune systems weaken and are vulnerable to diseases.  In addition, with large groups of people gathering in shelters and sharing bathrooms, any viruses or bacteria can spread very quickly.  As the weather is also getting colder, viruses are going to affect entire communities, especially those without electricity.  Again, if you have been in contact with water that could be contaminated with sewage, a tetanus shot is a must!
• If you are on medications for chronic diseases, you may find it difficult to get refills from pharmacies.  Some pharmacies are unable to process payments through insurance companies and are requiring people to pay cash for prescriptions upfront.  Consider getting a week’s supply even if you have enough right now.  There may be shortages of medications in the coming weeks and you don’t want to run out.
• Be careful of candles in the home.  Have fire extinguishers available nearby at all times.
• Do not leave the car running in the garage to charge your phone.  Carbon monoxide could build up very quickly.
• If you do not have power, make sure you clear the hallways of furniture as you could easily trip over objects in the dark.
• Do not walk barefoot in your house.  There may be glass shards on the floors or debris that are not easily seen.
• Do not use the gas stove to heat your house.  Carbon monoxide can accumulate in the air causing dizziness, nausea, headache, and death.  If you start to feel light headed, go outside immediately and leave the door/windows open.
• Be wary of walking down streets with trees.  Some branches may have been weakened from the storm, and could still fall with a slight breeze.
• The hospitals in New York have been especially hit hard with the closing of major area health care centers.  If you have a minor injury, try to avoid going to the emergency room as they are overwhelmed with very sick people.  Instead, go to an Urgent Care facility.  These are usually staffed by ER physicians and you will be seen much quicker.
• Be careful of exhaustion.  This is a very stressful time for everyone.  Do not overextend yourself, as your immune system will be weakened.  Make sure you get adequate sleep, eat regularly, and go out into the sunlight if possible.  After a few days indoors, our vitamin D (which requires sunlight to become active) levels are likely to be low.

These are tough times for everyone affected by the storm.  Be sure to reach out and help your neighbors in need.  New Yorkers have a false reputation for being rude.  As a lifelong New Yorker, I have seen only kindness and bonding during the worst of times.  We pull together as a family, and we rebuild.  Stay safe and be healthy!