How to Live Immunocompromised During SHTF

Here are essential steps for protecting your health during a disaster, focusing on maintaining access to medications, ensuring hygiene, staying informed, and avoiding infection.

MEDICAL

9/19/20247 min read

a woman thinking about her health during a disaster

How Immunocompromised People Can Take Steps to Stay Healthy During a Disaster

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can pose serious challenges for anyone, but for those with compromised immune systems, the risks are even greater. Whether it's a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, or public health crisis, preparedness is key for immunocompromised individuals to stay healthy in challenging situations. Below are essential steps for protecting your health during a disaster, focusing on maintaining access to medications, ensuring hygiene, staying informed, and avoiding infection.

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Thanks to all the toxic garbage in our food, like seed oils and over processed goods, the amount of immune system related health issues are staggering. I remember sitting across the table from a client back in 2018 - tough as nails, but visibly shaken as he shared his struggle with a recently diagnosed immune disorder. He’d never thought twice about his health, let alone the potential vulnerabilities it could create in a disaster scenario. Something that effects you from the inside out but is not life threatening. That conversation stuck with me, not just because of the gravity of his situation, but because it made me reevaluate how unprepared most people are to handle a crisis when their body’s first line of defense is already compromised. Back in 2008 I don't recall teh immune system issues being nearly as bad as they are now. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals and families grappling with immune system challenges more and more, and one thing is abundantly clear: a disaster doesn’t discriminate, but it does amplify every weakness you bring into it.

When the world is collapsing around you, whether it be from nuclear war disasters or natural disasters—be it from a natural disaster, a supply chain breakdown, or widespread civil unrest—having a weakened immune system can turn an already dire situation into a lethal one. The truth is, survival hinges not just on the gear in your pack or the skills you’ve honed, but on the state of your body’s ability to fend off disease, infections, and the invisible threats that disasters inevitably bring. In the chaos of a flood or the aftermath of an earthquake, sanitation deteriorates, and diseases like cholera or dysentery can spread like wildfire. For someone with a compromised immune system, exposure to contaminated water or even a minor wound can spiral into a life-threatening scenario.

Stockpiling the right supplies is a critical first step, but it’s not as simple as loading up on canned goods and water. For someone with a weakened immune system, this means ensuring a robust supply of necessary disaster OTC kit medications—antivirals, antibiotics, immunosuppressants—along with a strategy to keep them viable in the absence of refrigeration or consistent access to pharmacies. In one of my cases, a client with an autoimmune disease needed monthly biologic injections that required cold storage. We spent weeks testing portable coolers, backup battery packs, and insulating materials to find a solution that could keep those injections viable during a prolonged power outage. That kind of foresight isn’t optional; it’s the difference between life and death.

But medication is only one layer of the defense. In a disaster, avoiding exposure to pathogens is just as critical. Proper hygiene and sanitation practices must become second nature. This means having a surplus of hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and nitrile gloves, along with a reliable method to purify water with DIY filters and boiling. I recall one family I worked with who were avid campers and had a solid water filtration system, but they didn’t consider the fact that immune-compromised individuals might need water that’s not just filtered but boiled or chemically treated to eliminate every trace of potential pathogens. It’s a small detail, but in the high-stakes game of disaster preparedness, small details are everything.

Another often overlooked aspect is diet. A healthy, immune-supporting diet is crucial under normal circumstances but becomes even more so when disaster strikes. Freeze-dried meals and MREs can keep you alive, but they’re often lacking in the nutrients that help sustain an already weakened immune system. I advise clients to include supplements—vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics—in their emergency kits, along with nutrient-dense, shelf-stable foods like powdered greens, chia seeds, and dried fruits. These nutrients can be obtained in drink form, such as DIY Gatorade recipes loaded with amino acids and vitamins. These items aren’t just additions; they’re a lifeline.

Finally, let’s not underestimate the psychological toll of dealing with a compromised immune system during a disaster. Stress is a silent killer, capable of further weakening the immune response. During one particularly intense session with a client, we devised a mental prepping disaster plan that included mindfulness exercises and stress-relief techniques alongside their physical preparations. It wasn’t about creating a spa experience in the apocalypse—it was about controlling what you can when everything else is spiraling out of control. In moments of crisis, even the ability to pause, breathe, and think clearly can save lives.

The lessons I’ve learned from these experiences have reshaped the way I approach preparedness, both personally and professionally. The stakes are higher when your body can’t afford mistakes. Every plan, every piece of equipment, every strategy must account for vulnerabilities that most people never consider. Because when disaster strikes, preparation isn’t just about survival. It’s about resilience in the face of unrelenting challenges.

1. Stockpiling Medications and Medical Supplies

For people who rely on medications to manage chronic conditions, it’s critical to have an emergency supply on hand. Disasters can disrupt the supply chain, close pharmacies, and make travel difficult. Here’s what to do:

Maintain a Backup Supply: Work with your healthcare provider to secure extra doses of medications you may need. Many doctors can prescribe additional supplies in case of emergency.
Store Medications Safely: Keep your medication in a secure, waterproof, and easily accessible container. If you need to refrigerate your medication, have a portable cooler or cold pack on hand in case of power outages.
Prepare a Medical ID Card: Have an updated medical ID card or wear a medical bracelet that lists your condition, medications, and any allergies. This can be vital if you're unable to communicate in an emergency.

2. Create a Clean and Safe Environment

Maintaining a clean environment during a disaster is essential, as unsanitary conditions can lead to infections. Immunocompromised people are more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Consider these steps:

Sanitize Frequently: Stock up on hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and antibacterial soaps. Wash your hands often and sanitize high-contact surfaces like doorknobs and light switches.
Use a HEPA Air Purifier: In case of wildfires, volcanic eruptions, or dusty environments, using a HEPA filter air purifier can help keep your air clean. This is important for people with weakened respiratory systems or those who are vulnerable to airborne contaminants.
Be Cautious with Food and Water: Ensure your water supply is safe by using bottled water or a water purification system if needed. Keep non-perishable food items that are easy to prepare without power, but avoid anything that could spoil or be contaminated.

3. Minimize Exposure to Crowds and Illness

In a disaster, crowded shelters or communal areas increase the risk of exposure to illnesses. Immunocompromised individuals should prioritize avoiding crowded spaces and ensuring they have alternatives in place:

Have a Safe Place to Stay: If possible, arrange for a sheltering option with family or friends where you can have more control over your environment. Avoid public shelters or group settings whenever possible.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Carry masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to minimize contact with others. Wearing a high-quality N95 or KN95 mask can help reduce your exposure to respiratory illnesses, especially in cramped spaces.
Practice Social Distancing: Whenever possible, maintain a safe distance from others, especially if a contagious disease is spreading. The fewer people you interact with, the lower your risk of exposure.

4. Stay Alert

During a disaster, staying informed can help you make crucial decisions about your safety. Access to reliable communication is key, so ensure you can stay connected:

Emergency Notifications: Sign up for emergency alerts in your area. These can provide you with real-time information about evacuations, road closures, or health risks.
Backup Communication Devices: Keep a battery-powered radio, fully charged phone, and portable phone chargers on hand to stay in touch with family, healthcare providers, or emergency services.
Stay Updated on Public Health: Monitor any ongoing public health risks that may affect your safety, such as disease outbreaks or hazardous environmental conditions, and take appropriate precautions.

5. Have a Health Plan Ready

It’s vital to have a well-organized emergency plan that includes medical information, care options, and instructions specific to your health needs. Here’s how to prepare:

Create a Health Emergency Plan: This should include your doctors' contact information, emergency contact numbers, a list of medications, allergies, and any special instructions for your care. Share this plan with trusted individuals who can help you during an emergency.
Know Your Nearest Healthcare Options: Identify nearby hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, especially those that can accommodate your specific needs. If you need regular treatments like dialysis or immunotherapy, talk to your provider about what to do if services are interrupted.
Find Immunocompromised-Friendly Shelters: Some emergency shelters are better equipped to care for people with specific health needs, offering more privacy or lower exposure risks. Find out in advance if there are special accommodations available for you in your area.

6. Boost Immune Health

While you may already be following medical guidelines to manage your immune system, focus on lifestyle habits that can keep your body as healthy as possible:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even during a crisis, to support your body’s immune function. Dehydration can exacerbate health problems.
Eat Nutritious Food: When stockpiling food, choose options that are rich in vitamins and minerals to support immune health. Look for shelf-stable fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Prioritize Sleep, physical fitness, and Stress Management: Rest is crucial for immune function, so try to maintain a regular sleep schedule even in a disaster. If you're feeling anxious, practice deep breathing or mindfulness techniques to reduce stress.

7. Build a Support Network

Having a support network of family, friends, or caregivers is essential, especially during a crisis. Inform your support network about your needs and ensure they are ready to assist in case of an emergency:

Share Your Emergency Plan: Ensure your support system knows how to help you with medication, mobility, or other health-related concerns.
Identify a Backup Caregiver: If your primary caregiver becomes unavailable, designate someone else to step in and provide the necessary assistance.
Regular Check-ins: Stay in touch with your support network before, during, and after a disaster to keep them updated on your health and safety.