Epidemic, dangerous infectious disease: what to do, step by step
Virus, infections, quarantine. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone app and work without internet.
First, right now
- Follow your national public health authority and local council. Do what they advise, not what circulates online.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially when you get home and before eating.
- Have symptoms? Stay at home and phone your doctor or a telehealth line first, instead of going to the surgery.
Then
- Wear a mask in crowds and indoor spaces when authorities advise it, and always when you are ill.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow. Air your home several times a day.
- Keep at least 2 weeks of your regular medicines, plus a thermometer and fever medicine.
- Put a sick person in a separate room if you can. Use separate towels and dishes.
- Phone older relatives and neighbours every day. Do their shopping and leave it at the door.
- Get vaccinated according to official recommendations.
When to call 112
Shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, a very high fever that will not come down, or seizures.
What not to do
- Do not take antibiotics on your own. They do not work against viruses.
- Do not believe miracle cures and chain messages.
- Do not stockpile medicines or masks. They will run out for patients and doctors.
See also
Keep it on your phone
SurvivalZone is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.
Other scenarios
- ⥠Power cut
- đĨļ Cold, no heating
- đą No water or unsafe tap water
- đ Flood, water coming in
- đ Evacuation in 10 minutes
- đĨ Fire in the building
- đĄī¸ Heatwave
- đĒī¸ Storm, strong wind
- đ Air attack: missiles, drones, bombs
- đĸ Sirens, alarm, air contamination
- đĩ No signal, no internet
- â¤ī¸ Someone is unconscious
- đ Earthquake
- âĩ Storm at sea, no internet
- đ Road accident
- â ī¸ Carbon monoxide or gas leak
- âī¸ Stuck in a car in a snowstorm
- đŠī¸ Thunderstorm outdoors
- đĢ Heart attack or stroke
- đ Someone is drowning
- đ˛ Forest or grass fire
- đŗ Cards and cash machines not working
- đ§ A child is missing
Sources
- Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (Poland)
- ECDC: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
- WHO: water, sanitation and hygiene in emergencies
Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-10-18.
General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.