When travelling to countries where outbreaks of anthrax are common in livestock one should avoid contact with contaminated animals or animal byproducts.
Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics and when treatment is initiated within 36 hours of the first contact with bacterial material, one is likely to achieve complete recovery. A more dangerous situation arises if treatment is not initiated until symptoms have developed.
In order to prevent bacterial infection a vaccine has been developed. The vaccine is injected into the subcutis following a vaccination program where a number of monthly injections are followed by one injection given 12 months after the last vaccination. Anthrax vaccine programs are not common in European countries, although military personnel who are likely to encounter infection in the field are given the vaccine. The vaccine may have several side effects.
The use of gas masks is generally not likely to offer sufficient protection against anthrax spores. However, anthrax spores on the skin can be washed off with water and soap. The spores will especially be located on the areas of the skin where there is hair growth.
Contrary to general belief, several natural remedies may be used in the treatment of anthrax infection and are not without therapeutical value. Especially if no other treatment is available. These include:
- Garlic. Should be administered in concentrated form, as either capsules, powder, or another type of extract.
- Black tea: Common black teat contains polyphenols, which have the ability to counteract the anthrax bacteria. The tea must be taken without milk to achieve this effect.
- Vitamin C. Bacterial infection has been shown to degrade large quantities of vitamin C. Therefore, large doses of vitamin C can be administered without risks of usual gastro-intestinal side effects such as diarrhoea. A vitamin supplement can be given together with antibiotics without complications. In fact, antibiotic side effects may be diminished as a result of administration of vitamin C. Tissue-damage caused by the action of anthrax toxins may be counteracted. Treatment of the severe pulmonary infection is likely to require administration of intravenous injections in doses up to 200 g. of sodium ascorbate. When given as capsules, calcium ascorbate is used until diarrhoea develops.
- Gluthatione - Counteracts the inflammation caused by infectious agents.
- Lipoic acid. A powerfull antioxidizer. Capable of reducing neural damage caused by toxic agents.
- N-acetyl cysteine. Known for its detoxifying abilities.
- Taurine. Possibly because body levels may fall dramatically during intoxication.
- Melatonin. Material is available that indicates that supplements may counteract the effects of anthrax toxins. 5 mg. before bedtime for mild conditions. 20 mg. in more severe cases.
