It’s a long holiday weekend ahead and some good Samaritans may want to drive south to Texas to help flood victims.  An infectious disease specialist with The University of Kansas Health System offers some advice before you hit the road. 

            “Pack bottled water and food for yourself and remember your medications,” Dr. Hawkinson said. “It’s important to care for yourself and stay healthy so you can help others.”  Dr. Hawkinson also reminds volunteers to drink only clean water, practice good hygiene and look for good sanitary conditions for using the bathroom.” Flood waters are a breeding ground for many infectious diseases as well as insects who carry diseases.  In the video below, Dr. Hawkinson names some of the diseases that can spread in lingering flood waters and offers tips to avoid getting sick.