In early 2024, North Carolina faces a series of “Stuff Hits The Fan” (SHTF) scenarios, as the term is commonly used in prepper and survivalist circles to describe situations where societal norms and infrastructures are significantly disrupted. These range from health crises to infrastructure and funding challenges.
Respiratory Illness Surge: A Health Crisis
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has reported a substantial increase in hospital admissions due to a surge in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This spike in cases has led to heightened demands on the state’s healthcare system. The NCDHHS strongly advises people with mild symptoms to seek testing and treatment from regular healthcare providers, urgent care, or telehealth services rather than emergency departments. This move is aimed at preventing severe illnesses and easing the strain on hospital systems. In addition, the department continues to advocate for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as key preventative measures​​.