I read an article saying that the movie was generally accurate. There were scientific advisers central in writing the plot. Its certainly not a typical Hollywood blockbuster type of movie.

One part that didn't make sense was how difficult it was for people to generally find supplies, but most seemed to have face masks even months into the pandemic. I would rather be a bit more prepared.

There is a rather nasty virus in this part of the world called Hendra which moves from fruit bat droppings to horses, and from there has also been found in humans (its killed 4 people, 100% of those who caught it, within 2 weeks of contracting and it basically eats the brain from the inside. Nasty.) Its also been found in dogs (caught from horses). You have to have very close contact to catch it, vets are particularly susceptible, but these things can mutate. For sure a house fire is much more likely, but these things have happened in the past (Spanish Flu anyone?). I sometimes work with horses, and was in the vicinity of one outbreak. I don't think I was in any danger but it certainly makes you think.

Link to LA Times article http://articles.latimes.com/2011/sep/25/opinion/la-oe-orent-contagion-disease-20110925

Link to Hendra virus wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henipavirus

Its good to know that goggles and a mask can help, probably some sort of hand sanitiser too? And of course education on how the virus transmits and how to behave.

Having never owned any type of respirator, I have no idea how long they will last or be effective for. Can anyone give me some pointers on that? Will I need thousands (impractical for me) or would a box of 20 make a difference? Is it worth getting the sort of mask that also takes filters, would they last longer? Can you somehow clean and reuse masks? Do they have a shelflife?