by Austin Hale

Created on: April 29, 2009

If you haven't heard already there is a potential pandemic in the making with the new swine flu that has mutated. While it is terrifying that a new deadly virus could be unleashed on the world for which we don't have enough antiviral medication there are some businesses that will probably grow.

Pharmaceuticals

This industry is a given. If there is a new huge demand in the needed amount of medication in the world pharmaceutical companies are going to boom. The only downside to this for those of us in the United States is that currently most if not all pharmaceutical companies are producing drugs in other continents because of the lower costs to produce the medicine. If we're all sick who do you think is going to get the drugs first?

Long Term Food Suppliers

Businesses that offer foods that store for a long period of time will benefit from the panic. If people are looking at potentially having to quarantine themselves in their own houses they need to stock up on non-perishables. This is especially true if people start to panic. Remember the rice shortage just a little bit back? Rice prices shot up and stores like Wal-Mart and Costco were even running out.

Water Bottles

This is the same concept behind the long-term food suppliers. People want to have the ability to stay put. If the whole world starts to get sick and it's near apocalyptic water could potentially be shut off. Having a water supply in your own home would then be a necessity in order to stay put.

Batteries and Generators

Are you getting the picture? In a huge crisis the normal amenities can potentially be shut off. Electricity will be vital in order to be able to live with some of your normal comforts. These will be especially important if you live in a home that needs heating or cooling.

Gasoline

This one isn't new. Bad times nearly always produce long lines at the gas pump. Gas stations run out fairly quickly and this only adds to the frenzy. If the law of supply and demand is correct then we could see gas prices shoot through the roof.

Antibacterial Producers

Companies that make products that kill bacteria could boom. Clorox bleach, Dial, and rubbing alcohol are definitely worth keeping an eye on. While not an antibacterial products that keep bacteria away, such as the masks being distributed in Mexico, will also be in high demand.

Plastics

This is more of a if it looks like we are all going to die scenario, but when a huge virus breaks out people try to insulate themselves. Hanging plastic over windows, doors, and entryways helps people to control where their air is coming from. If there is a big panic and people buy it all up, but the virus turns out to be harmless you could be looking at a profit if you invested wisely. If people buy it all up and then end up having to use it you may be looking at worthless currency.

Just remember this list is more for speculation on which companies could potentially have a huge increase in profits if this becomes a serious panic driving disease.

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