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PANDEMIC ALERT LEVEL
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Tracking the next pandemic: Avian Flu Talk

Feds Order 100-million masks

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    Posted: March 13 2006 at 6:23pm
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Call to use face masks to fight flu

Tuesday Mar 14 19:02 AEDT

People suffering from flu this winter are being urged to wear surgical face
masks on public transport and in other crowded areas to help prevent the
spread of infectious disease.

The NSW Department of Health has begun a public awareness campaign
in the lead up to winter to help stem the spread of influenza and prevent
a pandemic.

The department's suggestions include getting immunised, washing your
hands with soap and water regularly, and wearing a mask if you are
already suffering from the flu.

"Wearing a face mask is something we haven't talked about in the past
although it has been talked about in reference to how we might combat
the flu," said the department's communicable disease director, Jeremy
McAnulty.

Dr McAnulty admitted while it helped reduce the risk of transmitting
influenza, wearing a face mask was something of a taboo in Australia.
"It's something that people haven't really taken to to-date, although in
some countries like Japan and parts of Asia it's much more culturally
acceptable," he said.

"It was used in Australia in 1919 when they had the pandemic after World
War I and there is some evidence that after the outbreak of SARS in Hong
Kong that they worked in reducing the disease."


http://
ia.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/14flu.htm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote calendula Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 14 2006 at 7:20am
Rick:  What is your take on this--above-- post?  what is the implicit message here?  I am afraid to think.....
I am not here to reason, I am here to create"
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Good question, I'll check to see if they issued similar
warnings in the past. If not, then I would be suspicious.
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Map represents, old-fashion flu bug going around currently.



http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TERMS 1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 14 2006 at 8:01am
Hmmmm, I wonder where they plan on getting 100 million masks?  I received a recall notice regarding Inovel (also known as Moldex) 3000 N95 HC respirator surgical masks, identified with the LOT NUMBER: 051130-161.  Are they doing a recall for a safety reason or to redistribute them elsewhere?  Me paranoid?  I just try to listen for what they are not saying.
Credibility is like virginity, once it is gone- it is gone forever.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote calendula Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 14 2006 at 8:03am
Rick  :  Quite a few states with widespreads  .....?
I am not here to reason, I am here to create"
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The bit I noticed was 6000 only respirators. Enough maybe for GWB and his
croneys?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ExaminedLife Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 14 2006 at 8:59am
Originally posted by Rick Rick wrote:

Map represents, old-fashion flu bug going around currently.



http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/


And here, ladies and gentlemen, is the sum of all fears, in bright colors.

H5N1 infected fowl are about to arrive in Alaska, Canada, and the lower 48 U.S. States.

When they do, the perfect opportunity arises for someone carrying "garden variety"  influenza to become infected with H5N1, or for a bird carrying H5N1 to become infected with "garden variety" human influenza.

The result - a nasty strain of influenza, having properties of both H5N1 and garden variety influenza, able to replicate quickly and efficiently spread from human host to human host.
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Originally posted by TERMS 1 TERMS 1 wrote:

Hmmmm, I wonder where they plan on getting 100
million masks?  I received a recall notice regarding Inovel (also known as
Moldex) 3000 N95 HC respirator surgical masks, identified with the LOT
NUMBER: 051130-161.  Are they doing a recall for a safety reason or to
redistribute them elsewhere?  Me paranoid?  I just try to listen for what
they
are not saying.


I was asking myself the same thing. I know someone that
has dealings with a company which makes masks in China, I'll see if I can
find out what is happening there. I think the mask shortage is a global
problem, so it sounds like someone is going to rob Peter to pay Paul.
Fortunately I already saw the evildoer coming.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gricha56 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 14 2006 at 9:06am
A word about respirators.  Surgical masks will give you very little protection against Influenza A.  They are meant to protect the patient from the surgeon.   In my opinion, the N95 and N100 are only slightly better.  They are disposable face mask types and have a seal that is achieved my adjusting two rubber bands and a wire nose clip.  Since the effectiveness of a respirator depends entirely on maintaining a tight seal and very few people can do this, these respirators may be more of an annoyance than a protective device.  I would go half face or full face with a HEPA filter and a pre-filter.  A safety rep for 3m can fit test you.  Do it before the rush.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote calendula Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 14 2006 at 9:09am
Rick:  IT seems a much clear picture is starting to gel now.
I am not here to reason, I am here to create"
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"Seto and colleagues from five Hong Kong hospitals and
the University of Hong Kong, surveyed over 250 hospital staff
exposed to 11 SARS patients between 15 March and 24 March.

Most of the 13 staff who became infected did wash their hands, and a
handful also wore gloves or a paper mask, but none had used a surgical
or N95 mask. Analysis of the data showed that the use of surgical or N95
masks was the only measure to give statistically significant protection.
Paper masks offered little protection, says Seto. "Such masks, being easily
wet with saliva, are never recommended as a precaution against
droplets."

However, not one of the 69 staff who had used all four
recommended protection measures - wearing a mask, gloves,
gowns and washing their hands - contracted the virus.


Seto believes the risk of contracting SARS in public places is "very low"
and so does not wear a mask himself. "However, I have it ready if I am in
a crowded place," he says. "I see someone consistently coughing, then I
put it on. If I see he is febrile, I strongly advise him to go home and see a
doctor. Then I wash my hands and take a good shower on coming home."

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn3692]http://
www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn3692
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Originally posted by ExaminedLife ExaminedLife wrote:


Originally posted by Rick Rick wrote:

Map represents, old-fashion flu bug going around
currently.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
And here, ladies and
gentlemen, is the sum of all fears, in bright colors.H5N1 infected fowl are
about to arrive in Alaska, Canada, and the lower 48 U.S. States.When they
do, the perfect opportunity arises for someone carrying "garden variety" 
influenza to become infected with H5N1, or for a bird carrying H5N1 to
become infected with "garden variety" human influenza.The result - a
nasty strain of influenza, having properties of both H5N1 and garden
variety influenza, able to replicate quickly and efficiently spread from
human host to human host.


The 100-million mask order, lot-a-red on the map
mmm, give the man a cigar !
       
Don't forget Australia just issued an advisory to it's citizens
to use masks if they get influenza.


http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1591371.htm



"Wearing a face mask is something we haven't talked
about in the past although it has been talked about in reference to how
we might combat the flu," said the department's communicable disease
director, Jeremy McAnulty. (posted higher up in this forum)

Dr McAnulty admitted while it helped reduce the risk of transmitting
influenza, wearing a face mask was something of a taboo in Australia.
"It's something that people haven't really taken to to-date, although in
some countries like Japan and parts of Asia it's much more culturally
acceptable," he said.

"It was used in Australia in 1919 when they had the pandemic after World
War I and there is some evidence that after the outbreak of SARS in Hong
Kong that they worked in reducing the disease."


http://
ia.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/14flu.htm
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I've got to get more masks.  From what I've learned, once you wear them that's it.  I don't think you can have enough.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Corn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 15 2006 at 5:00am


found these in a thread on the forum some one shared so I'm passing it on. . Everybody put your maks on!

Speculation is the only tool we have with a threat that can circle the globe in 30 days. Test results&news is slow.Factor in human conditions,politics, money&bingo!The truth!Facts come after the fact.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 15 2006 at 5:39am
Originally posted by Im Appalled Im Appalled wrote:

I've got to get more masks.  From what I've
learned, once you wear them that's it.  I don't think you can have
enough.


Hold your horses. If you took a mask with you for a
quick trip outside, you don't need to wear a mask, unless you are coming
close to somene you think might be ill and you are within 15-feet. If the
mask has been on for only a few minutes, and nobody nearby was
coughing, personally I would reuse the mask again for another day.

If you were spending time near someone with a productive cough, I would
toss the mask and take other precautions with clothes and washing.

If you are using the mask in doors with someone ill, using an inexpensive
ionizer in the same room might give you some added protection. Hand
washing is aslo very important.

Thats just an opinion.

It's still better than tossing your used masks in a plastic bag and then
reusing them latter as some of the SARS nurses in Toronto were forced,
becasue of mask shortage. At least according the president of their
nurses union, (someone I've met).

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RicheeRich Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 15 2006 at 6:21am

Seeing as how Influenza "A" currently kills about 70,000 Americans per year, perhaps it would be a good idea to start "practicing" what we are all preaching SOONER vs. later.

If we can't get that number down, then simple math suggests what will happen when the mortality rate from flu goes from 4 percent to 53 percent.

If we can't keep from getting the regular flu, how do we know that we will be able to stop the big one?

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Keep in mind that the Spanish Flu killed about 2.5% of the people it
infected.

The consequences of the economic collapse of numerous third world
countries will cause even more death than caused by the current epidemic
AIDS and Malaria (major killer of children in Africa)

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Your say on flu masks

By NEWS.com.au readers
15-03-2006
From: NEWS.com.au

PEOPLE suffering from flu this winter are being urged to wear surgical
face masks on public transport and in other crowded areas to help
prevent the spread of infectious disease.

The New South Wales Department of Health yesterday began a public
awareness campaign in the lead up to winter to help stem the spread of
influenza and prevent a pandemic.
We asked NEWS.com.au readers if they would wear a face mask when they
have the flu, with readers firmly divided on the issue.

Many suggested the best way to prevent the spread of viruses was to
simply take a sick day instead of going to work when ill - but lamented
that often it was hard to take such a luxury.

Others lauded the idea as a practical solution to a dilemma facing most
large, crowded cities.

But a large number of you slammed the idea as useless, deriding a
proposal which would make us a nation of Michael Jackson lookalikes.

Below is a selection of some of the best responses we have received.

From: Peter

Comment: And people with STD's should be forced to wear chastity belts
to prevent those diseases spreading too!

From: Duncs from Wellington

Comment: Those stupid paper masks do three parts of bugger all - and
they would clash with my outfit ... and how would I impress the chicks
with my magnetic smile if I covered it up?

From: Emski

Comment: Last November I got pneumonia and I'm 29 years old. I haven't
fully recovered. I would wear a face mask if I knew it would help stop
spreading the disease. Not sure if the company's uniform policy would
allow it though!!!

From: Simon

Comment: Living in Japan, in winter, surgical face masks tend to be
ubiquitous on public transport. Initially, I commended the Japanese for
being so polite regarding the spread of colds and flu - but after being
coughed on by a sniffling commuter one too many times I realised that
many of the mask wearers did not have colds, rather, they were the
conscientious healthy ones determined not to catch anything nasty on the
subway!

From: Ray

Comment: I think its a good approach to minimise an outbreak, we
should worry about how to stop it from spreading rather how bad the
mask looks on us.

From: Aaron

Comment: This, while it is a good idea in theory, seems impractical,
because those wearing the masks are going to be avoided by those that
don't have the flu, and it is just another way that people are going to be
ostracised by others in a time where this is happening way too much
already.

From: Michelle

Comment: Not only will wearing masks draw attention to the wearer and
possibly therefore make them less inclined to wear them, but also the
issue needs to be addressed regarding their cost. Studies suggest
surgical masks are only effective until the time that the material becomes
saturated (which is approximately ten minutes). If the reduction of
influenza transmission is so important to the Government, maybe they
should subsidise the cost of the masks for sufferers?

From: Simone

Comment: I work in a call centre on phones and can only imagine how
hard it would be for people to hear me talking through a face mask. I'm
better off staying at home, where I'll no doubt have to produce a doctor's
certificate for one day if that silly law goes through too!

From: Adrian

Comment: Flu spreaders should wear a mask, so that people who look
after themselves, like me, don't contract the consequences of their
compromised health. Smokers especially, perhaps permanently.
From: Deanna
Comment: what happened to good old bed rest? No one can shut down
and relax anymore, it is all about money. If a flu sufferer could stay at
home and recover, no one would have to worry about masks. My family
only gets sick when we go into the city, which is almost never. I prefer the
Outback. No one ever gets the flu out there.

From: Tyson

Comment: I wouldn't go that far, but some common courtesy from flu
sufferers wouldn't go astray. If you're too sick to work, don't go to work.
If you sneeze or cough on the train, cover your mouth and nose. Some
people don't know how to do it.

From: Mark

Comment: Good idea. Either stay at home or mask up. Stop bringing flu
germs into my workplace!

From: Ali

Comment: Back 'in the day' people used to take a day off work to recover,
and recuperate but now this rarely happens, and we walk around
sneezing all over everybody. Australian lifestyle needs to change to
prevent things like this.

From: Stabby

Comment: I wouldn't wear a mask, as I would much prefer to feel that I
could take time off work to recuperate without my employer perceiving
me as being a "slacker". I think it would be humiliating to wear it,
especially for someone who does frequently catch colds and viruses, as
I'm sure they would be the first to be made redundant during cutbacks.
However, I can imaging the attention grabbers who want sympathy at
work taking advantage of it to get out of work. Australia has enough
problems with workplace cover fraud!

From: Scott

Comment: What a load of rot. If ever there was a recipe for disaster that
has to be one of the better ones. We need bodily exposure to these
diseases so that our immune systems can better cope with the occasional
biggies we get every few years. When will people look at our health the
right way around? If you eat well, get daily exercise and generally look
after yourself then you are much more likely to be better off physically,
mentally and even financially!! Parents - let your kids play in the backyard
and make mud pies. Government - make changes and focus on health.
And to the people - do not fall victim to such stupid ideas all the time!

From: Rik

Comment: I think the best thing to do is to stay home and recover instead
of spreading the virus on public transport or in the office via the air
conditioning! Too many people don't consider others when it comes to
the flu. Maybe flu sufferers should wear the mask. Michael Jackson does!

From: Paul H

Comment: You know, this is probably a very good idea. I am sick and
tired of being confronted by ignorant people who sneeze out in the public
area without covering their mouth/nose when doing so. These people are
Neanderthals and only help to spread disease. I have no problem with it,
especially considering the new strains of the flu and other diseases doing
the rounds at the moment.
From: tpk
Comment: If you are sick you should stay at home and rest. Since when is
it acceptable for people's health and well being to be compromised for
work responsibilities? It's time the government and businesses looked
after their employees.

From: R

Comment: Let's just keep flu sufferers under lock and key, until they have
been cleared from three different doctors. Better yet - ship them to a
desert island and record their adventures as a reality show. Let's not
spread fear.
From: William

Comment: They're at it again... the "We-Know-What's-Good-For-You-
Whether-You -Like-It-Or-Not" brigade. Not content with controlling
where we smoke or drink, or how we behave, or what we eat, now they
want us to walk around looking like Michael Jackson wannabes. Perhaps
they'd prefer if we all just wore suits of armour? Give me a break.

From: Vanessa

Comment: I think that it is extremely wise, as people don't want to catch
the flu. Someone is selfish if they go into a public place while they are
sick, as this is how other people get sick. We are so image conscious that
we would probably be embarrassed to wear one. It is ridiculous to be
embarrassed about something like that. We should all wear them on
airplanes where the air is recycled, so we minimise our chances of getting
sick.

From: Pam

Comment: Our society is getting so paranoid and sterile no wonder these
"super bugs" are developing that are resistant to antibiotics (which are
over-prescribed anyway). We have to build up resistance and wearing
masks is NOT the way to go.

From: Martin

Comment: You must be joking! Wearing facemasks has about as much
effect on the spread of an airborne virus as keeping a rabbit's foot in your
pocket, or a horseshoe over your door. Why give into a foolish
superstition that doesn't work to boot? Perhaps we should start to stave
off the flu by having a few good old-fashioned witch burnings, tossing
spilled salt over our shoulder and watching out for black cats. It would
have about as much effect as this pointless exercise.

From: Carmen

Comment: This is one of the most stupid things I have ever heard. So they
all want us to look like Michael Jackson? I think its discrimination. What
about people with AIDS, Chicken pox etc? How should they protect
themselves without infecting others? Solution: make sure you get the flu
vaccine and have some cold and flu tablets available!!!

From: Winston

Comment: Most people who get sick regularly are either smokers or don't
take care of themselves. If we alienate their illnesses then it will be less
likely others will get sick, which means a more productive economy.
Forget IR reforms, less sick days in the economy is more efficient.
From: Michele
Comment: No. People wearing masks will attract attention wearing it on
public transport and in public. People should practice common courtesies
like using tissues to cover up when they cough or sneeze. Better still, stay
home if you're sick!

From: Sonny

Comment: While living in Singapore last year I got a nasty case of the flu.
A trip to the local hospital was required and before I even got inside to
the hospital waiting room I had my temperature checked and was issued
a face mask to wear - I was then directed to a different waiting room from
the rest of the patients. I must say that this was a great change to the
situation we have here in Australia. The sooner we do the same the
better, however I think we are much too vain to be this responsible.

From: Sir Bob

Comment: Nothing is more sickening and annoying than the selfish
people who keep coming to work, using public transport along the way,
whilst sneezing, snotting and spluttering over everything around them.
Stay at home! You're not that important!

From: Georgia

Comment: I think it is a great idea. How many times have you been
disgusted when the person sitting next to you who has the flu coughs
and then you get sick a few days later. I think wearing a mask is being
considerate to others around you and if it may assist in reducing the
spread of influenza, then why not do it?
From: Ollygt
Comment: Having traveled to Japan many times, where mask wearing is a
common sight, I do wonder whether or not it'd be better to let flu
sufferers just stay at home. If they did travel on public transport or were
around a lot of people wearing a mask might be a good idea.

From: Angus

Comment: Wearing a mask will only be effective while you are infectious.
With some diseases you can be infectious before you display any
significant symptoms. If the masks are not fitted correctly and disposed
of correctly then all you get is a warm inner glow. If you want to stop the
progress of a disease then inoculation is the first step, and isolation is the
next one. Unfortunately since the new IR rules are coming in everyone will
have to drag their plague-ridden bodies to work, or lose their jobs.
Everyone that is except the employers, who will be away on a tropical
beach living off the mass of wage slaves in the plague pits.

From: Brooke

Comment: Definitely. There is nothing worse than taking all precautions
to be healthy during winter and to have someone coughing and
spluttering over you (or even near you). Be it at work, the queue in the
bank, or especially in the fresh food section of the supermarket, it is hard
to avoid these people whilst going about your daily chores!!!!!


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kirby Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 15 2006 at 8:23am

If you have the 3M 1860 disposable respirator N95 mask, the product manufacturer states: "Respirator may be used until damaged, breathing becomes difficult, or contaminated with blood or body fluids.  Otherwise, it may be stored and resused according to the facility's infection control policy."

We fit-test for this mask and use it for TB protection but it will also serve as our mask of choice for healthcare facility for pandemic.  I am currently int the process of fit-testing the entire facility.  

Our current policy is that for TB precautions, each person may reuse their mask  for that shift until one of the above criteria is met then it is discarded.  Otherwise, it is discarded at the end of the shift.  For pandemic, we will discharge all patients who are not infected with flu, if possible, segregate those that are not flu patients, and the due to limited masks (assuming supply with be limited), staff will have to wear the mask for one whole shift if it comes down to limited resources unless it is known to be contaminated and there is risk of cross contamination of patients.  All of this is in place UNLESS the CDC advises otherwise, then we have to revise.

I am soley responsible for planning our pandemic plan then submitting and educating, fit-testing, etc.  It is hard work and often, frustrating, but sometimes, it is actually easier because I can get more done by working alone and not having to convince alot of others to buy into it.  My bosses allow me much independence and autonomy to get us where we need to be.

One last thought on respirator masks:  Men have to shave off the beard.

 

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http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/resources/pressrel/announceme nts/
113004wkshp/pdfs/Presentation%2012_Roy%20McKay.pdf

Fit testing exercise for N95, refer to URL to see entire article.



by Sergey Grinshpun, PhD
Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, University of Cincinnati

Workshop on Respiratory Protection for Airborne Infectious Agents
November 30 - December 1, 2004 Atlanta, GA

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/resources/pressrel/announceme nts/
113004wkshp/pdfs/Presentation%2009_Sergey%20Grinshpun.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/resources/pressrel/announceme nts/
113004wkshp/presentations.html


Department of Environmental Health, Center for Health-Related Aerosol
Studies, University of Cincinnati,
P.O. Box 670056, 3223 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA


Abstract: We developed a novel concept that allows to considerably
improve the performance of conventionally used filtering-facepiece
respirators against fine and ultra fine aerosols including airborne viral
and bacterial agents.

The concept is based on the continuous emission of unipolar ions. The
effect was evaluated through the real-time monitoring of the
concentration and size distribution of ne and ultra ne aerosol particles.
The measurements were conducted inside and outside of a respiratory
mask that was face sealed on a breathing manikin.

A commonly used Type N95 respirator and surgical mask were utilized
for the tests. The manikin was placed in a 24.3-m3 indoor test chamber
and exposed to polydisperse surrogate aerosols simulating viral
and bacterial particles with respect to the aerodynamic size. The particle
penetration through the mask was found to decrease by one-to-two
orders of magnitude as a result of continuous unipolar ion emission in
the chamber. The flux of air ions migrated to the breathing zone and
imparted electrical charges of the same polarity to the aerosol particles
and the respirator lter surface. This created an electrostatic shield along
the external surface of the filter, thus enhancing the protection
characteristics provided by the respirator.

The above performance enhancement e ect is crucial for minimizing the
infectious risk in the cases when the conventional filtering-facepiece
respirators are not able to provide an adequate protection against
airborne viruses and bacteria.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 17 2006 at 6:51am
Top Ten Signs You've Purchased A Fake Flu Shot

10. The doctor looks a lot like the guy who hooked up your illegal cable
box.

9. You see the nurse filling the syringe with gatorade.

8. Instead of FDA, the vaccine was approved by FTD.

7. The "clinic" is in a booth at Red Lobster.

6. It has a 100 percent guarantee from physician "Dr. Pepper."

5. Diploma on the wall is from Cormell University.

4. This morning you had a fever of 183 degrees.

3. Label lists the active ingredient as nougat.

2. For another 39 cents, doctor offers to super-size it.

1. You're so loopy you're under the impression the Red Sox beat the
Yankees two games straight.


http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/archive/
ls_topten_archive2004/ls_topten_archive_20041019.shtml
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gricha56 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 22 2006 at 6:31pm
Lets add vigorous hand washing to our list of things to do to curtail the spread of influenza!!! I'm not kidding.  Wash your hands!!! Do it now.  You don't know where that keyboard has been!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 22 2006 at 6:42pm
Gricha.... I have become OCD when it comes to washing my hands.  They are so dry and chapped that they are cracked and bleed in places... really nice places for germs to get into.  So now, I freak out about that.
 
 
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