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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calendula
Valued Member Joined: February 18 2006 Status: Offline Points: 345 |
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Rick: What is your take on this--above-- post? what is the implicit message here? I am afraid to think.....
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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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TERMS 1
Adviser Group Joined: March 13 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 172 |
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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.
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Credibility is like virginity, once it is gone- it is gone forever.
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calendula
Valued Member Joined: February 18 2006 Status: Offline Points: 345 |
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Rick : Quite a few states with widespreads .....?
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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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ExaminedLife
V.I.P. Member Joined: March 03 2006 Status: Offline Points: 124 |
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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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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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gricha56
Valued Member Joined: March 07 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 47 |
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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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calendula
Valued Member Joined: February 18 2006 Status: Offline Points: 345 |
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Rick: IT seems a much clear picture is starting to gel now.
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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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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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Corn
Valued Member Joined: December 13 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1219 |
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found these in a thread on the forum some one shared so I'm passing it on. . Everybody put your maks on! |
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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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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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RicheeRich
Valued Member Joined: February 08 2006 Status: Offline Points: 203 |
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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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Kirby
Valued Member Joined: March 02 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 129 |
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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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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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gricha56
Valued Member Joined: March 07 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 47 |
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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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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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