Can A Respirator/Mask Really Help Against Bird Flu?

by Sarah Jenkins

Surgical masks and respirators are forms of personal protective equipment used to guard against the spread of infectious diseases. With the increased onset of bird flu, many manufacturers and distributors of various protective equipment have touted incredible results from the use of their products. Do they hold water? Do these respirators and masks actually protect against bird flu?

For many years, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the use of various forms personal protective equipment to safeguard against spreading diseases. Of these are surgical masks. These masks are manufactured to block the passage of tiny particles such as the influenza virus and keep the particles from reaching the eyes, mouth, and nose of the wearer, therefore preventing infection.

However, all masks are not developed to guard against infection. Masks for healthcare use are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which ensures certain standards and criteria are met by all personal protective equipment. Therefore, if a mask is FDA approved, you can be assured the mask protects against the spread of infection. However, if a mask is not approved by the FDA, you should consider purchasing a different type.

Many manufactures are specifically guaranteeing bird flu protection; it should be understood that the FDA does not test for specific forms of disease, and therefore, companies are not allowed to make such allegations. If similar claims are made, you should be skeptical of the company’s validity and the quality of their products. There is a website to search for approved FDA masks, http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/devicesatfda/index.cfm?st=fxx+or+(surgical+mask). On the other hand, the CDC determines which type of equipment is appropriate for varying conditions.

You do not need a prescription or any special information to buy these masks and they can be bought at most pharmacies, medical supply stores and on the internet. However, if you are buying from the internet, be certain you are dealing with a reputable company to be certain you are purchasing quality products.

For the most part, personal protective equipment has proven to be a very effective way to prevent against infection. However, the CDC does not suggest or imply the use of these masks is appropriate for common use to keep from becoming infected. They suggest, instead, staying home when you are sick and simply staying away from sick people to prevent the spread of illnesses. However, with the threat of bird flu, many are seeking any means available to guard against infection.

About the Author
Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Cohn’s Disease. For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now.

Avian H5n1 Flu Protect Your Health From Illness In 2008

by Margaret S. Mathews

Bird or H5N1 flu represents a spreading mortal danger globally. Millions and millions of people traverse the globe each and every day, crossing borders both legally and illegally. If does not matter if the spread is sea, air, train or donkey in the end. In the end a virus at one small village in a remote geographical door can be spread to hundreds if not thousands of potential victims of the malady.

The fortuitous nature all depends in the end on chance - on the cunning nature of the influenza virus to mutate - in this to mutate so that it can spread from avian or even pigs to human beings. On top of that a most lethal virus strain may mutate so that it passes a number of hosts before doing its final toll and damage to humans - crippling international trade and economies. Imagine how we could function in our economy without goods from China, not only those goods but smaller components and pieces of work on item simply marked "Made in the United States"

The H5N1 "bird flu' strain that worries most of those who study the statically spread of diseases (epidemiologists) at present, caused a nasty shock in Hong Kong. Approximately ten ago this peril struck killing six people and forcing the Hong Kong authorities to in essence slaughter its entire flock of chicken , ducks and all other forms of poultry. Remarkably and amazingly the virus lay "dormant" in the field, only to resurface to do its damage in 2003.

Since, that point, according to the experts at the United Nations, avian flu has spread to over 65 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Untold millions of birds have been taken down and culled, some according to the books, others unreported .What worries the experts as well is the birds not taken down - that are in isolated remote areas off the beaten track, infected wild birds, and poultry whose demise would cause financial hardship to the farmers or storekeepers and although reported as officially destroyed in the culling process are not.

It appears that most of the cases reported in the spread of H5N1 flu have been mainly in the area of Vietnam, China (including Hong Kong), and Indonesia. However in a worrisome trend Burma and Pakistan have reported their first spread of human infections. Nearby to Pakistan both Bangladesh and India are not reporting major outbreaks of this scourge.

Experts warn that the only way the spread of the disease can be put under control is to get at the actual root source of the disease. If the disease is controlled at its initial base it cannot be prevalent and then spread from an initial base. Controlling the growth and cultivation of H5N1 avian virus is the most effective way of seeking control of this most lethal agent.

Overall from year to year the "flu" has a mortality of between quarters of a million to half a million people worldwide each year. Major flu outbreaks are referred to as "pandemics". A pandemic is a large scale outbreak of a disease over a large area.

In the case of the 1918 post World War 1 "Spanish Flu", a pandemic might have been said to attack the population of the city of Baltimore. 3100 people alone perished in Baltimore.

With modern methods of transportation the area of the pandemic would include the whole world. By the time the 1918 "Spanish flu" had run its course it is estimated that between 50 and 100 million people were killed - many of them in isolated areas of country.

If a pandemic of flu occurs the effects would be catastrophic for the globe - and not only for countries directly affected. Normal commerce and business functions would grind almost to a halt. By this stage of a spread of the flu virus most of the spread is from person to person. People would stay at home and not go work, where they might be infected by other people at work or along the normal course of the day. Even countries not directly infected would be affected. Not only would communications not be at high levels of service but international trade would shut down as countries lock their borders to keep out the spread of the H5N1 avian flu.

We live in a highly interdependent world where most products and services come from a number of sources and steps around the globe. Just one vital choke point of a step in a process of manufacturing or delivery of a products or services would be limited, restricted or even curtailed.

Luckily we live in a modern world today, not only with modern transportation and communication but the ability to plan ahead and coordinate efforts for both the treatment and most importantly the prevention of the spread of the H5N1 avian flu virus.

About the Author
Asia Cosmetic Surgery Holiday Package Morgellons Disease Pictures Photos Marketing Medical Tourism

Avian influenza prevention and treatments

by Groshan Fabiola

vian influenza affects chickens and the poultry industry, recombined with the human influenza viruses form a totally new influenza virus to which people do not have protection that spreads in the population and that causes serious illness and death in humans. Bird Flu is an infectious disease of birds that can also affect people. It can present mild or severe forms of illness. The only subtype that can cause severe illness to people is Influenza A /H5N1 virus, initially it affects chickens, ducks and other birds by the process of mutation they can become highly pathogenic. If the bird flu virus recombines with a human flu virus and mutate it may become possible the transmission from human to human as happened in Asia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia Thailand, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Eygpt, China, and Iraq where people died. Bird flu affected Australia in 1997 but, was eradicated.

Water birds are supposed to carry the avian influenza type A virus inside their intestines and to distribute it in the environment through bird faeces.

Infection determines many symptoms in wild and domesticated birds from mild illnesses to highly contagious and severe epidemics. Among them a decline in activity and in egg production, facial swelling and bluish-violet colored combs and wattles, diarrhea, hemorrhages, paralysis, sudden deaths. Signes and symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to other influenza viruses: sore throat and cough, fever, muscle weakness and/or pain with complications such as: severe viral pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, multi- organ failure, eye infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain and heart.

Health experts have made research into tests and vaccines, and rigorous quarantine practices. Spanish flu was the worst influenza pandemic and occurred in 1918-19. There have been adopted governmental federal plans Australian Action Plan for Pandemic Influenza, to prevent an outbreak among poultry farms. Treatments of bird flu are antiviral drugs, Relenza and Tamiflu, but some of these drugs are expensive and supplies are limited. To prevent recombination of avian with the human influenza virus: is recommended a vaccine used against circulating strains in humans to those exposed to bird flu. A vaccine against bird flu is in development.

Suggestions for people travelling to affected countries:

Wash eggs thoroughly before breaking and wash your hands thoroughly after handling eggs. Don't go to farms or market places. Wash hands, utensils thoroughly after handling raw poultry. Cook poultry at high temperatures. You may get help from: a doctor, Avian Influenza Hotline, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Communicable Diseases Section.

Remember: Although bird flu is spread between birds it affects humans through bird faeces and discharges.

If you seem to get flu symptoms see immediately a doctor and explain him how exposed you have been to avian influenza.

About the Author
For more information about bird flu or even about bird flu treatment please review this page http://www.bird-flu-info-center.com/bird-flu-treatment.htm

What Bird Flu Protection - Gas Mask? Bird Flu Mask? 3m Face Mask? Nanomask? N95 Mask?

Submitted By: Arthur Craig Miller

As President Bush announced his $7.1 billion strategy to prepare for the danger of a pandemic influenza outbreak, scientists and doctors reminded us that the plan to stock antiviral drugs may be flawed. World production of the drug is being outstripped by demand and currently the U.S. has ordered only enough of the anti-virals Tamiflu and Relenza for about 5 million people. Orders may be placed, but if the drugs cannot be produced on time then what help are they to us? In addition, current drugs may be of little use if new virus strains emerge which are resistant to current medication.

A vaccine for Bird Flu is not available. A vaccine against SARS has not even been produced, and it's been over two years since SARS first struck. Think about it logically - according to the medical establishment, even a cure for the common cold has eluded medical science. What realistic chance is there for a Bird Flu cure in the near future? Even if a Bird Flu vaccine is developed, it must still be produced in mass quantities and that takes months or even years. What happens if Bird Flu transmits fully to humans, and arrives in your community tomorrow?

The only stable, scientific proof of what actually works in protecting humans and preventing Bird Flu is the mask - more specifically the Nano Mask - NanoMask®

The NanoMask has been subjected to rigorous scientific testing and evaluation. According to Nelson Laboratories of Salt Lake City, an independent testing lab of such filters, Bacteriophage MS-2 is the recognised standard testing organism for many filters. Being one of the smallest used viruses at 220nm it is able to give a higher challenge to the filter media.

NanoMask® (Nano Mask) designed by Emergency Filtration Products, has been tested down to 27 nanometers or .027 microns. Good enough to stop H5N1, SARS, and other viruses.

The president of Emergency Filtration, Doug Beplate, advised that the primary reason NanoMasks are so successful in stopping viruses is their unique nanoparticle coating on each filter. Beplate said, "The nanoparticle coating joins with chlorine particles to achieve an arrest and eradication of undesirable agents." In other words, biohazardous particulates like H5N1 are not only blocked, but destroyed, thanks to the nanoparticle coating. Yes, it actually kills the virus upon contact.

A traditional filter without the nanoparticle coating, like N95, would turn into a breeding ground for a virus or bacterial agent. Thus we caution you against using any N95 mask in a pandemic or epidemic, or even to stop ordinary colds.

But first, examine the table below showing virus sizes, so you can judge for yourself how effective the NanoMask is. The abbreviation nm means nanometer, which is one billionth of a meter. N95 can only filter out material greater in size than .3 microns, which is equal to 300 nanometers.

Every virus you see in the table below is smaller than 300 nanometers, therefore, N95's manufactured by 3M and most other masks are useless against these viruses and others.

Virus (Description) / Size Bacteriophage (MS) / 220nm Hepatitis / 24nm - 30nm Adenovirus / 70nm HIV / (AIDS) / 80nm Cytomegalovirus / 100nm Orthomyxovirus / 120nm Coronavirus (SARS) / 80nm - 160nm

Some quick reminders then as to why so many experts believe that the NanoMask offers the best bird flu protection and bird flu prevention available:

* Ordered by the United States Department of Defence for all military troops.

* Removes virus and bacteria from inhaled and exhaled breath.

* The first face mask in the world to use nanotechnology enhanced filter media to isolate and destroy viral and bacterial pathogens.

* Two-piece mask completely adjustable and reusable. The replaceable filter is disposable. Easy to insert a new filter. Shelf life is 1 year without exposure to UV rays.

* The enhanced facial seal allows the NanoMask (Nano Mask) to overcome the most critical failing of typical N95 masks. Adjustable for children age two and greater.

* Low profile doesn't interfere with eye wear.

* Mask is easy to clean and reuse over and over. Just soak in diluted bleach.

* Lightweight and portable.

Of all the methods available to protect your family, such as antivirals, vaccines, herbs, etc., a NanoMask® (Nano Mask) is the least costly in terms of time and money, and probably the most effective.

All trademarks acknowledged as belonging to their respective owners.

About the Author:

Arthur Craig Miller [ http://www.common-cold-cure-influenza-flu-vaccine.com/nanomask ] Arthur Craig Miller is a medical writer and researcher. He became interested in the common cold and flu cure, after almost losing his child to a near fatal lung disease. A staunch advocate of the ColdARREST 3 minute drug-free procedure and NanoMask protection.

How To Give Yourself And Family The Best Protection From Flu And Bird Flu

Submitted By: Sarah K. Jenkins

The flu has been an irritant for some time. However, at one time it actually caused worldwide devastation, killing millions of people. Although this type of effect has not been felt from the flu for many years, with the onset of bird flu this is becoming a very real possibility. With this being a concern, people should arm themselves to the full extent to avoid this from occurring.

There are several common-sense precautionary measures that can be taken to protect yourself and your family against being infected by this potentially deadly virus.

The first is to avoid places where the bird flu virus already runs rampant. As of now, the bird flu outbreak is primarily in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Although it is expected to spread worldwide, you should not save it the trouble by traveling where you can become infected more easily. If you must travel to these areas, avoid poultry farms or other high risk areas. On the same note, try to avoid contact with sick people. Simply distancing yourself and your family from the disease can be one of the most effective preventive measures taken.

If you come in contact with sick people, or even as a general rule of thumb, wash your hands often, with antibacterial soap, and practice good hygiene in general. The regular flu virus is spread by saliva and mucus being transmitted to others. If someone coughs in your face, this may not be able to be avoided; however, if you touch something that is contaminated, you will just as likely become ill – unless you wash the virus away before it makes its way into your body.

Another precaution you should take in preventing the infection of bird flu is to properly handle and cook all poultry. While the jury seems to be out on whether or not there are cases of the flu due to undercooked poultry, reliable sources are reporting there have been. Even a suspicion should be enough to encourage certain precautions, not to mention proper handling is just a good practice. Likewise, properly clean all surfaces that have come in contact with raw meat and wash hands after handling.

Should you or a family member become ill, you should seek medical advice. There are medications that can be administered that lessen the impact of many flu strains, but they are only effective if given early in the disease. For this reason, treatment must be sought immediately.

About the Author:
Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohn’s Disease. For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now. visit www.imedicalvillage