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Not all Flu Face Masks are Created Equal!
N-95 Masks are the Gold Standard for airborne viral infection (CDC recommendations for those working directly with the virus or those infected with it.) - Dr. L. Heckert
N-95 Mask Home
About Flu Masks
What You Need to Know About Swine / Avian Flu Protection
Updated May 5, 2009
H1N1 (Swine) Flu
The Flu News unfolded in a way I had not expected.
My fear had been primarily that the deadly avian flu would mutate in a way that allowed it to be easily transmitted from human to human. While H to H transmission has occurred over the last few years, it has been limited so far.
Now, a new strain of flu has emerged, H1N1 (Swine) Flu. This virus is not very severe in most cases but it has learned to transmit H to H very efficiently. It is now spreading quickly over the entire world.
I do not believe you can count on government to protect you in case of a Flu Pandemic. Antivirals (Tamiflu, Relenza) could be in short supply and/or difficult for governments to distribute, and at present there IS NO VACCINE. You will need face masks and other personal protection as well as a family emergency plan (stored food and water, etc.) . Stocks of face masks are going fast and one mask is not enough. Masks need to be worn properly and discarded safely after use. On this site you will learn which masks protect against this small airborne virus and which do not. The N-95 / N95 mask is the mask recommended by CDC and Health care experts.
Does a Mask protect you?
Recently some have made statements that non-medical and first responders should not use masks, that masks will offer no protection. You should know that virologists disagree, primarily because research on this topic has been sparse and conflicting. And, of course, there is concern that, if everyone buys masks, there will be an inadequate supply for healthcare workers and first responders. A good synopsis of present opinion in the scientific community can be found at .http://www.curevents.com/vb/showthread.php?t=100763
My opinion (and many agree) is that it is common sense that a mask will offer protection. No matter whether flu virus is spread by aerosol or droplet, or both, a mask between your respiratory system has to be much superior to having no mask. I also believe it is silly to assume non-medical people cannot learn to wear and remove a mask properly. In addition, it is common sense that if one does not have a mask that filters particles and fluids 100 percent, or id one cannot tolerate an n95 mask, any mask is better than no mask. Read on for an explanation:
Face Masks, Gloves, Lab Coats, Safety Glasses
Avian Flu Pandemic Prepared?
Avian (Bird) Flu is an infection caused by viruses that occur in wild birds and domestic birds. These viruses usually do not infect humans, but since 1997, there have been cases of mammals, including humans, being infected. Most of the humans who have died from Avian Flu had a history of directly slaughtering or working with infected birds.
The type of Avian Flu being carefully watched now is Influenza A (H5N1). The fear is that this avian virus could mutate (probably by combining, in an infected mammal, with a human flu) and acquire the ability to be spread from human to human. This could trigger a worldwide epidemic, or pandemic. While the scare of last year has subsided somewhat, there have still been many infections. And the consensus of scientists is that sooner or later a very problematic strain will occur.
©2005-9 Dr. Lynne Heckert
Other sites include
Face Masks, Dental Smarts, Flu Face Mask, Signs of a Stroke
Heart Attack Signs
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