Sticking to the old adage, "better to be safe than sorry," World Health Officials are keeping on their toes when it comes to warning against a possible epidemic of the bird flu (or h5n1 virus). but, some of the general public still do not know all the facts.
According to avianflu.gov, susceptibility to a pandemic flu will be universal, and if a severe pandemic flu does hit, absenteeism (from businesses and jobs) attributable to illness, the need to care for ill family members, and fear of infection may reach 40% during the peak weeks of a community outbreak. many fear this could cripple the global economy.
"Being able to work may be difficult or impossible,"
says the government web site, avianflu.gov. this is
why the site suggests families and business come up
with a check list and stock items such as food, water
and other supplies to keep the public safe from an outbreak.
Many do not realize that simple surgical masks are not effective in protecting against the bird flu. These masks are made to prevent transmission of germs from doctors to their patients, whereas, according to Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert from the University of Minnesota who was featured on the Oprah winfrey show, an N95 respirator mask blocks out contaminated air and reduces the wearer's risk of infection. N95 masks are a safer and more effective way to protect one's self from the spread of avian flu.
Other ways to prepare for a pandemic, such as the avian flu, is to start a stockpile of canned goods, water and prescription medication, Dr. Osterholm also recommended. This will allow people to survive in the case of a community-wide quarantine. Having other items, such as microbial hand sanitizers and to reduce the spread of infection are wise, as well. and, if leaving the house is necessary, whether to visit a place of business or if you run a business and cannot close, the masks and proper cleansing is extremely important.
We offer a Health Safety Kit, that contains twelve N95 respirator masks, one 4 fl. Oz bottle of Hand Sanitizer, six Sanitizing Towels, One pack of Tempo Multitask Sheets, all conveniently packaged in a hip pack for easy storage and distribution.
The avian flu has already mutated once, and was spread from human to human in various cases in asia, according to the world health organization, making it a risk for the united states, once the flu reaches our borders. Staying safe and healthy is a priority for everyone-and the most effective way to accomplish this is to stay prepared.
