Wider spread H1N1 problems are imminent according to all of our GOV Healthcare Watchdogs
This is not just another flu! It isn't Bird Flu, but it does kill!
A great deal of preparedness information is included at the following site.
www.cdc.flu
Here is what EPAC folks are considering in order to prepare to do battle with this virus, the probability of coming in contact with those who have not prepared themselves, and in caring for ill family members at home.. EPAC folks report feeling a strong sense of calm watchfulness. Bring it on! We're ready!
1. When HEPA 95's or any mask gets moist, it is no longer as effective in protecting you. If using Hep 95's disposables alone, you need to have an adequate supply. What is an adequate supply? No one knows or can know how many and how long. What does the 95 mean? It means that in testing, the mask was 95% effective in shielding from particulate of pathogen (virus) size in testing. These are basically nano filters you put over your mouth and nose. You make your choice of masks! Learning about this equipment is a good plan!! Last resort during serious life threatening virus pandemics is a plastic shopping bag with cut outs taped to glasses/goggles loosely tucked into collars...not for children
2. EPAC has researched medical healthcare workers mitigation information and looked at recent health care workers who have been infected, because of patient contact. We find the advised methods to protect self from this virus issued to public to be inadequate. This is just our finding, not a credible GOV recognized source.
3. Looking at accepted chain of infection models for this virus--- portal of entry--- one can become infected through any cut, eyes, nose, ears (don't put your fingers in your ears), mouth. In addition, be careful when you are in a public place or in a home with someone who may be ill, with your hygiene practices! Any oral route is a bonafide portal of entry.
4. KNOW THE SYMPTOMS
5. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EXTRA GOOD WORKING THERMOMETERS... REMEMBER TO DISPOSE OF THESE WHERE APPLICABLE (don't take all children's temperature with one thermometer - every child his or her own device) and toothbrushes get thrown away and even changed during recovery..you may want to check out using "toothettes" - very very soft bristle brushes when ill....
6. Most children already infected and those not infected will not use preventive hygiene. Parents should be actively involved in determining your school and Ward's H1N1 Preparedness plan. Parent's should keep home any child from Day care, babysitters, Church activities, school who has any flu-like symptoms until OK'd by your Primary Care MD, FNP, PA, etc., or any clinic set up to address this flu specifically.
7. Those at risk and anyone else who is able, should get the vaccine when available. Those who refuse vaccines should especially equip themselves against this virus.
8. EPAC recommends full face shields and disposable gloves, and then N95's or better, goggles and gloves, for most at risk folks during crisis or when family or others are ill with flu.... When should these be worn out of our homes?.... As soon as local sources let us know to or use own judgment. Designer masks are now available and meet GOV Specs.
9. EPAC is checking on Mask decorating for children and teenage girls, and the rest of us, who may want to use this method to decrease fear, stress, and want to find a little humor in this. More children will wear masks they decorated. We are checking on how this would effect viability of shielding.
10. Handwashing is essential in meantime!!!! Know handwashing skills and teach to family. Have proper anti infective, antiseptics available.
11. Coughing skills are essential. Learn these now so they will be more likely to become habit. Parents train your children now. Be firm on this! AND become accustomed to carrying handkerchiefs/Kleenex and your masks and gloves with you. Do not go anywhere near someone who is coughing. And for goodness sake, those trained in CPR, have your shields with you!!!!!
12. Understand the force of a cough and the projectile path means a lot more distance than has been presented publicly. Recommendations of staying at 6 foot distance is ridiculously inadequate.
13. If a family member is ill, you may wish to think about what you will need to care for this person at home. How will you contain the sick area? Construction 4 mil clear sheeting making a curtain around the sick bed will allow for seeing out and in and still help to contain projectile coughing. How will you manage hygiene? Can you change an occupied bed and not contaminate your self? How might you contain or dispose of soiled bedding, clothing? How will you wash these non-disposables? What would you do and how would you manage a death at home? Do you have an emergency call list available?
14. Wills and estate/placement of children on event of parents death extremely important
15. Be sure to have Emergency radios available.
16. Be prepared to shelter in place.
17. Dont forget pets and livestock food storage
18. Practice at home now...determine your sick room or rooms
19. FEAR is unproductive in this...respect and education are productive...
20. WORK on developing your most optimum physical and mental health now...get dental work and other needful procedures done as soon as possible to avoid a critical need later
21. Get right with yourself and family and neighbors
This is not just another flu! It isn't Bird Flu, but it does kill!
A great deal of preparedness information is included at the following site.
www.cdc.flu
Here is what EPAC folks are considering in order to prepare to do battle with this virus, the probability of coming in contact with those who have not prepared themselves, and in caring for ill family members at home.. EPAC folks report feeling a strong sense of calm watchfulness. Bring it on! We're ready!
1. When HEPA 95's or any mask gets moist, it is no longer as effective in protecting you. If using Hep 95's disposables alone, you need to have an adequate supply. What is an adequate supply? No one knows or can know how many and how long. What does the 95 mean? It means that in testing, the mask was 95% effective in shielding from particulate of pathogen (virus) size in testing. These are basically nano filters you put over your mouth and nose. You make your choice of masks! Learning about this equipment is a good plan!! Last resort during serious life threatening virus pandemics is a plastic shopping bag with cut outs taped to glasses/goggles loosely tucked into collars...not for children
2. EPAC has researched medical healthcare workers mitigation information and looked at recent health care workers who have been infected, because of patient contact. We find the advised methods to protect self from this virus issued to public to be inadequate. This is just our finding, not a credible GOV recognized source.
3. Looking at accepted chain of infection models for this virus--- portal of entry--- one can become infected through any cut, eyes, nose, ears (don't put your fingers in your ears), mouth. In addition, be careful when you are in a public place or in a home with someone who may be ill, with your hygiene practices! Any oral route is a bonafide portal of entry.
4. KNOW THE SYMPTOMS
5. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EXTRA GOOD WORKING THERMOMETERS... REMEMBER TO DISPOSE OF THESE WHERE APPLICABLE (don't take all children's temperature with one thermometer - every child his or her own device) and toothbrushes get thrown away and even changed during recovery..you may want to check out using "toothettes" - very very soft bristle brushes when ill....
6. Most children already infected and those not infected will not use preventive hygiene. Parents should be actively involved in determining your school and Ward's H1N1 Preparedness plan. Parent's should keep home any child from Day care, babysitters, Church activities, school who has any flu-like symptoms until OK'd by your Primary Care MD, FNP, PA, etc., or any clinic set up to address this flu specifically.
7. Those at risk and anyone else who is able, should get the vaccine when available. Those who refuse vaccines should especially equip themselves against this virus.
8. EPAC recommends full face shields and disposable gloves, and then N95's or better, goggles and gloves, for most at risk folks during crisis or when family or others are ill with flu.... When should these be worn out of our homes?.... As soon as local sources let us know to or use own judgment. Designer masks are now available and meet GOV Specs.
9. EPAC is checking on Mask decorating for children and teenage girls, and the rest of us, who may want to use this method to decrease fear, stress, and want to find a little humor in this. More children will wear masks they decorated. We are checking on how this would effect viability of shielding.
10. Handwashing is essential in meantime!!!! Know handwashing skills and teach to family. Have proper anti infective, antiseptics available.
11. Coughing skills are essential. Learn these now so they will be more likely to become habit. Parents train your children now. Be firm on this! AND become accustomed to carrying handkerchiefs/Kleenex and your masks and gloves with you. Do not go anywhere near someone who is coughing. And for goodness sake, those trained in CPR, have your shields with you!!!!!
12. Understand the force of a cough and the projectile path means a lot more distance than has been presented publicly. Recommendations of staying at 6 foot distance is ridiculously inadequate.
13. If a family member is ill, you may wish to think about what you will need to care for this person at home. How will you contain the sick area? Construction 4 mil clear sheeting making a curtain around the sick bed will allow for seeing out and in and still help to contain projectile coughing. How will you manage hygiene? Can you change an occupied bed and not contaminate your self? How might you contain or dispose of soiled bedding, clothing? How will you wash these non-disposables? What would you do and how would you manage a death at home? Do you have an emergency call list available?
14. Wills and estate/placement of children on event of parents death extremely important
15. Be sure to have Emergency radios available.
16. Be prepared to shelter in place.
17. Dont forget pets and livestock food storage
18. Practice at home now...determine your sick room or rooms
19. FEAR is unproductive in this...respect and education are productive...
20. WORK on developing your most optimum physical and mental health now...get dental work and other needful procedures done as soon as possible to avoid a critical need later
21. Get right with yourself and family and neighbors
