During the SARS epidemic, China claimed that masks did nothing to prevent the spread of infection. If we take a close look at the way hospitals handle patients in isolation, we see they are covered from head to toe. Head covering, eye protection, masks; full length gowns, gloves and shoe covers. With such a deadly disease as the Avian Flu, should we consider any less?
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Lets start with masks.
The best I have found are the Trisyn Antimicrobial w/exhalation valve. These are obviously more expensive (range $7 +/- each), however, they have a 24 hr. use life and they are the only masks that kill the virus on contact. These are probably your best bet when taking care of a patient at home. The in and out of the sick room allows you to reuse the mask for a full day. Make sure everyone has his or her own mask – DO NOT SHARE!
The best I have found are the Trisyn Antimicrobial w/exhalation valve. These are obviously more expensive (range $7 +/- each), however, they have a 24 hr. use life and they are the only masks that kill the virus on contact. These are probably your best bet when taking care of a patient at home. The in and out of the sick room allows you to reuse the mask for a full day. Make sure everyone has his or her own mask – DO NOT SHARE!
Virasmask do not have any straps and adhere all the way around the mask – a big plus. These generally have an 8hr life and would be ideal for those having to be out in public all day, i.e. work.
Nanomask have replaceable filters (make sure to sterilize the mask after use) and come in both adult and children’s sizes.
Generic N95-N100 is OK as long as the mask stays dry and tightly against the skin. After donning the mask, blow hard into it. If you feel any air coming out the sides or top, cover with medical tape.
Homemade mask directions can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol1206/05-1468.htm
How many masks do we need? Minimum - 6 weeks worth. The type you choose and how often you expect to use them will be up to you.
Goggles:
One of the most neglected items is goggles. The flu virus can enter in through the mucus membrane of the eyes, so eye protection is necessary. Most goggles have vents, so covering the holes with a breathable fabric will work.
One of the most neglected items is goggles. The flu virus can enter in through the mucus membrane of the eyes, so eye protection is necessary. Most goggles have vents, so covering the holes with a breathable fabric will work.
Gloves:
Cheap and easy to find. For those with latex allergies, or if you prefer, try the cotton-lined household gloves (used for household cleaning). These can be reused after disinfecting. Double gloving for patient care is not unusual, so go ahead with that if you like.
Cheap and easy to find. For those with latex allergies, or if you prefer, try the cotton-lined household gloves (used for household cleaning). These can be reused after disinfecting. Double gloving for patient care is not unusual, so go ahead with that if you like.
Hair:
The virus can cling to hair and skin as easily as anywhere, so caps should be used. Plastic shower caps (inexpensive at the $ stores and can be washed) or medical caps; either is fine.
The virus can cling to hair and skin as easily as anywhere, so caps should be used. Plastic shower caps (inexpensive at the $ stores and can be washed) or medical caps; either is fine.
Gowns:
These can get as expensive as good masks, but are necessary. I’m recycling my husbands long –sleeved business shirts ( you must have long sleeves) and adding a piece of fabric along the edge for protection to the calf.
These can get as expensive as good masks, but are necessary. I’m recycling my husbands long –sleeved business shirts ( you must have long sleeves) and adding a piece of fabric along the edge for protection to the calf.
Feet:
You can purchase shoe protectors, wear socks (to be removed and put into disinfectant) or a pair of shoes that stay at the door of the sickroom.
You can purchase shoe protectors, wear socks (to be removed and put into disinfectant) or a pair of shoes that stay at the door of the sickroom.
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Of course the best action you can take to protect yourself and your family is
QUARANTINE, QUARANTINE, QUARANTINE!
Stay inside. Plan on a minimum of 2 weeks up to 3 months of Food Storage and water, and avoid going out to shop, school, work, ect. if at all possible.
It could save your life!
Stay inside. Plan on a minimum of 2 weeks up to 3 months of Food Storage and water, and avoid going out to shop, school, work, ect. if at all possible.
It could save your life!
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