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From: "Dave Milk" <dave..._at_hotmail.com>
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Subject: Re: [TSCM-L] {1403} Re: [TSCM-L] Norovirus - Face Masks
Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:12:37 -0400
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I Hope you are not referring to me as "snotty remarks" (it was not made cle=
ar in the reply I recieved.
Hopefully not as I was telling you about another disease coverup, I saw the=
se people die , and had to undergoe a lot of hospitalcounselling as a resul=
t, I personally flat lined 3 times during this battle and lost 50 lbs in 10=
days
Sad that this can happen in the 21st century:(
Dave
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Dave Milk=20
To: TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com=20
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 11:08 PM
Subject: [TSCM-L] {1403} Re: [TSCM-L] Norovirus - Face Masks
a few years ago I was hospitalized with "ARDS" , during
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Reginald Curtis=20
To: TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com=20
Cc: garya_..._at_hotmail.com=20
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 4:16 PM
Subject: [TSCM-L] {1400} RE: [TSCM-L] Norovirus - Face Masks
This is an addition to the idea of planning ahead re health issues. For=
those of you who think this should not be on the list, please ignore and m=
ove on. And please, keep your gratuitous snotty remarks to yourself. Some t=
ime ago, Toronto was struck by a SARS epidemic which aside from killing peo=
ple, did serious economic damage. This is an OP-Ed piece from the New York =
Times of October 25/06.
"FACE FACTS
by Lawrence M. Wein
Correction Appended
Stanford, California
Despite all the attention given to anthrax and smallpox and potential w=
eapons of mass destruction, pandemic influenza is probably the world's most=
serious near-term public health threat. If a strain similar in affect to t=
he 1918 Spanish flu (which killed tens of millions of people worldwide) eme=
rges in the next several years, it is highly likely that an effective vacci=
ne will not be available during the pandemics first wave, that we won't hav=
e enough antiviral drugs for large-scale prohylactic use, and hospitals wil=
l be too overwhelmed to treat most cases.
Consequently, as in 1918, we will need to combine medical efforts with =
voluntary and forced social changes - closing schools and churches, cancell=
ing public gatherings, keeping workers at home - to hinder the flu's spread=
. Our government must draw up a plan for educating the public about effecti=
ve nonpharmaceutical interventions like hand washing and face protection li=
ke masks.
A prerequisite for doing so is determining the biggist culprit in sprea=
ding influenaa: droplet transmission, in which an infected person sneezes o=
r coughs directly into the mouth, nose or eyes of someone who is susceptibl=
e; contact transmission, in which virus is transferred by hands either dire=
ctly, say, through a handshake, or indirectly through an object like a door=
knob; and aerosol transmission, in which evaporated virus-containing partic=
le are inhaled.
Remarkably, this issue has not been resolved: the Department of Health =
and Human Services' Pandemic Influenza Plan states that 'the relative clini=
cal importance of each of these modes of transmission is not known.' As a r=
esult, the government enthusiastically endorses frequent hand washing - whi=
ch would reduce contact transmission, and costs nothing - but remains nonco=
mmittal about face protection. While the government says that it might be =
beneficial, it doesn't make respirators or masks available. Yet face protec=
tion would guard against aerosal and droplet transmission, and even reduce =
contact transmission by making it difficult to place fingers into one's mou=
th or nose.
A Stanford graduate student, Michael Atkinson, and I recently performed=
a detailed study of the routes of transmission, using data on influenza an=
d on rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Our findings suggest that th=
e dominant mode of transmission for influenza is aerosol - implying that ha=
nd washing will make little difference. This is consistent with the views o=
f leading researchers several decades ago, views that somehow have been for=
gotten by the public health community.
We found that ventilation, like placing a fan in an open window, and hu=
midifiers (most influenza strains survive in the air for much less time whe=
n the humidity is raised to about 65 percent) can reduce transmission sligh=
tly. Sleeping in separate bedrooms (and working in separate offices) can he=
lp even more.
But the single most effective intervention is face protection. And beca=
use roughly one-third of influenza transmissions occur before an infected p=
erson exhibits symptoms, these precautions should be taken whenever people =
are in the same room throughout the pandemic period.
There are two kinds of face protenction: N95 respirators, as worn by co=
nstruction workers, for instance, and surgical masks of the sort worn by de=
ntal hygienists. (The respirators cost roughly a dollar apiece, the surgica=
l masks 10 cents.) Their efficacy in preventing aerosol transmission depend=
s on three factors: the extent to which the face filter prevents virus part=
icles from passing through, how tightly the device fits and - most importan=
t- how long people can be coerced into wearing them.
To our surprise, we found that the filters in surgical masks, although =
not as good as the filters in the N95 respirators, are still quite effectiv=
e. And although a surgical mask fits much more loosely and allows more leak=
age, it's also more comfortable - and therefore likely to be effective beca=
use it's used more. Wearing nylon hosiery over a surgical mask essentially=
eliminates the face leakage, making this combination a practical, albiet m=
acabre, alternative. The less comfortable N95 respirators would propably re=
sult in lower compliance.
The government doesn't stockpile masks and respirators, and the manufac=
turers aren't able to produce a huge number of them quickly. But the way fo=
rward seems clear: the government needs to build up a supply of respirators=
and masks just as it does with vaccines and antivirals. It should first hi=
re a whiz-bang design company to create, within one month, a surgical mask =
that comfortably adheres to the face, and then decide on the appropriate mi=
x of respirators and masks. Next, it needs to sign contracts with manufactu=
rers to stockpile masks and respirators, relieving the manufacturers of lia=
bility issues.
Although there is very little technological risk involved (masks and re=
spirators are easier to make and safer than vaccines), several issues need =
to be ironed out. First, the effectiveness of N95 respirators and masks var=
y widely. The government needs to educate the public (the brands are anonym=
ous in the published studies) and should stockpile only the most effective =
brands.
Also, if respirators and masks are discarded daily, as they are in many=
hospitals, the national demand during a three-month pandemic could be 10 t=
o 20 billion, and the cost of respirators for a family of four several hund=
red dollars. Such waste isn't necessary. The virus does not survive longer =
than a few hours on the material used for masks and respirators, so they sh=
ould be re-used until they disintegrate.
The government and the public health community must switch mindsets, fr=
om the current perspective of protecting workers paid to do a dangerous job=
everyday, to that of providing ciitizens with the tools best to protect th=
emselves during a pandemic.
It may take 18 months to build a stockpile of respirators and masks, so=
there is no time to lose. The American people's faith in their government =
will be seriously undermined if, along with larger measures like school clo=
sings, it cannot provide effective face protection for its citizens during =
a deadly pandemic. Masks and respirators may be our main lines of defense d=
uring a pandemic.
Lawrence M.Wein is a professor at Stanford's graduate school of busines=
s.
Correction: October 28, 2006
An Op-Ed article on Wednesday, about preventatives during an influenza =
pandemic, incorrectly stated that the government had not stockpiled masks a=
nd respirators. The Centers for Disease Control has a stockpile of 74.3 mil=
lion respirators and 45.5 million masks."
Note: In a private communication from Prof.Wein, he stated that a mask =
or respirator should be worn "[a]ny place where you are in a room with anot=
her person (unless you've all been isolated for 5 days from the outside wor=
ld)."
The end
Reg Curtis/VE9RWC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "James M. Atkinson" <jm..._at_tscm.com>
Reply-To: TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com
To: TSCM-L <TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com>
Subject: [TSCM-L] Norovirus
Date: Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:38:32 -0500
>
>
>Please read the following:
>
>A lot of companies in the North-East are having
>this hit them rather hard, a lot of security
>departments have half their department out sick
>with this, and several sweep folks have gotten
>sidelined for over a week when this hit them. It
>is not the kind of thing that you want to have hit you when your tra=
veling.
>
>If you get this your best bet is to stay home
>until it totally clears up, see your doctor as
>quickly as possible, hydrate-hydrate-hydrate, and wash your hands of=
ten.
>
>-jma
>
>
>
>
>
>http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-qa.htm
>
>What are noroviruses?
>
>Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the
>"stomach flu," or gastroenteritis
>(GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. The term
>norovirus was recently approved as the official
>name for this group of viruses. Several other
>names have been used for noroviruses, including:
>
>Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs)
>caliciviruses (because they belong to the virus family Caliciviridae=
)
>small round structured viruses.
>Viruses are very different from bacteria and
>parasites, some of which can cause illnesses
>similar to norovirus infection. Like all viral
>infections, noroviruses are not affected by
>treatment with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person's bo=
dy.
>
>What are the symptoms of illness caused by noroviruses?
>
>The symptoms of norovirus illness usually include
>nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach
>cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a
>low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches,
>and a general sense of tiredness. The illness
>often begins suddenly, and the infected person
>may feel very sick. In most people the illness is
>self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1
>or 2 days. In general, children experience more
>vomiting than adults. Most people with norovirus
>illness have both of these symptoms.
>
>
>
>What is the name of the illness caused by noroviruses?
>
>Illness caused by norovirus infection has several names, including:
>
>stomach flu - this "stomach flu" is not related
>to the flu (or influenza), which is a respiratory
>illness caused by influenza virus.
>viral gastroenteritis - the most common name for
>illness caused by norovirus. Gastroenteritis
>refers to an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
>acute gastroenteritis
>non-bacterial gastroenteritis
>food poisoning (although there are other causes of food poisoning)
>calicivirus infection
>How serious is norovirus disease?
>
>People may feel very sick and vomit many times a
>day, but most people get better within 1 or 2
>days, and they have no long-term health effects
>related to their illness. However, sometimes
>people are unable to drink enough liquids to
>replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting
>and diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated
>and may need special medical attention. This
>problem with dehydration is usually only seen
>among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune =
systems.
>
>How do people become infected with noroviruses?
>
>Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of
>infected people. People can become infected with
>the virus in several ways, including:
>
>eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus=
;
>touching surfaces or objects contaminated with
>norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth;
>having direct contact with another person who is
>infected and showing symptoms (for example, when
>caring for someone with illness, or sharing foods
>or eating utensils with someone who is ill).
>Persons working in day-care centers or nursing
>homes should pay special attention to children or
>residents who have norovirus illness. This virus
>is very contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such environmen=
ts.
>
>
>
>When do symptoms appear?
>
>Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin about
>24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but
>they can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.
>
>Are noroviruses contagious?
>
>Noroviruses are very contagious and can spread
>easily from person to person. Both stool and
>vomit are infectious. Particular care should be
>taken with young children in diapers who may have
>diarrhea.How long are people contagious?
>
>People infected with norovirus are contagious
>from the moment they begin feeling ill to at
>least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be
>contagious for as long as 2 weeks after recovery.
>Therefore, it is particularly important for
>people to use good handwashing and other hygienic
>practices after they have recently recovered from norovirus illness.
>
>Who gets norovirus infection?
>
>Anyone can become infected with these viruses.
>There are many different strains of norovirus,
>which makes it difficult for a person's body to
>develop long-lasting immunity. Therefore,
>norovirus illness can recur throughout a person's
>lifetime. In addition, because of differences in
>genetic factors, some people are more likely to
>become infected and develop more severe illness than others.
>
>What treatment is available for people with norovirus infection?
>
>Currently, there is no antiviral medication that
>works against norovirus and there is no vaccine
>to prevent infection. Norovirus infection cannot
>be treated with antibiotics. This is because
>antibiotics work to fight bacteria and not viruses.
>
>Norovirus illness is usually brief in healthy
>individuals. When people are ill with vomiting
>and diarrhea, they should drink plenty of fluids
>to prevent dehydration. Dehydration among young
>children, the elderly, the sick, can be common,
>and it is the most serious health effect that can
>result from norovirus infection. By drinking oral
>rehydration fluids (ORF), juice, or water, people
>can reduce their chance of becoming dehydrated.
>Sports drinks do not replace the nutrients and
>minerals lost during this illness.
>
>Can norovirus infections be prevented?
>
>You can decrease your chance of coming in contact
>with noroviruses by following these preventive steps:
>
>Frequently wash your hands, especially after
>toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or preparing fo=
od.
>Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eatin=
g them.
>Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated
>surfaces immediately after an episode of illness
>by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
>Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens
>that may be contaminated with virus after an
>episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
>Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the
>toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.
>Persons who are infected with norovirus should
>not prepare food while they have symptoms and for
>3 days after they recover from their illness (see
>food handler information sheet). Food that may
>have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of proper=
ly.
>
>
>
>--------------------------------------------------------------------=
--------------------------------
> World Class, Professional, Ethical, and Competent Bug Sweeps, and
>Wiretap Detection using Sophisticated Laboratory Grade Test Equipmen=
t.
>--------------------------------------------------------------------=
--------------------------------
> James M. Atkinson Phone: (978) 546-3803
> Granite Island Group Fax: (978) 546-9467
> 127 Eastern Avenue #291 Web: http://www.tscm.com/
> Gloucester, MA 01931-8008 E-mail: mailto:jm..._at_tscm.com
>--------------------------------------------------------------------=
--------------------------------
> We perform bug sweeps like it's a full contact sport, we take no pr=
isoners,
>and we give no quarter. Our goal is to simply, and completely stop t=
he spy.
>--------------------------------------------------------------------=
--------------------------------
>
>
>
>
>=20
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<BODY bgColor=3D#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>I Hope you are not referring to me as "sno=
tty=20
remarks" (it was not made clear in the reply I recieved.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Hopefully not as I was telling you about a=
nother=20
disease coverup, I saw these people die , and had to undergoe a lot of=20
hospitalcounselling as a result, I personally flat lined 3 times during thi=
s=20
battle and lost 50 lbs in 10 days</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Sad that this can happen in the 21st=20
century:(</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Dave</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LE=
FT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV=20
style=3D"BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>Fro=
m:</B>=20
<A title=3Ddave..._at_hotmail.com href=3D"mailto:dave..._at_hotmail.com">Dave M=
ilk</A>=20
</DIV>
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=3DTSCM-..._at_googlegrou=
ps.com=20
href=3D"mailto:TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com">TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com</A>=
=20
</DIV>
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, March 19, 2007 11:08=
=20
PM</DIV>
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [TSCM-L] {1403} Re: [TSCM=
-L]=20
Norovirus - Face Masks</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>a few years ago I was hospitalized with =
"ARDS" ,=20
during</FONT></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-=
LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV=20
style=3D"BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>F=
rom:</B>=20
<A title=3Dreginal..._at_hotmail.com=20
href=3D"mailto:reginal..._at_hotmail.com">Reginald Curtis</A> </DIV>
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A=20
title=3DTSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com=20
href=3D"mailto:TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com">TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com</A>=
=20
</DIV>
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Cc:</B> <A title=3Dgarya_..._at_hotmail=
.com=20
href=3D"mailto:garya_..._at_hotmail.com">garya_..._at_hotmail.com</A> </DIV>
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Monday, March 19, 2007 4:1=
6=20
PM</DIV>
<DIV style=3D"FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [TSCM-L] {1400} RE: [TS=
CM-L]=20
Norovirus - Face Masks</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>
<P>This is an addition to the idea of planning ahead re health issues. =
For=20
those of you who think this should not be on the list, please ignore an=
d=20
move on. And please, keep your gratuitous snotty remarks to yourself. S=
ome=20
time ago, Toronto was struck by a SARS epidemic which aside from killin=
g=20
people, did serious economic damage. This is an OP-Ed piece from the=20
<STRONG>New York Times </STRONG>of October 25/06.<BR><BR>"FACE FACTS</P=
>
<P>by Lawrence M. Wein</P>
<P>Correction Appended</P>
<P>Stanford, California</P>
<P>Despite all the attention given to anthrax and smallpox and potentia=
l=20
weapons of mass destruction, pandemic influenza is probably the world's=
most=20
serious near-term public health threat. If a strain similar in affect t=
o the=20
1918 Spanish flu (which killed tens of millions of people worldwide) em=
erges=20
in the next several years, it is highly likely that an effective vaccin=
e=20
will not be available during the pandemics first wave, that we won't ha=
ve=20
enough antiviral drugs for large-scale prohylactic use, and hospitals w=
ill=20
be too overwhelmed to treat most cases.</P>
<P>Consequently, as in 1918, we will need to combine medical efforts wi=
th=20
voluntary and forced social changes - closing schools and churches,=20
cancelling public gatherings, keeping workers at home - to hinder the f=
lu's=20
spread. Our government must draw up a plan for educating the public abo=
ut=20
effective nonpharmaceutical interventions like hand washing and face=20
protection like masks.</P>
<P>A prerequisite for doing so is determining the biggist culprit in=20
spreading influenaa: droplet transmission, in which an infected person=
=20
sneezes or coughs directly into the mouth, nose or eyes of someone who =
is=20
susceptible; contact transmission, in which virus is transferred by han=
ds=20
either directly, say, through a handshake, or indirectly through an obj=
ect=20
like a doorknob; and aerosol transmission, in which evaporated=20
virus-containing particle are inhaled.</P>
<P>Remarkably, this issue has not been resolved: the Department of Heal=
th=20
and Human Services' Pandemic Influenza Plan states that 'the relative=
=20
clinical importance of each of these modes of transmission is not known=
.' As=20
a result, the government enthusiastically endorses frequent hand washin=
g -=20
which would reduce contact transmission, and costs nothing - but remain=
s=20
noncommittal about face protection. While the government says tha=
t it=20
might be beneficial, it doesn't make respirators or masks available. Ye=
t=20
face protection would guard against aerosal and droplet transmission, a=
nd=20
even reduce contact transmission by making it difficult to place finger=
s=20
into one's mouth or nose.</P>
<P>A Stanford graduate student, Michael Atkinson, and I recently perfor=
med a=20
detailed study of the routes of transmission, using data on influenza a=
nd on=20
rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Our findings suggest that the=
=20
dominant mode of transmission for influenza is aerosol - implying that =
hand=20
washing will make little difference. This is consistent with the views =
of=20
leading researchers several decades ago, views that somehow have been=
=20
forgotten by the public health community.</P>
<P>We found that ventilation, like placing a fan in an open window, and=
=20
humidifiers (most influenza strains survive in the air for much less ti=
me=20
when the humidity is raised to about 65 percent) can reduce transmissio=
n=20
slightly. Sleeping in separate bedrooms (and working in separate office=
s)=20
can help even more.</P>
<P>But the single most effective intervention is face protection. And=
=20
because roughly one-third of influenza transmissions occur before an=20
infected person exhibits symptoms, these precautions should be taken=20
whenever people are in the same room throughout the pandemic period.</P=
>
<P>There are two kinds of face protenction: N95 respirators, as worn by=
=20
construction workers, for instance, and surgical masks of the sort worn=
by=20
dental hygienists. (The respirators cost roughly a dollar apiece, the=
=20
surgical masks 10 cents.) Their efficacy in preventing aerosol transmis=
sion=20
depends on three factors: the extent to which the face filter prevents =
virus=20
particles from passing through, how tightly the device fits and - most=
=20
important- how long people can be coerced into wearing them.</P>
<P>To our surprise, we found that the filters in surgical masks, althou=
gh=20
not as good as the filters in the N95 respirators, are still quite=20
effective. And although a surgical mask fits much more loosely and allo=
ws=20
more leakage, it's also more comfortable - and therefore likely to be=
=20
effective because it's used more. Wearing nylon hosiery over a=20
surgical mask essentially eliminates the face leakage, making this=20
combination a practical, albiet macabre, alternative. The less comforta=
ble=20
N95 respirators would propably result in lower compliance.</P>
<P>The government doesn't stockpile masks and respirators, and the=20
manufacturers aren't able to produce a huge number of them quickly. But=
the=20
way forward seems clear: the government needs to build up a supply of=
=20
respirators and masks just as it does with vaccines and antivirals. It=
=20
should first hire a whiz-bang design company to create, within one mont=
h, a=20
surgical mask that comfortably adheres to the face, and then decide on =
the=20
appropriate mix of respirators and masks. Next, it needs to sign contra=
cts=20
with manufacturers to stockpile masks and respirators, relieving the=20
manufacturers of liability issues.</P>
<P>Although there is very little technological risk involved (masks and=
=20
respirators are easier to make and safer than vaccines), several issues=
need=20
to be ironed out. First, the effectiveness of N95 respirators and masks=
vary=20
widely. The government needs to educate the public (the brands are anon=
ymous=20
in the published studies) and should stockpile only the most effective=
=20
brands.</P>
<P>Also, if respirators and masks are discarded daily, as they are in m=
any=20
hospitals, the national demand during a three-month pandemic could be 1=
0 to=20
20 billion, and the cost of respirators for a family of four several hu=
ndred=20
dollars. Such waste isn't necessary. The virus does not survive longer =
than=20
a few hours on the material used for masks and respirators, so they sho=
uld=20
be re-used until they disintegrate.</P>
<P>The government and the public health community must switch mindsets,=
from=20
the current perspective of protecting workers paid to do a dangerous jo=
b=20
everyday, to that of providing ciitizens with the tools best to protect=
=20
themselves during a pandemic.</P>
<P>It may take 18 months to build a stockpile of respirators and masks,=
so=20
there is no time to lose. The American people's faith in their governme=
nt=20
will be seriously undermined if, along with larger measures like school=
=20
closings, it cannot provide effective face protection for its citizens=
=20
during a deadly pandemic. Masks and respirators may be our main lines o=
f=20
defense during a pandemic.</P>
<P>Lawrence M.Wein is a professor at Stanford's graduate school of=20
business.</P>
<P>Correction: October 28, 2006</P>
<P>An Op-Ed article on Wednesday, about preventatives during an influen=
za=20
pandemic, incorrectly stated that the government had not stockpiled mas=
ks=20
and respirators. The Centers for Disease Control has a stockpile of 74.=
3=20
million respirators and 45.5 million masks."</P>
<P>Note: In a private communication from Prof.Wein, he stated that a ma=
sk or=20
respirator should be worn "[a]ny place where you are in a room with ano=
ther=20
person (unless you've all been isolated for 5 days from the outside=20
world)."</P>
<P>The end</P><BR>
<DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=3D#ff0033><STRONG>Reg=20
Curtis/VE9RWC</STRONG></FONT></DIV></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE=20
style=3D"PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #a0c6e5 2px =
solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px"><FONT=20
style=3D"FONT-SIZE: 11px; FONT-FAMILY: tahoma,sans-serif">
<HR color=3D#a0c6e5 SIZE=3D1>
From: <I>"James M. Atkinson" <j..._at_tscm.com></I><BR>Reply-To:=
=20
<I>TSCM-..._at_googlegroups.com</I><BR>To: <I>TSCM-L=20
<TSC..._at_googlegroups.com></I><BR>Subject: <I>[TSCM-L]=20
Norovirus</I><BR>Date: <I>Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:38:32=20
-0500</I><BR>><BR>><BR>>Please read the=20
following:<BR>><BR>>A lot of companies in the North-East are=20
having<BR>>this hit them rather hard, a lot of=20
security<BR>>departments have half their department out=20
sick<BR>>with this, and several sweep folks have=20
gotten<BR>>sidelined for over a week when this hit them. It<BR>>=
;is=20
not the kind of thing that you want to have hit you when your=20
traveling.<BR>><BR>>If you get this your best bet is to stay=20
home<BR>>until it totally clears up, see your doctor as<BR>>qui=
ckly=20
as possible, hydrate-hydrate-hydrate, and wash your hands=20
often.<BR>><BR>>-jma<BR>><BR>><BR>><BR>><BR>><BR=
>>http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-qa.htm<BR>><BR=
>>What=20
are noroviruses?<BR>><BR>>Noroviruses are a group of viruses th=
at=20
cause the<BR>>=93stomach flu,=94 or=20
gastroenteritis<BR>>(GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. The=20
term<BR>>norovirus was recently approved as the official<BR>>na=
me=20
for this group of viruses. Several other<BR>>names have been used =
for=20
noroviruses, including:<BR>><BR>>Norwalk-like viruses=20
(NLVs)<BR>>caliciviruses (because they belong to the virus family=
=20
Caliciviridae)<BR>>small round structured viruses.<BR>>Viruses =
are=20
very different from bacteria and<BR>>parasites, some of which can =
cause=20
illnesses<BR>>similar to norovirus infection. Like all=20
viral<BR>>infections, noroviruses are not affected by<BR>>treat=
ment=20
with antibiotics, and cannot grow outside of a person=92s=20
body.<BR>><BR>>What are the symptoms of illness caused by=20
noroviruses?<BR>><BR>>The symptoms of norovirus illness usually=
=20
include<BR>>nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some=20
stomach<BR>>cramping. Sometimes people additionally have=20
a<BR>>low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches,<BR>>and =
a=20
general sense of tiredness. The illness<BR>>often begins suddenly,=
and=20
the infected person<BR>>may feel very sick. In most people the ill=
ness=20
is<BR>>self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1<BR>>or 2=
=20
days. In general, children experience more<BR>>vomiting than adult=
s.=20
Most people with norovirus<BR>>illness have both of these=20
symptoms.<BR>><BR>><BR>><BR>>What is the name of the illn=
ess=20
caused by noroviruses?<BR>><BR>>Illness caused by norovirus=20
infection has several names, including:<BR>><BR>>stomach flu =
=96 this=20
=93stomach flu=94 is not related<BR>>to the flu (or influenza), wh=
ich is a=20
respiratory<BR>>illness caused by influenza virus.<BR>>viral=20
gastroenteritis =96 the most common name for<BR>>illness caused by=
=20
norovirus. Gastroenteritis<BR>>refers to an inflammation of the st=
omach=20
and intestines.<BR>>acute gastroenteritis<BR>>non-bacterial=20
gastroenteritis<BR>>food poisoning (although there are other cause=
s of=20
food poisoning)<BR>>calicivirus infection<BR>>How serious is=20
norovirus disease?<BR>><BR>>People may feel very sick and vomit=
many=20
times a<BR>>day, but most people get better within 1 or 2<BR>>d=
ays,=20
and they have no long-term health effects<BR>>related to their ill=
ness.=20
However, sometimes<BR>>people are unable to drink enough liquids=
=20
to<BR>>replace the liquids they lost because of vomiting<BR>>an=
d=20
diarrhea. These persons can become dehydrated<BR>>and may need spe=
cial=20
medical attention. This<BR>>problem with dehydration is usually on=
ly=20
seen<BR>>among the very young, the elderly, and persons with weake=
ned=20
immune systems.<BR>><BR>>How do people become infected with=20
noroviruses?<BR>><BR>>Noroviruses are found in the stool or vom=
it=20
of<BR>>infected people. People can become infected with<BR>>the=
=20
virus in several ways, including:<BR>><BR>>eating food or drink=
ing=20
liquids that are contaminated with norovirus;<BR>>touching surface=
s or=20
objects contaminated with<BR>>norovirus, and then placing their ha=
nd in=20
their mouth;<BR>>having direct contact with another person who=20
is<BR>>infected and showing symptoms (for example, when<BR>>car=
ing=20
for someone with illness, or sharing foods<BR>>or eating utensils =
with=20
someone who is ill).<BR>>Persons working in day-care centers or=20
nursing<BR>>homes should pay special attention to children=20
or<BR>>residents who have norovirus illness. This virus<BR>>is =
very=20
contagious and can spread rapidly throughout such=20
environments.<BR>><BR>><BR>><BR>>When do symptoms=20
appear?<BR>><BR>>Symptoms of norovirus illness usually begin=20
about<BR>>24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but<BR>>=
they=20
can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.<BR>><BR>>Are=20
noroviruses contagious?<BR>><BR>>Noroviruses are very contagiou=
s and=20
can spread<BR>>easily from person to person. Both stool=20
and<BR>>vomit are infectious. Particular care should be<BR>>tak=
en=20
with young children in diapers who may have<BR>>diarrhea.How long =
are=20
people contagious?<BR>><BR>>People infected with norovirus are=
=20
contagious<BR>>from the moment they begin feeling ill to=20
at<BR>>least 3 days after recovery. Some people may=20
be<BR>>contagious for as long as 2 weeks after=20
recovery.<BR>>Therefore, it is particularly important for<BR>>p=
eople=20
to use good handwashing and other hygienic<BR>>practices after the=
y=20
have recently recovered from norovirus illness.<BR>><BR>>Who ge=
ts=20
norovirus infection?<BR>><BR>>Anyone can become infected with t=
hese=20
viruses.<BR>>There are many different strains of=20
norovirus,<BR>>which makes it difficult for a person=92s body=20
to<BR>>develop long-lasting immunity. Therefore,<BR>>norovirus=
=20
illness can recur throughout a person=92s<BR>>lifetime. In additio=
n,=20
because of differences in<BR>>genetic factors, some people are mor=
e=20
likely to<BR>>become infected and develop more severe illness than=
=20
others.<BR>><BR>>What treatment is available for people with=20
norovirus infection?<BR>><BR>>Currently, there is no antiviral=
=20
medication that<BR>>works against norovirus and there is no=20
vaccine<BR>>to prevent infection. Norovirus infection cannot<BR>&g=
t;be=20
treated with antibiotics. This is because<BR>>antibiotics work to =
fight=20
bacteria and not viruses.<BR>><BR>>Norovirus illness is usually=
=20
brief in healthy<BR>>individuals. When people are ill with=20
vomiting<BR>>and diarrhea, they should drink plenty of fluids<BR>&=
gt;to=20
prevent dehydration. Dehydration among young<BR>>children, the eld=
erly,=20
the sick, can be common,<BR>>and it is the most serious health eff=
ect=20
that can<BR>>result from norovirus infection. By drinking=20
oral<BR>>rehydration fluids (ORF), juice, or water, people<BR>>=
can=20
reduce their chance of becoming dehydrated.<BR>>Sports drinks do n=
ot=20
replace the nutrients and<BR>>minerals lost during this=20
illness.<BR>><BR>>Can norovirus infections be=20
prevented?<BR>><BR>>You can decrease your chance of coming in=
=20
contact<BR>>with noroviruses by following these preventive=20
steps:<BR>><BR>>Frequently wash your hands, especially=20
after<BR>>toilet visits and changing diapers and before eating or=
=20
preparing food.<BR>>Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and stea=
m=20
oysters before eating them.<BR>>Thoroughly clean and disinfect=20
contaminated<BR>>surfaces immediately after an episode of=20
illness<BR>>by using a bleach-based household=20
cleaner.<BR>>Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens<BR>>=
;that=20
may be contaminated with virus after an<BR>>episode of illness (us=
e hot=20
water and soap).<BR>>Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in=
=20
the<BR>>toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept=20
clean.<BR>>Persons who are infected with norovirus should<BR>>n=
ot=20
prepare food while they have symptoms and for<BR>>3 days after the=
y=20
recover from their illness (see<BR>>food handler information sheet=
).=20
Food that may<BR>>have been contaminated by an ill person should b=
e=20
disposed of=20
properly.<BR>><BR>><BR>><BR>>----------------------------=
------------------------------------------------------------------------<BR=
>>=20
World Class, Professional, Ethical, and Competent Bug Sweeps,=20
and<BR>>Wiretap Detection using Sophisticated Laboratory Grade Tes=
t=20
Equipment.<BR>>---------------------------------------------------=
-------------------------------------------------<BR>>=20
James M. Atkinson Phone: (978) 546-3803<BR>> Granite Island Group =
Fax:=20
(978) 546-9467<BR>> 127 Eastern Avenue #291 Web:=20
http://www.tscm.com/<BR>> Gloucester, MA 01931-8008 E-mail:=20
mailto:jm..._at_tscm.com<BR>>----------------------------------------=
------------------------------------------------------------<BR>>=20
We perform bug sweeps like it's a full contact sport, we take no=20
prisoners,<BR>>and we give no quarter. Our goal is to simply, and=
=20
completely stop the=20
spy.<BR>>---------------------------------------------------------=
-------------------------------------------<BR>><BR>><BR>><BR>>=
<BR>><BR<BR>=20
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Received on Sat Mar 02 2024 - 00:57:27 CST