swine flu

N95 Health Mask Gerson 20 Masks
$5.99
This model of respirator is listed on the CDC website as follows "FDA has authorized emergency use of these respirators by the general public1 during the current swine flu emergency to help reduce exposure to airborne germs." A table follows that statement with the gerson 1730 model in the table.

I purchased a couple of boxes because the cost was not too bad at around $8/box, and I can use them in the garage when woodworking, spraying some chemicals, cutting tile, etc. So I won't be wasting my money even if we don't get the flu. If one of my kids gets the flu, I will probably quarantine them to their room with a TV and game boy, and wear these when I am directly caring for them, along with a pair of gloves. In the hospital when entering or exiting a patient's room who had an airborne illness like the flu, we gowned, gloved and put on masks to protect ourselves. This respirator isn't guaranteed to keep you from getting the flu, but may help you be safe. Safer still is good hand washing frequently, and washing counters, doorknobs, and surfaces with bleach spray, etc.

If I were a pregnant woman, elderly person, or person with an underlying condition such as asthma, bronchitis, cancer, HIV etc. I would probably wear a respirator and perhaps even gloves in public. The mortality and complication rates among these populations from the flu is so much higher that more precautionary measures for this population is prudent. The FDA has approved the 3M 8612 model respirator, which is probably the one I would go with if I were in this population group and could afford to do so. If the cost of those is prohibitive, the Gerson 1730 would also be an option.

GIANT Microbes Plush Doll Swine Flu (Influenza A virus H1N1)
$6.85
This little piggy had swine flu, this little piggy had none. Giant Microbes are stuffed 'animals' that look like tiny microbesonly a million times actual size! Each 5-to-7 inch doll is accompanied by an image of the real microbe it represents, as well as information about the microbe. They make great learning tools for parents and educators, as well as amusing gifts for anyone with a sense of humor!

Global Time Bomb: Surviving the H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic and Other Global Health Threats
$15.95
The media is blowing this thing up and giving us dodgy information. Shocking, I know. In "Global Time Bomb" Dorrance gets all of his information straight from the CDC and presents it in a straightforward manner and refreshingly treats us like adults. Only time will tell whether Swine Flu is actually a global crisis or not.

Of all the information contained here, the information on avoiding and preventing MRSA may very well be the most valuable.

H1N1 and Swine Influenza (Flu) Protection Kit w/ N95 Masks - Meets CDC Guidelines for H1N1 and Swine Flu
$29.99
This Kit is really something. The choice of Nitrile rather than latex gloves goes to the heart of what makes it so worthwhile; this can be used now, or years from now. Nitrile lasts, and you don't want to discover that you or a loved one have an allergy to latex in an emergency. The masks exceed the guidelines, and mine arrived in great condition. They're a big cut above the hardware-store dust-masks most people wear... those masks do nothing to stop a virus.

Anyone with a sick relative or friend, with any strain of the flu or similar illness the immediacy of the Swine Flu issue aside could benefit from this Kit. The emphasis on sanitation showed to me that this was a well-considered product, intended to do exactly what it is designed to.

This isn't my first purchase from JIB, and it won't be the last. I've been pleased with the service, which is personal, friendly and immediate. The shipping is always fast, and the products are always in perfect condition and as advertised. Too often "kits" don't measure up, but these handpicked beauties really do.