The real key to addressing any Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issue is the removal of the source of the pollutant or irritant if possible. We understand that if you love your cat to which you are allergic you have to deal with the dander but, if you are allergic to mold spores your first step is to either remove the source yourself or have it addressed professionally. Secondly, if you have a whole house forced air system you need to make sure that your system is well maintained and that the filter is a high quality one that is changed regularly. Now that you understand the basic types of air purifiers and the ground rules for IAQ we can address air purifier applications.
Asthma Air Purifiers
This is a tough medical condition with which to deal and we can only address the asthma that is induced by poor air quality not that induced by exercise or stress. The asthma triggering irritant may be either a particle such as pollen or a chemical or smell. Therefore, we must utilize both mechanical and adsorption air purifier technology. This translates to HEPA and activated carbon air purifier media.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) or Chemical Allergies
For these issues we cannot emphasize enough the elimination of the source of your sensitivity. While air purifiers will help, the constant irritant will increase your sensitivity. After you have addressed the source, the air purifier technology that will be of primary importance is adsorption. There are a number of models that specifically address MCS.
Pollen, Dust, and Mold Allergies
This is one of the most common applications for home air purifiers. All of these pollutants can be classed as particle pollution and can be handled by Novus Air, RCI Technology used in Nasa. If smells or odors also tend to trigger your allergy then you should consider using the air cleaners recommended for addressing the symptoms of asthma.
Pet Allergies
Since we are assuming you will not get rid of your pets we will emphasize the cleaning of their bedding and other items such as toys and play gyms to reduce the source of the pet material as much as possible prior to installing any air purifiers. Pets, particularly cats, tend to clean themselves by licking their fur. This leaves a very fine film of saliva on their fur that dries and then goes airborne as a very fine dust. This is the primary cause of most pet allergic reactions. While this represents a mechanical pollutant and would indicate that RCI Technology of Novus Air was used we have found that our customers are happiest if chemicals or odors are also addressed, particularly if the pet is a large dog, like a Lab, that will exude that wet dog smell on rainy days.
Tobacco Smoke
The smoke from cigarettes and, even worse, cigars is a stew of gasses and particles. It is particularly hard to address with room air purifiers because the source is so active putting out so many pollutants in such a short time. Even if all of the room air went though the air purifier 6 times per hour a Cigar will still overwhelm the air purifiers until it is extinguished. If you are unable to make your smoker go outside there are luckily several home air purifiers that manufacturers have specifically designed to address tobacco smoke and the multitude of pollutants it contains. When tobacco smoke is involved another type to reducing the odor is general cleaning. At least you should wipe down the light bulbs in the room. These attract the smoke when they are hot and the chemicals settle on the bulbs. Each time they are turned on and get hot they then put the chemicals back into the air. Please understand that even with the best air purifiers you should not expect to smoke a cigar next to a room air purifier and not have your wife notice in the next room.
Bacteria or Virus
Generally air purifiers used to address this application are for cases where there is an ill person in the home and we are trying to protect others from infection or as a preventative for people like the elderly that are susceptible to infection. UV light is needed for an air purifier to be effective in addressing these issues. However if all germs and virus are not exploded with UV light long enough or too far, they might not be killed completely. Novus Air designed to destroy bacteria and viruses with non-thermal plasmas sent out to the air.
12 January 2010
11 January 2010
Buy the Best Office Air Cleaners or Home Air Purifier
Mother reading to baby There are several basic technologies that are known to be effective in providing real improvement to office and home indoor quality. These are HEPA air purifiers and electrostatic air cleaners that typically also use activated carbon and sometimes UV purification. We sell the best air cleaners that employ these technologies at manufacture's minimum prices from IQAir, Austin Air Purifier, Allerair, Blueair, and Alen Air. We also offer a special version of the site for the visually impaired.
The brand of air cleaners and technology that is best for you must be researched because each solves different problems. HEPA filters effectively remove 99.97% of all particulates such as pollen and dust that pass through the filter, returning purified to your home or office. HEPA filter technology is among the best technology available for air cleaners. It is a very effective system but the filters must be changed to remain effective. Electrostatic or electronic systems by Friedrich clean with charged plates and save the cost of replacement filters but requires that the plates be washed. Both of these main technologies remove particles but not chemicals or odors. To address this need, room air purifiers must also have some form of activated carbon from as little as a thin mat to as much as 15 pounds. UV is also sometimes employed with a HEPA filter to eliminate microorganisms.
Whether your needs are for allergy air purifiers or air cleaners to address cigarette smoke, we can help you find the right one. Buy air cleaners from us and we will make sure that they ship to you on time and at no cost to you. We take your needs very seriously and work hard to make you a repeat customer.
Each of our office or home air purifiers is intended to serve a slightly different requirement from allergy arresting to addressing MCS, as well as serving different size rooms. We have tried to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each air purifier on this site. However, please call us toll-free at 800.497.8263 to get great service and so that we can personally address your needs.
Offering the best products in the market, ClearFlite Air Purifiers, Inc. has been working with office and home air purifiers since 1990 and began marketing a HEPA air purifier on the web in 1996. Whether you are searching for silent air purifiers or the allergy relief provided by one of our allergy air purifiers, we are here to serve you now and will continue to be of assistance in the future.
Important Information:
Returns: (Rare but just in case) If the air purifier does not meet your expectation, it may be returned within 30 days (60 Days for IQAir). Shipping charges are not refundable. Shipping Charges (2-day for IQAir and 3-day for Austin Air and UPS Ground for other air cleaners): No charge for shipping in the continental US. We charge the actual, un-inflated shipping cost to other regions. SALES TAX: We pay applicable sales tax so you do not have to, you pay only the price shown.
The brand of air cleaners and technology that is best for you must be researched because each solves different problems. HEPA filters effectively remove 99.97% of all particulates such as pollen and dust that pass through the filter, returning purified to your home or office. HEPA filter technology is among the best technology available for air cleaners. It is a very effective system but the filters must be changed to remain effective. Electrostatic or electronic systems by Friedrich clean with charged plates and save the cost of replacement filters but requires that the plates be washed. Both of these main technologies remove particles but not chemicals or odors. To address this need, room air purifiers must also have some form of activated carbon from as little as a thin mat to as much as 15 pounds. UV is also sometimes employed with a HEPA filter to eliminate microorganisms.
Whether your needs are for allergy air purifiers or air cleaners to address cigarette smoke, we can help you find the right one. Buy air cleaners from us and we will make sure that they ship to you on time and at no cost to you. We take your needs very seriously and work hard to make you a repeat customer.
Each of our office or home air purifiers is intended to serve a slightly different requirement from allergy arresting to addressing MCS, as well as serving different size rooms. We have tried to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each air purifier on this site. However, please call us toll-free at 800.497.8263 to get great service and so that we can personally address your needs.
Offering the best products in the market, ClearFlite Air Purifiers, Inc. has been working with office and home air purifiers since 1990 and began marketing a HEPA air purifier on the web in 1996. Whether you are searching for silent air purifiers or the allergy relief provided by one of our allergy air purifiers, we are here to serve you now and will continue to be of assistance in the future.
Important Information:
Returns: (Rare but just in case) If the air purifier does not meet your expectation, it may be returned within 30 days (60 Days for IQAir). Shipping charges are not refundable. Shipping Charges (2-day for IQAir and 3-day for Austin Air and UPS Ground for other air cleaners): No charge for shipping in the continental US. We charge the actual, un-inflated shipping cost to other regions. SALES TAX: We pay applicable sales tax so you do not have to, you pay only the price shown.
07 January 2010
How To Remove Cigarette Odor: Car, Home Smoke Removal
Even Novus Air can remove odor perfectly, you still need to learn other approaches to compare and sometime these techniques are useful for you:
By Staff Writer
Cigarette odor... unmistakable, pervasive and - to non-smokers and even many smokers - unpleasant to say the least. In cars, homes and businesses, an ongoing battle rages to keep allergies under control, create a more hospitable environment or prevent girlfriends from knowing the truth... Are you fed up with aerosol air fresheners that just layer a nauseatingly sweet odor over the static cigarette odor? Tired of commercial products that don't deliver on their promises?
To all of you, whatever your reasons, we at HowToDoThings have some tips for getting rid of that troublesome cigarette odor so you can breathe easier.
Of course, one of the best ways to remove odors - especially if there are associated nicotine stains - from carpets, furniture and walls is by using hydrogen peroxide. If you want to learn how to do this, I strongly recommend the popular and handy 101 Home Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide.
In any case, cigarette smoke removal isn't impossible...but it does take some effort to get rid of the smell.
1. Launder whatever you can. If an entire room smells like last year's bachelor party, removing cigarette smoke smell from home will require washing or dry-cleaning everything possible in order to maximize cigarette odor removal.
2. Vacuum. Before you use any chemicals or resort to desperate measures, vacuum up as much of that cigarette odor as possible. Use vacuum attachments to suck the smoke out of furniture and upholstery in your house or car. Beat out and vacuum car foot mats.
3. Vinegar. A bowl of white vinegar, left out overnight, can do a surprisingly good job removing foul cigarette odor.
4. Citrus. Some swear by citrus peels when they need to get rid of foul odors. Leave a liberal amount of citrus peels in your car or home for several days (until the peels are completely desiccated). When you remove them, you will also remove cigarette smell - or at least some of it.
5. Baking soda - one of the tried-and-true methods of odor removal. Whether cleaning your carpet, smelly used couch or dingy car seats, baking soda is your friend. Sprinkle it over the smoke-infused area and let it sit for a few hours. Then whip out your trusty vacuum cleaner to suck up the soda, finishing the job.
One word of advice: before sprinkling at will, test the baking soda out on a concealed part of the surface to make sure the surface or fabric doesn't interact unfavorably with the baking soda.how to remove cigarette smell
6. Coffee. When my old high school friend and I used to fantasize about a coffee-grounds-enhanced laundry detergent, who would've guessed that there might have actually been odor-fighting merit to that seemingly absurd concept? Utilize the odor-absorbent quality of coffee grounds to get rid of your cigarette odors. Don't sprinkle them all over the place like baking soda, though, since coffee can stain. Instead, pour coffee grounds into several individual coffee filters and tie them closed. Place the coffee bags on whatever is harboring the cigarette odar.
7. Air out the room or car. Requiring less effort than peeling an orange
or going to the store for white vinegar, you should definitely open all your windows and doors for several hours to encourage cigarette odors to lift from their cushions, carpets and other surfaces. If a particular piece of furniture reeks of stale cigarette smoke, bring it outdoors for a few hours on a dry day.
8. Charcoal. There's nothing fancy or particularly aesthetically pleasing about charcoal in a bowl, but when you scatter some bowls of charcoal around your room or car (as long as you're not planning to drive), you'll find that it has absorbed the cigarette odor after about a week. It's one of the unexpectedly effective forms of cigarette odor removal.
9. Smoke residue on surfaces. Don't neglect linoleum floors, glass and wood surfaces either; in a room or car that has witnessed heavy smoking, you can often see the residue! Use glass-cleaners, diluted ammonia and wood-cleaning solutions to scrub the stinky residue off of these surfaces.
10. Light bulbs. Light bulbs are a double-whammy when it comes to cigarette odor. First of all, they attract smoke. Secondly, each time you turn them on afterward, the heat releases odors from the smoke's residue. Clean those light bulbs.
As a side note, at least one company (Technical Consumer Products, Inc.) has decided to capitalize on a light bulb's heat to actually combat odor. "Fresh2 Odor Eliminating Light Bulbs" claim to neutralize odors, thanks to a coating of Titanium Dioxide activated as the light bulb heats up.
Cigarette odor can make your home feel like a bad night club and make your car smell like somebody's oversized ashtray. Smokers don't want the stale smell to linger, and for some non-smokers, the smell triggers coughing or even headaches. Give these remedies a try.
By Staff Writer
Cigarette odor... unmistakable, pervasive and - to non-smokers and even many smokers - unpleasant to say the least. In cars, homes and businesses, an ongoing battle rages to keep allergies under control, create a more hospitable environment or prevent girlfriends from knowing the truth... Are you fed up with aerosol air fresheners that just layer a nauseatingly sweet odor over the static cigarette odor? Tired of commercial products that don't deliver on their promises?
To all of you, whatever your reasons, we at HowToDoThings have some tips for getting rid of that troublesome cigarette odor so you can breathe easier.
Of course, one of the best ways to remove odors - especially if there are associated nicotine stains - from carpets, furniture and walls is by using hydrogen peroxide. If you want to learn how to do this, I strongly recommend the popular and handy 101 Home Uses of Hydrogen Peroxide.
In any case, cigarette smoke removal isn't impossible...but it does take some effort to get rid of the smell.
1. Launder whatever you can. If an entire room smells like last year's bachelor party, removing cigarette smoke smell from home will require washing or dry-cleaning everything possible in order to maximize cigarette odor removal.
2. Vacuum. Before you use any chemicals or resort to desperate measures, vacuum up as much of that cigarette odor as possible. Use vacuum attachments to suck the smoke out of furniture and upholstery in your house or car. Beat out and vacuum car foot mats.
3. Vinegar. A bowl of white vinegar, left out overnight, can do a surprisingly good job removing foul cigarette odor.
4. Citrus. Some swear by citrus peels when they need to get rid of foul odors. Leave a liberal amount of citrus peels in your car or home for several days (until the peels are completely desiccated). When you remove them, you will also remove cigarette smell - or at least some of it.
5. Baking soda - one of the tried-and-true methods of odor removal. Whether cleaning your carpet, smelly used couch or dingy car seats, baking soda is your friend. Sprinkle it over the smoke-infused area and let it sit for a few hours. Then whip out your trusty vacuum cleaner to suck up the soda, finishing the job.
One word of advice: before sprinkling at will, test the baking soda out on a concealed part of the surface to make sure the surface or fabric doesn't interact unfavorably with the baking soda.how to remove cigarette smell
6. Coffee. When my old high school friend and I used to fantasize about a coffee-grounds-enhanced laundry detergent, who would've guessed that there might have actually been odor-fighting merit to that seemingly absurd concept? Utilize the odor-absorbent quality of coffee grounds to get rid of your cigarette odors. Don't sprinkle them all over the place like baking soda, though, since coffee can stain. Instead, pour coffee grounds into several individual coffee filters and tie them closed. Place the coffee bags on whatever is harboring the cigarette odar.
7. Air out the room or car. Requiring less effort than peeling an orange
or going to the store for white vinegar, you should definitely open all your windows and doors for several hours to encourage cigarette odors to lift from their cushions, carpets and other surfaces. If a particular piece of furniture reeks of stale cigarette smoke, bring it outdoors for a few hours on a dry day.
8. Charcoal. There's nothing fancy or particularly aesthetically pleasing about charcoal in a bowl, but when you scatter some bowls of charcoal around your room or car (as long as you're not planning to drive), you'll find that it has absorbed the cigarette odor after about a week. It's one of the unexpectedly effective forms of cigarette odor removal.
9. Smoke residue on surfaces. Don't neglect linoleum floors, glass and wood surfaces either; in a room or car that has witnessed heavy smoking, you can often see the residue! Use glass-cleaners, diluted ammonia and wood-cleaning solutions to scrub the stinky residue off of these surfaces.
10. Light bulbs. Light bulbs are a double-whammy when it comes to cigarette odor. First of all, they attract smoke. Secondly, each time you turn them on afterward, the heat releases odors from the smoke's residue. Clean those light bulbs.
As a side note, at least one company (Technical Consumer Products, Inc.) has decided to capitalize on a light bulb's heat to actually combat odor. "Fresh2 Odor Eliminating Light Bulbs" claim to neutralize odors, thanks to a coating of Titanium Dioxide activated as the light bulb heats up.
Cigarette odor can make your home feel like a bad night club and make your car smell like somebody's oversized ashtray. Smokers don't want the stale smell to linger, and for some non-smokers, the smell triggers coughing or even headaches. Give these remedies a try.
Organic Odors: Vomit, Urine and Others
How to remove odors:
Novus Air : Air Purifier with Nasa Technology
- Step 1
Remove the source of the odor from the affected area either by clearing it away (in the case of solid matter) or blotting with paper towels.
- Step 2
Blot the remaining stain with paper towels, applying steady yet gentle pressure.
- Step 3
Moisten a sponge with some bacteria/enzyme digester and blot stain according to directions on its label.
- Step 4
Cover the stain with a plastic bag to help the digester retain moisture.
- Step 5
Allow the area to air-dry.
- Step 1
Remove the source of the odor from the affected area and dispose of it properly.
- Step 2
Air out the affected area by opening windows or directing fans in its direction.
- Step 3
Apply an odor-neutralizing spray to the area.
- Finally Ste p
Cooking Odors and Smoke
Benefits for Hydrogen Peroxide
Novus Air : Air Purifier from Space TechnologyAs you know that Hydrogen Peroxide is one of the air purification agent sent out by Novus Air, now let's read the article below to know more about how it can be used in your life.
from using-hydrogen-peroxide.com
I find it kind of funny really, that there are so many different ways to use hydrogen peroxide. It's a bit like the old Saturday Night Live skit about the (made up) product Shimmer: “New Shimmer is a floor wax”, “No! It’s a dessert topping”. The joke, of course, is that a floor wax and a dessert topping seem impossible in one product.
Here are some of the ways to use hydrogen peroxide that I'll talk about at this site:
- As a mouthwash and gargle
- In relaxing baths and foot baths
- To sanitize toothbrushes, and dentures
- As a produce wash, to keep fruits and veggies fresh longer
- To disinfect compost pails, cutting boards, and scrub brushes
- For washing carpets, floors, and windows
- Stripping wood furniture, and cleaning wooden decks
- Removing mold
- To brighten laundry & remove stains
- To clean out aquariums
- To keep the water clean in fish farming
- In gardening: As a plant fertilizer and plant spray
- To clean swimming pools and spas, as an alternative to chlorine
- Taxidermists use it to clean and whiten bones…..
- It's used in making cheese
- Aseptic packaging (those weird little boxes that food comes in) are sprayed with it
- It is used in products for whitening teeth, treating acne, and cleaning contact lenses
- Oh, and it's also great for cleaning cuts and skin infections! You know, like the brown bottles at the drug store....
Now, this is kind of wonderful, really. Right there, hydrogen peroxide is very practical to have around.
But there’s much more to it -- you see, hydrogen peroxide also has a wonderful quality of being good for the environment. This benefit goes deep and wide. It is good for rivers, it is good for plants, and it can be used to replace chlorine bleach, ammonia, and other chemicals which are harmful to rivers and plants.
Chlorine in pools is unpleasant and irritating to many people. For some this is a minor nuisance, for others it is a real hazard. Hydrogen peroxide can be used instead, and is non-toxic. Likewise household cleaning products containing chlorine can be upsetting to household cats and dogs – it smells like urine to them, as well as being unhealthy when they lick it off of their skin and fur.
It all starts to blend together: hydrogen peroxide is good for people, animals, plants, rivers…… and it breaks down into water and oxygen - what could be more non-toxic?
Going one step farther, hydrogen peroxide is part of the earth’s cleaning cycle. It is formed as water (H2O) passes through the ozone layer (O3) where it picks up another oxygen atom (O), becoming H202 (hydrogen peroxide). So, a bit of it comes down to us in rain. When you water your plants with the garden hose, there’s no hydrogen peroxide in that water. Adding a little hydrogen peroxide to plant water is great for the garden (indoor plants too). The runoff won’t harm streams and fish the way that many garden fertilizers do. I'll have more to say about all that.
Hydrogen peroxide is also produced by the human immune system to help fight off infections. White blood cells make it……
Is this story getting interesting yet? And is it starting to sound a bit repetitive, too - like one big story applied to many different things, in a big circle from people to plants to water to fish to sky?
A story of disinfection and non-toxic cleaning and nature – spinning round and round with different words, depending on what topic we are addressing……
- Okay, what about the “bird man of Alcatraz”, who, it is said, used it to heal birds?
- Is it true that some famous healing springs have higher-than-usual levels of peroxide in their waters?
- Some people say it has other health benefits for people, and even for farm animals ... is that true? What does the FDA say about it? And does Health Canada agree?
- Did you know that it was used in World War II to fuel catapults and rockets?
Whatever we use hydrogen peroxide for, let’s keep it fun, creative and joyful – in that spirit of non-toxic growthful life and health for water, animals, plants, and housecleaning…..
05 January 2010
Airborne Pathogens: Elusive and Dangerous Part 3
Finally, training must be done early and often. Too often I hear about a hospital receiving HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) grant money and buying respirators that get locked up in a remote storage location never to be heard from again. The danger here is that when the protective equipment is needed it will be too inaccessible and used improperly.
Wang: Respiratory protection, or the lack thereof, can obviously be life threatening. Purchasers seeking protection for their workers should not be satisfied by minimum protection, and should seek better than “the least” that is recommended by regulatory agencies. The US Department of Labor says, “NIOSH-approved disposable particulate respirators (e.g., N95, N99, or N100) are the minimum level of respiratory protection that should be worn.” NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) also says that, “Surgical masks are recommended only as a last resort for health care and medical transport workers exposed to SARS patients when no NIOSH-approved respirator equivalent to or greater than the N-95 is available.”
Key respirator qualities and characteristics that would provide proper respiratory and contact protection as well as be safely and conveniently compatible with a wide range of working environments to allow cost effective, full scale implementation, would include ≥ 99.97 percent filtration efficiency, approved by NIOSH (minimum HEPA level efficiency); universal fit — not necessary to fit test users so they are usable by any employee and may be shared with proper decontamination between uses; reusable to provide long term cost effectiveness; be free of bulky, weighty, or extending apparatus so as to not impede aggressive and agile movements as may be required in the work environment; be comfortable and convenient to the wearer to facilitate use compliance; be rugged and reliable for routine, daily use and for extended periods during emergencies; provide visual indication of filtering and operation effectiveness and safety.
Upon close examination, implementing a PAPR- (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) based infection control program for your HCWs (healthcare workers) can be both an increase in HCW safety as well as an advantage to the bottom line.
In addition, some facilities have considered assigning HCWs, who have a high risk of exposure to airborne pathogens, a PAPR to take home to minimize the likelihood of absenteeism in the event of a pandemic.
Lastly, conduct yearly refresher respirator usage courses for your HCWs so in the event of a pandemic, HCWs are least likely to be in a “panic” mode and remember how to use their respirators properly and effectively.
2. In a physical disaster or a pandemic event, what airborne pathogens are most likely to cause problems, and how should they be treated?
Rowe: At present pandemic flu is the most likely danger. Experts are somewhat divided over whether the question is a matter of if or when the next pandemic will occur, but history has shown that there is a definite trend pointing to a pandemic in our near future. Other concerns are TB which appears to be patients that actually contracted it years ago and are having flare ups in the present day. Mold is a huge concern especially in areas where flooding or humidity can be heavy. The good news is that airborne precautions and contact precautions are very effective regardless of the specific pathogen. It is important to understand that some infections can enter in through the eyes (such as mold) and an N-95 mask will not be sufficient; tight-fitting goggles, a full face respirator, or a PAPR with a loose-fitting face piece or hood would be more appropriate in these situations.
Wang: In a physical disaster or a pandemic event airborne pathogens such as TB, SARS, Bird Flu (H5N1), Anthrax, mold/fungus, and other contagious elements expelled from buildings, underground, and other closed areas which can house such contaminants, may cause serious public health damage.
Please refer to your facility or CDC guidelines for proper treatment procedures.
An easy and obvious “preventive” measure is to properly wear a respirator during and after the incident. In addition, make sure your eyes are covered/protected with goggles. Thus, making MAXAIR an ideal choice of respiratory, head, face, and neck protection in the event of a physical disaster or a pandemic.
3. What materials should every healthcare facility have on hand to prevent airborne pathogen transmission?
Rowe: Signage, educating visitors, patients, contractors, vendors, and healthcare workers. Respirators, negative pressure isolation rooms, plans to handle surges including stockpiles of PPE (personal protective equipment), emergency surge capacity shelters and educational materials.
Wang: Respirator and surgical masks are most commonly used to prevent airborne pathogen transmission. However, more and more attention is being directed toward the use of PAPRs.
Why? The principle purpose of a surgical mask is to protect the surgical field and others (patients) from the spread of droplets from the users. Additionally, surgical masks may be used for user protection from splash during surgery.
A larger concern about surgical mask protection for a HCW is that they are typically not designed to make a seal against the face of the wearer. Without a good seal, their protection against viral and bacterial contaminants is poor.
Even N95 respirators are receiving greater scrutiny relative to their ability to provide cost effective bacterial and viral protection due to their low-filter efficiency and need for fit testing verification for each individual, for each brand and style of respirator, annually.
Fit testing is accomplished by qualitative as well as quantitative protocols. Qualitative fit testing is perhaps the easiest and fastest means of fit testing. The results are along the lines of “you get what you pay for” as results are variable.
Quantitative fit testing requires more technical skill and $10,000-$20,000 of test equipment.
The main concern about fit testing is that even when done properly and accurately, the HCW is only assured of a good fit for the masks that were used during the testing. Once they leave the test area, putting on another mask is another fitting episode. Is it done by the individual the same way each time, under the pressing conditions of the infected patient care regime? If not, disaster can happen as it did in
Also, masks, N95 and surgical, can not be fitted to HCWs with facial hair and other variables in facial shape, such as scars, large weight gain or loss, etc.
Even with a secure fit, the inherent filtering efficiency is less than PAPRs.
FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) does not test surgical masks as they do respirators. Surgical masks are rated by the manufacture, and their reported particle filtration efficiencies, e.g., >95 percent, may be considerably higher values than what would be obtained using NIOSH N-95 test methods, e.g., as low as 70 percent.
Similarly, the maximum, ideal filtration efficiency of an N95 respirator is only guaranteed to be 95 percent. That means that with an excellent fit, 5 percent of the contaminant has to be expected to get through.
PAPRs (helmet-style respirators) use inherently higher efficiency filters than either surgical masks or N95 respirators. And, they are positive pressure respirator systems so they do not require fit testing. Also, they are reusable and are used interchangeably between HCWs, with appropriate decontamination between uses.
Masks and N95s are negative pressure devices. When the user inhales they create negative pressure within the mask that will suck in contaminated air anywhere there is an incomplete seal with their face. This is why a perfect seal, or fit, is so crucial.
PAPRs on the other hand, are positive pressure devices. For example, the MAXAIR System blower pulls the contaminated air through high efficiency filters, with from 99.97 percent to 99.997 percent filtering efficiency.
Now only .03 percent to .003 percent of the contaminant may get through. That is at least 150 to 1,500 times less than a mask.
The MAXAIR blower pulls in air, filters it, and passes it gently down in front of the face at a user selectable 6 CFM to 9 CFM. This provides sufficient air for all working conditions, and it provides an automatic cooling effect to the user.
More importantly, the high volume of air flow creates a positive pressure within the helmet so that the HCW can not pull in contaminated air from around the facial seal. This is the reason PAPRs do not require fit testing.
Another benefit of the PAPR air flow control is that is makes breathing as natural as if the HCW wasn’t wearing a respirator at all. This is not the case with masks as they present resistance to breathing.
Just as a leading healthcare institution published in 2005, you can achieve both better respiratory protection and a long term cost advantage with a non conventional PAPR solution such as MAXAIR.
Air Purification Product with RCI Technology
Airborne Pathogens: Elusive and Dangerous Part 2
“Controlling the spread of a potential influenza pandemic is of critical importance to the more than 14 million healthcare workers in the United States (approximately 10 percent of the U.S. workforce) and their patients,” Fries wrote in a NIOSH blog. “Given that healthcare workers will be on the front lines during an influenza pandemic, protecting them with the best available prevention methods and PPE is imperative to reducing illness and death and preventing the progression of a pandemic.”
The basic steps that medical facilities should take to contain airborne pathogen exposure involve having the necessary equipment on site, and making certain that personnel are properly trained to deal with a wide range of possible threats well in advance, Birkner says.
He believes that for respiratory protection, every facility should have an adequate stockpile of NIOSH-certified N95 respirators or comparable equipment. Every employee should have one. Guidance on the size of the respirator stockpile and other useful pandemic preparation information can be found at: www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/stockpiling-facemasks-respirators.html.
“Although this document has not been finalized, it has some good information that medical facilities can use to help them prepare,” Birkner adds.
Improper or lacking respiratory protection can be life threatening, says Michael Wang, marketing manager for Bio-Medical Devices Intl. “Purchasers seeking protection for their workers should not be satisfied by minimum protection, and should seek better than the least that is recommended by regulatory agencies,” Wang says. These devices are most useful when healthcare workers (HCWs) know how to use them. “...conduct yearly refresher respirator usage courses for your HCWs so in the event of a pandemic, HCWs are least likely to be in a ‘panic’ mode and remember how to use their respirators properly and effectively,” Wang says.
Proper fitting of respiratory devices can be accomplished through various equipment. For instance, the PORTACOUNT® PRO+ respirator fit tester by TSI can improve risk management programs, according to Tonya Foucault, a spokesperson for TSI.
Of course, if air is clean in the first place respiratory devices aren’t as necessary. Overall air quality can be improved in most settings by maintaining a high number of air exchanges per hour (proper air flow characteristics), proper maintenance of equipment and filters, adequate humidity and consistent air quality monitoring and testing, Cirillo says.
“Healthcare workers can be better prepared for the threat of airborne pathogens through continuing education in infectious diseases, maintaining vigilance regarding normal versus abnormal frequencies of such infections in their setting and ensuring that they are prepared with the proper equipment and training for respiratory crises should they occur in patients,” he adds.
Evaluation of whether patients should be isolated should be done as early as possible to prevent spread of infection from person to person, and sterile technique should be adhered to, including proper use of PPE, Cirillo says.
“It is one thing to treat patients, but how does one receive treatment if all of the healthcare workers are also becoming ill?” Cirillo asks. “It is extremely important that healthcare workers become aware of any outbreak early, communicate with all other healthcare facilities and personnel immediately and help to prevent spread within the healthcare facilities themselves where there are likely to be a high concentration of infected individuals.”
Furthermore, healthcare workers should be vaccinated against as many potential threats as possible, and after an outbreak, it is “most important” that the facilities are properly decontaminated before any uninfected person is admitted, he adds.
Tools
The right equipment is rendered almost useless if it is not cared for and inspected. Fortunately, there are several ways a facility can maintain the highest level of equipment preparedness regarding airborne pathogens, Pierson says.
He recommends “methodical and regimented” inspection of all pre-filters and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in permanent heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. He also suggests that portable mobile containment units should be kept in strategic areas of the facility along with negative air machines to provide HEPA-filtered negative pressure. “Staff should be aware of these locations and should be trained to construct, move and set airflow (for the unit),” Pierson says.
He also believes that surface disinfectants that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency should be used regularly on touch points. “Training materials, signs and other printed materials indicating procedures may be helpful as reminders between training exercises,” he adds.
It’s frightening any time an infectious agent makes its way around a healthcare facility, and when this occurs, all departments must work in tandem.
“The ability to quickly isolate patients without moving them from their patient or treatment room is a tremendous asset when dealing with a potentially deadly disease, and while having the appropriate tools ... in place is critical, a response plan should also be worked out and rehearsed,” Pierson says.
“Each part of the infection control response team should know their part and be able to perform it quickly in the event of an emergency,” he adds. “A facility may want to set up mock situations in which temporary isolation must be set up, or a sudden surge of patients flood the ER (emergency room). Staff should understand the importance of patient isolation and be able to set up equipment properly.”
Q & A: Respiratory Industry Insiders
Offer Airborne Pathogen Advice
Grant Rowe, respiratory protection product manager for Bullard, and Michael Wang, marketing manager for Bio- Medical Devices Intl., took part in an Infection Control Today Q&A about prevention and containment of airborne pathogens.
1. How should medical facilities prevent the spread of airborne pathogens? What steps should be taken?
Rowe: I am not a nurse, a doctor, healthcare worker, or even a facility designer but I can give you my perspective as a respiratory protection manufacturer and as someone who actively participates with APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology) and AOHP (Asthma Health Outcomes Project). First, patients need to be quickly diagnosed and isolated. This doesn’t mean that the exact ailment must be determined immediately but a decision should be made very quickly if a patient should be moved to isolation. The isolation room is typically negative pressure which means that air from inside the room cannot escape due to pressure difference. It will also have ventilation with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration that completely removes and replaces the air many times per hour.Next, anyone that comes in contact with patients suspected to have a potentially contagious infection that can be spread via airborne pathogens should take airborne precautions, and many times must also take contact precautions.
The specifics of these are spelled out by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) but they call for a NIOSH approved respirator such as an N-95 mask or higher protection. It is important to understand that a surgical mask is not a respirator and provides no protection against airborne pathogens. A surgical mask only prevents droplets from the healthcare worker reaching the patient. A respirator prevents airborne particles from reaching the healthcare worker. It is also important to understand that an N-95 mask is a tight fitting respirator that requires annual fit testing of the healthcare worker. In years past, OSHA did not enforce this but the Wicker Amendment has expired and enforcement is now in effect.
In addition, facial hair is not allowed when wearing a tight-fitting respirator such as an N-95 mask. Furthermore, it is important to be aware that there are respirators that do not require fit testing. PAPRs when worn with loose-fitting face pieces or hoods do not require fit testing. This is because air is constantly flowing into the respirator and effectively pushing out contaminants that may try to enter through the loose seal. This type of respirator actually provides higher protection than an N-95; PAPRs carry an assigned protection factor (APF) of 25 or 1000 (depending upon the head top) while an N-95 mask only carries an APF of 10. For more about assigned protection factors go to www.osha.gov.
Read more in part 3 Click Here
Air Purification Product with RCI Technology
Airborne Pathogens: Elusive and Dangerous Part 1
Michelle Beaver
10/13/2008
10/13/2008
The study of airborne pathogens is complex, but people of every education level know that air quality is important, and that germs let loose in the air can lead to infection of millions of people. Indeed, th
e issue of air quality and safety is widespread, says Jeffrey Cirillo, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis at Texas A&M University System Health Science Center.
“I believe that the average person is aware of the importance of air quality because it is an issue that everyone discusses on a daily basis — smog reports, environmental protection, infections in air,” Cirillo sai
d. “In my discussions with people it seems clear that everyone understands that if you can’t breathe, you are in trouble.”
The threat of air
borne pathogens should be taken “very seriously” because air is the most efficient route by which pathogens can gain access to a large number of people, according to Cirillo. “Epidemic-causing pathogens can often spread by the airborne route for just this reason and efficiency of transmission is one of the most important characteristics that should be considered when evaluating how large an impact infectious diseases can have,” he adds.
One of the primary tools to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens in healthcare facilities is the use of negative air pressure. Negative air pressure regulates environments. By using a negative pr
essure containment field, such as a portable anteroom, healthcare staffs can prevent harmful pathogens from escaping an airborne infection isolation room, or from ceiling cavities during maintenance work, says John Pierson, product manager for Fiberlock Technologies. “This ability is critical in the event of a sudden influx or surge of patients,” Pierson says. “In fact, the federal government uses the ability of a facility to deal with a surge of patients as one criterion for Health Resources and Services Administration funding.”
Disastrous Proportions
Determining which airborne pathogens are most likely to cause a pandemic event is no easy feat.
“The great unknown is the issue here,” Pierson says. “We truly don’t know what pathogens are more likely to be the cause of a biological disaster. Experts are currently looking at H5N1 very closely as a candidate for pandemic due several of its genetic traits, but the threat of biological agents such as smallpox, anthrax and botulinum being used as weapons complicate the matter.
“There is the possibility that a genetically altered organism used for bio-terror could dramatically alter the playing field in regards to treatment and prevention,” he adds. “The reality could be that a large number of people could, without warning, need to be hospitalized and isolated from other patients. Regardless of the organism, airborne infection isolation would be essential to preventing the spread of disease during this type of event.”
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) helps reduce the spread of pathogens, and is even more important than usual in a disastrous event. However, PPE is not the end all be all, according to Jeffrey Birkner PhD, CIH, vice president of technical services for Moldex-Metric, Inc.
“Addressing pandemic and emergency airborne pathogen threat response issues must be all encompassing and does not only deal with PPE,” Birkner says. “In addition, administrative and engineering controls must be considered first. PPE, while extremely important, is actually the medical facility’s and staff’s last line of defense to an airborne pathogen threat.”
Two of the major concerns regarding emergency preparedness for a pandemic event include a facility’s surge and isolation capacity, says Gary Messina, principal and CEO of Biological Controls. Messina has more than 30 years experience in the field of high-efficiency filtration and design and manufacture of airborne infection control equipment.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hospitals establish isolation rooms maintained under negative pressure,” Messina says. “But most hospitals have a tiny fraction of isolation rooms available compared to the total room count. And at any one time these rooms may already be occupied, which further reduces the availability to isolate individuals entering through the surge. Since many hospitals operate at near capacity levels currently, the addition of undiagnosed patients arriving for treatment in a disaster event poses the question of accommodating a huge surge of individuals requiring both beds and isolation areas. This does not take into account the regular patient load seen everyday at every hospital and medical facility.”
That’s not a pretty picture, but it’s one for which every facility must prepare. Another threat related to airborne pathogens is mold, especially during and after certain disasters, such as floods or hurricanes. In humid areas mold can be a “huge concern” says Grant Rowe, respiratory protection product manager for Bullard.
“The good news is that airborne precautions and contact precautions are very effective regardless of the specific pathogen,” Rowe says. “It is important to understand that some infections can enter in through the eyes (such as mold) and an N-95 mask will not be sufficient; tight fitting goggles, a full face respirator, or a PAPR (powered air purifying respirators) with a loose fitting face piece or hood would be more appropriate in these situations.”
Prevention and Containment
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In order to prevent airborne pathogen transmission — especially influenza — healthcare staffs should ask and seek answers to certain questions, especially regarding influenza, says Edward Fries, a spokesperson for the NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, which is part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
These questions include:
What are the major modes of influenza transmission?
What are the relevant sizes of aerosols?
What is the infectivity of aerosols?
How does air flow exchange and ventilation affect transmission?
What is the effectiveness of medical masks?
What is the role of fomites?
Should PPE other than respirators be certified? If so, who would be responsible for certification?
Read more in part 2 Click HereAir Purification Product with RCI Technology
04 January 2010
Swine Flu 2009 Situation Update 22 Jan 2010
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 - update 84
Weekly update
22 January 2010 -- As of 17 January 2010, worldwide more than 209 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 14142 deaths.
WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of information.
Situation update:
The overall situation in largely unchanged since last week. The most intense transmission of pandemic influenza virus continues to occur in North Africa, South Asia, and in limited areas of Eastern Europe. Overall pandemic influenza activity in the temperate northern hemisphere peaked between late October and late November 2009 and has continued to decline since.
In North Africa, limited data suggest that transmission of pandemic influenza virus remains geographically widespread and active throughout the region, but has likely recently peaked in most places. During early January 2010 only the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya reported an increasing trend in respiratory diseases activity. Egypt is now reporting a declining trend after increases in respiratory diseases activity throughout December 2009, suggesting a recent peak in activity during early January 2010. In West Asia, limited data suggests pandemic influenza virus transmission remains geographically widespread however overall activity has been declining in most places during December and January.
In South Asia, active transmission of pandemic influenza virus persists in the northern and western parts of the subcontinent, however overall activity has recently peaked. In India, influenza activity has been largely confined to the northern and western states; activity in the northern states peaked during mid December 2009 and in the western states during early January 2010. In Nepal, active transmission of virus persists, and the trend in respiratory diseases activity remains unchanged since the previous week after reporting continuous increases in activity since late October 2009.
In Europe, pandemic influenza virus transmission remains geographically widespread across parts of western, central, and southeastern Europe, however overall influenza activity continued to decline or remain low in most countries The areas of most intense transmission currently include Poland, Austria, Estonia, Romania, Hungary, and Moldova; however, in all but Romania, ILI activity has declined significantly since peaking in November. The overall rate of specimens testing positive for influenza fell to 20% in Europe after reaching a peak of 45% during early November 2009. Pandemic H1N1 2009 virus continues to be predominant circulating influenza virus in the European region with only sporadic detections of seasonal influenza viruses.
In East Asia, pandemic influenza activity remains widespread but continues to decline in most places. Mongolia reported a very high intensity of respiratory diseases during early January 2010; rates of ILI have been elevated above expected seasonal levels since late October 2009 but are well below a significant peak of activity observed during November 2009. In Japan, overall influenza activity continued to decline since peaking at the end of November 2009, however regional increases in activity were observed during late December on the southern island of Okinawa. In China, Hong Kong SAR, and Chinese Taipei pandemic influenza activity remains widespread but continues to decline or remain stable. Pandemic H1N1 continues to be the predominant circulating virus in the region but seasonal H3N2 viruses continue to circulate in very small numbers in northern China.
In the Americas, both in the tropical and northern temperate zones, overall pandemic influenza activity continued to decline or remain low in most places.
In temperate regions of the southern hemisphere, sporadic cases of pandemic influenza continued to be reported without evidence of sustained community transmission.
The Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN) continues monitoring the global circulation of influenza viruses, including pandemic, seasonal and other influenza viruses infecting, or with the potential to infect, humans including seasonal influenza. For more information on virological surveillance and antiviral resistance please see the weekly virology update (Virological surveillance data, below).
Weekly update (Virological surveillance data) *Countries in temperate regions are defined as those north of the Tropic of Cancer or south of the Tropic of Capricorn, while countries in tropical regions are defined as those between these two latitudes.
**Abbreviations: influenza-like-illness (ILI), acute respiratory infection (ARI), and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)
Qualitative indicators (Week 29 to Week 1: 13 July 2009 - 10 January 2010)
The qualitative indicators monitor: the global geographic spread of influenza, trends in acute respiratory diseases, the intensity of respiratory disease activity, and the impact of the pandemic on health-care services.
Human infection with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus: updated interim WHO guidance on global surveillanceA description of WHO pandemic monitoring and surveillance objectives and methods can be found in the updated interim WHO guidance for the surveillance of human infection with pandemic (H1N1) virus.
The maps below display information on the qualitative indicators reported. Information is available for approximately 60 countries each week. Implementation of this monitoring system is ongoing and completeness of reporting is expected to increase over time.
List of definitions of qualitative indicatorsGeographic spread of influenza activity
Map timelineTrend of respiratory diseases activity compared to the previous week
Map timelineIntensity of acute respiratory diseases in the population
Map timelineImpact on health care services
Map timelineLaboratory-confirmed cases of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 as officially reported to WHO by States Parties to the IHR (2005) as of 10 January 2010
Map of affected countries and deathsThe countries and overseas territories/communities that have newly reported their first pandemic (H1N1) 2009 confirmed cases since the last web update (No. 83): Mali.
The countries and overseas territories/communities that have newly reported their first deaths among pandemic (H1N1) 2009 confirmed cases since the last web update (No. 83): none.
Region Deaths* WHO Regional Office for 131 WHO Regional Office for the At least 7094 WHO Regional Office for the 941 WHO Regional Office for At least 3099 WHO Regional Office for 1366 WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) 1511 Total* At least 14142
* The reported number of fatal cases is an under representation of the actual numbers as many deaths are never tested or recognized as influenza related.
02 January 2010
Flu Prevention
Face mask and respirator use:
N95 respirator may not be more effective than surgical mask for prevention of influenza among nurses (level 2 [mid-level] evidence)
based on randomized trial with non-significant trend for reduced influenza-like illness
446 nurses working in hospitals in Ontario randomized to surgical mask vs. fit-tested N95 respirator when providing care to patients with febrile respiratory illness during 2008-2009 influenza season
most laboratory-confirmed influenza infections were asymptomatic and based on ≥ 4-fold increase in serology
comparing surgical mask group vs. N95 respirator group
- 2008-2009 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine previously received by 30.2% vs. 28.1% (not significant)
- laboratory-confirmed influenza infection occurred in 23.6% vs. 22.9% (not significant)
- influenza-like illness in 4.2% vs. 1% (p = 0.06), all laboratory-confirmed influenza (95% CI for absolute difference -0.28% to +6.31%)
- fever in 5.66% vs. 0.9% (p = 0.007)
- work-related absenteeism in 19.8% v s. 18.6% (not significant)
- physician visits for respiratory illness in 6.1% vs. 6.2% (not significant)
Reference - JAMA 2009 Nov 4;302(17):1865 full-text, editorial can be found in JAMA 2009 Nov 4;302(17):1903 full-text
DynaMed commentary -- trial evaluates comparative efficacy but unable to establish if either mask provides protection
Public health interventions:
non-pharmaceutical public health interventions for pandemic influenza (grade C recommendation [lacking direct evidence]) based on expert opinion (systematic review found no direct evidence)
hand hygiene
respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose with tissue or into upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing, refraining from spitting)
surveillance and case reporting
rapid viral diagnosis
patient and provider use of masks and other personal protective equipment
voluntary self-isolation of patients
interventions rejected as likely to be ineffective or unacceptable
- mask use and other personal protective equipment for general public
- school and workplace closures early in epidemic
- mandatory travel restrictions
Use of Air Purifier:
[read more]
N95 respirator may not be more effective than surgical mask for prevention of influenza among nurses (level 2 [mid-level] evidence)
based on randomized trial with non-significant trend for reduced influenza-like illness
446 nurses working in hospitals in Ontario randomized to surgical mask vs. fit-tested N95 respirator when providing care to patients with febrile respiratory illness during 2008-2009 influenza season
most laboratory-confirmed influenza infections were asymptomatic and based on ≥ 4-fold increase in serology
comparing surgical mask group vs. N95 respirator group
- 2008-2009 trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine previously received by 30.2% vs. 28.1% (not significant)
- laboratory-confirmed influenza infection occurred in 23.6% vs. 22.9% (not significant)
- influenza-like illness in 4.2% vs. 1% (p = 0.06), all laboratory-confirmed influenza (95% CI for absolute difference -0.28% to +6.31%)
- fever in 5.66% vs. 0.9% (p = 0.007)
- work-related absenteeism in 19.8% v s. 18.6% (not significant)
- physician visits for respiratory illness in 6.1% vs. 6.2% (not significant)
Reference - JAMA 2009 Nov 4;302(17):1865 full-text, editorial can be found in JAMA 2009 Nov 4;302(17):1903 full-text
DynaMed commentary -- trial evaluates comparative efficacy but unable to establish if either mask provides protection
Public health interventions:
non-pharmaceutical public health interventions for pandemic influenza (grade C recommendation [lacking direct evidence]) based on expert opinion (systematic review found no direct evidence)
hand hygiene
respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose with tissue or into upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing, refraining from spitting)
surveillance and case reporting
rapid viral diagnosis
patient and provider use of masks and other personal protective equipment
voluntary self-isolation of patients
interventions rejected as likely to be ineffective or unacceptable
- mask use and other personal protective equipment for general public
- school and workplace closures early in epidemic
- mandatory travel restrictions
Use of Air Purifier:
[read more]
01 January 2010
Avian Influenza: Current H5N1 Situation
Assessment of Current Situation
The highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) epizootic (animal outbreak) in Asia, Europe, the Near East, and Africa is not expected to diminish significantly in the short term. It is likely that H5N1 virus infections among domestic poultry have become endemic in certain areas and that sporadic human infections resulting from direct contact with infected poultry and/or wild birds will continue to occur. So far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person-to-person has been very rare, limited and unsustained. However, this epizootic continues to pose an important public health threat.
There is little pre-existing natural immunity to H5N1 virus infection in the human population. If H5N1 viruses gain the ability for efficient and sustained transmission among humans, an influenza pandemic could result, with potentially high rates of illness and death worldwide. No evidence for genetic reassortment between human and avian influenza A virus genes has been found to date, and there is no evidence of any significant changes to circulating H5N1 virus strains to suggest greater transmissibility to or among humans. Genetic sequencing of avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses from human cases in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia shows resistance to the antiviral medications amantadine and rimantadine, two of the medications commonly used for treatment of influenza. This leaves two remaining antiviral medications (oseltamivir and zanamivir) that should still be effective against currently circulating strains of H5N1 viruses. A small number of oseltamivir resistant H5N1 virus infections of humans have been reported. Efforts to produce pre-pandemic vaccine candidates for humans that would be effective against avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses are ongoing. However, no H5N1 vaccines are currently available for human use.
Research suggests that currently circulating strains of H5N1 viruses are becoming more capable of causing disease (pathogenic) in animals than were earlier H5N1 viruses. One study found that ducks infected with H5N1 virus are now shedding more virus for longer periods without showing symptoms of illness. This finding has implications for the role of ducks in transmitting disease to other birds and possibly to humans as well. Additionally, other findings have documented H5N1 virus infection among pigs in China and Vietnam; H5N1 virus infection of cats (experimental infection of housecats in the Netherlands, isolation of H5N1 virus from domestic cats in Germany and Thailand, and detection of H5N1 viral RNA in domestic cats in Iraq and Austria); H5N1 virus infection of dogs (isolation of H5N1 virus from a domestic dog in Thailand); and isolation of H5N1 viruses from tigers and leopards at zoos in Thailand). In addition, H5N1 virus infection in a wild stone marten (a weasel-like mammal) was reported in Germany and in a wild civet cat in Vietnam. Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus strains that emerged in Asia in 2003 continue to evolve and may adapt so that other mammals may be susceptible to infection as well.
Notable findings of epidemiologic investigations of human H5N1 cases include:
Thailand, 2004: An investigation concluded that probable limited human-to-human spread of influenza A (H5N1) had occurred in a family as a result of prolonged and very close contact between an ill child and her mother in a hospital. Transmission did not continue beyond one person.
Vietnam, 2004: While the majority of known human H5N1 cases have begun with respiratory symptoms, one atypical fatal H5N1 case in a child in southern Vietnam presented with fever, diarrhea and seizures, and was initially diagnosed as encephalitis. The etiology was identified retrospectively as H5N1 virus through testing of cerebrospinal fluid, fecal matter, and throat and serum samples. Further research is needed to ascertain the implications of such findings.
Vietnam, 2005: Investigations suggest transmission of H5N1 viruses to two persons through consumption of uncooked duck blood.
Azerbaijan, 2006: Investigations revealed contact with H5N1-infected wild dead birds (swans) as the most plausible source of infection in several cases in teenagers involved in removing feathers from the birds.
Indonesia, 2006: WHO reported evidence of limited human-to-human spread of H5N1 virus. In this situation, 8 people in one family were affected, with 7 deaths. H5N1 virus was isolated from 7 cases. The first family member is thought to have become ill through contact with infected poultry. This person then infected six family members. One of those six people (a child) then infected another family member (his father). No further spread outside of the exposed family was documented or suspected.
Vietnam, 2006: A study reported a correlation between high H5N1 viral concentration and elevated inflammatory cytokine levels in fatal cases. The authors concluded that early antiviral treatment is needed to suppress H5N1 viral replication to prevent the inflammatory response that appears to be implicated in the pathogenesis of H5N1 virus infection.
Human H5N1 Cases
(WHO) has reported human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Near East. Indonesia and Vietnam have reported the highest number of H5N1 cases to date. Overall mortality in reported H5N1 cases is approximately 60%. The majority of cases have occurred among children and adults aged less than 40 years old. Mortality was highest in cases aged 10-19 years old. Studies have documented the most significant risk factors for human H5N1 infection to be direct contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds, or visiting a live poultry market. Most human H5N1 cases have been hospitalized late in their illness with severe respiratory disease. A small number of clinically mild H5N1 cases have been reported. The current cumulative number of confirmed human cases of avian influenza A/(H5N1) is available on the WHO Avian Influenza website. Despite the high mortality, human cases of H5N1 remain rare to date.
Clusters of Human H5N1 Cases
Clusters of human H5N1 cases ranging from 2-8 cases per cluster have been identified in most countries that have reported H5N1 cases. Nearly all of the cluster cases have occurred among blood-related family members living in the same household. Whether such clusters are related to genetic or other factors is currently unknown. While most people in these clusters have been infected with H5N1 virus through direct contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds, limited human-to-human transmission of H5N1 virus cannot be excluded in some clusters.
Animal H5N1 Cases
Since December 2003, avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infections in animals have been reported in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Near East. View the update on avian influenza in animals from the World Organization for Animal Health Web site.
Bird Import Ban
There is currently a ban on the importation of birds and bird products from H5N1-affected countries. The regulation states that no person may import or attempt to import any birds (Class Aves), whether dead or alive, or any products derived from birds (including hatching eggs), from the specified countries. For more information, see Embargo of Birds from Specified Countries.
Travel
Updated Information for Travelers about Avian Influenza A(H5N1) is available at the CDC Travelers’ Health Web site. Also see Guidelines and Recommendations - Interim Guidance about Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad.
CDC Response
CDC is working with WHO and other international partners to monitor the situation closely. In addition, CDC continues to work with WHO and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on development of a vaccine for influenza A (H5N1). For more information view CDC's Response to Avian Influenza.
Also see Updated Interim Guidance for Laboratory Testing of Persons with Suspected Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in the United States for CDC’s domestic H5N1 surveillance recommendations.
The World Health Organization has additional resources and information on avian influenza A H5N1, including
Recommendations and laboratory procedures for detection of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in specimens from suspected human cases (pdf 165K, 28 pages)
WHO guidelines for investigation of human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) (pdf 115K, 18 pages)
Collecting, preserving and shipping specimens for the diagnosis of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection Guide for field operations (pdf 2.36M, 83 pages)
Background on the Current Outbreaks
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus is an influenza A virus subtype that occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among birds, causing high mortality among domestic poultry. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 among poultry and wild birds are ongoing in a number of countries. Currently, there are two different groups (or clades) of H5N1 viruses circulating among poultry (clade 1, and clade 2 viruses). At least three subgroups or subclades of clade 2 H5N1 viruses have infected humans to date: subclades 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 viruses. H5N1 virus infections of humans are rare and most cases have been associated with direct poultry contact during poultry outbreaks. While the H5N1 virus does not now infect people easily, infection in humans is very serious when it occurs; so far, more than half of people reported infected have died. Rare cases of limited human-to-human spread of H5N1 virus may have occurred, but there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
Nonetheless, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that H5N1 viruses one day could be able to infect humans more easily and spread easily from one person to another. Because H5N1 viruses have not infected many humans worldwide, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population and an influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) could begin if sustained H5N1 virus transmission occurred. Experts from around the world are watching the H5N1 situation very closely and are preparing for the possibility that H5N1 viruses may begin to spread more easily from person to person.
NOTE: The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains situation updates and cumulative reports of human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1)
Page last modified October 27, 2008
The highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) epizootic (animal outbreak) in Asia, Europe, the Near East, and Africa is not expected to diminish significantly in the short term. It is likely that H5N1 virus infections among domestic poultry have become endemic in certain areas and that sporadic human infections resulting from direct contact with infected poultry and/or wild birds will continue to occur. So far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person-to-person has been very rare, limited and unsustained. However, this epizootic continues to pose an important public health threat.
There is little pre-existing natural immunity to H5N1 virus infection in the human population. If H5N1 viruses gain the ability for efficient and sustained transmission among humans, an influenza pandemic could result, with potentially high rates of illness and death worldwide. No evidence for genetic reassortment between human and avian influenza A virus genes has been found to date, and there is no evidence of any significant changes to circulating H5N1 virus strains to suggest greater transmissibility to or among humans. Genetic sequencing of avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses from human cases in Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia shows resistance to the antiviral medications amantadine and rimantadine, two of the medications commonly used for treatment of influenza. This leaves two remaining antiviral medications (oseltamivir and zanamivir) that should still be effective against currently circulating strains of H5N1 viruses. A small number of oseltamivir resistant H5N1 virus infections of humans have been reported. Efforts to produce pre-pandemic vaccine candidates for humans that would be effective against avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses are ongoing. However, no H5N1 vaccines are currently available for human use.
Research suggests that currently circulating strains of H5N1 viruses are becoming more capable of causing disease (pathogenic) in animals than were earlier H5N1 viruses. One study found that ducks infected with H5N1 virus are now shedding more virus for longer periods without showing symptoms of illness. This finding has implications for the role of ducks in transmitting disease to other birds and possibly to humans as well. Additionally, other findings have documented H5N1 virus infection among pigs in China and Vietnam; H5N1 virus infection of cats (experimental infection of housecats in the Netherlands, isolation of H5N1 virus from domestic cats in Germany and Thailand, and detection of H5N1 viral RNA in domestic cats in Iraq and Austria); H5N1 virus infection of dogs (isolation of H5N1 virus from a domestic dog in Thailand); and isolation of H5N1 viruses from tigers and leopards at zoos in Thailand). In addition, H5N1 virus infection in a wild stone marten (a weasel-like mammal) was reported in Germany and in a wild civet cat in Vietnam. Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus strains that emerged in Asia in 2003 continue to evolve and may adapt so that other mammals may be susceptible to infection as well.
Notable findings of epidemiologic investigations of human H5N1 cases include:
Thailand, 2004: An investigation concluded that probable limited human-to-human spread of influenza A (H5N1) had occurred in a family as a result of prolonged and very close contact between an ill child and her mother in a hospital. Transmission did not continue beyond one person.
Vietnam, 2004: While the majority of known human H5N1 cases have begun with respiratory symptoms, one atypical fatal H5N1 case in a child in southern Vietnam presented with fever, diarrhea and seizures, and was initially diagnosed as encephalitis. The etiology was identified retrospectively as H5N1 virus through testing of cerebrospinal fluid, fecal matter, and throat and serum samples. Further research is needed to ascertain the implications of such findings.
Vietnam, 2005: Investigations suggest transmission of H5N1 viruses to two persons through consumption of uncooked duck blood.
Azerbaijan, 2006: Investigations revealed contact with H5N1-infected wild dead birds (swans) as the most plausible source of infection in several cases in teenagers involved in removing feathers from the birds.
Indonesia, 2006: WHO reported evidence of limited human-to-human spread of H5N1 virus. In this situation, 8 people in one family were affected, with 7 deaths. H5N1 virus was isolated from 7 cases. The first family member is thought to have become ill through contact with infected poultry. This person then infected six family members. One of those six people (a child) then infected another family member (his father). No further spread outside of the exposed family was documented or suspected.
Vietnam, 2006: A study reported a correlation between high H5N1 viral concentration and elevated inflammatory cytokine levels in fatal cases. The authors concluded that early antiviral treatment is needed to suppress H5N1 viral replication to prevent the inflammatory response that appears to be implicated in the pathogenesis of H5N1 virus infection.
Human H5N1 Cases
(WHO) has reported human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Near East. Indonesia and Vietnam have reported the highest number of H5N1 cases to date. Overall mortality in reported H5N1 cases is approximately 60%. The majority of cases have occurred among children and adults aged less than 40 years old. Mortality was highest in cases aged 10-19 years old. Studies have documented the most significant risk factors for human H5N1 infection to be direct contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds, or visiting a live poultry market. Most human H5N1 cases have been hospitalized late in their illness with severe respiratory disease. A small number of clinically mild H5N1 cases have been reported. The current cumulative number of confirmed human cases of avian influenza A/(H5N1) is available on the WHO Avian Influenza website. Despite the high mortality, human cases of H5N1 remain rare to date.
Clusters of Human H5N1 Cases
Clusters of human H5N1 cases ranging from 2-8 cases per cluster have been identified in most countries that have reported H5N1 cases. Nearly all of the cluster cases have occurred among blood-related family members living in the same household. Whether such clusters are related to genetic or other factors is currently unknown. While most people in these clusters have been infected with H5N1 virus through direct contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds, limited human-to-human transmission of H5N1 virus cannot be excluded in some clusters.
Animal H5N1 Cases
Since December 2003, avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infections in animals have been reported in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Near East. View the update on avian influenza in animals from the World Organization for Animal Health Web site.
Bird Import Ban
There is currently a ban on the importation of birds and bird products from H5N1-affected countries. The regulation states that no person may import or attempt to import any birds (Class Aves), whether dead or alive, or any products derived from birds (including hatching eggs), from the specified countries. For more information, see Embargo of Birds from Specified Countries.
Travel
Updated Information for Travelers about Avian Influenza A(H5N1) is available at the CDC Travelers’ Health Web site. Also see Guidelines and Recommendations - Interim Guidance about Avian Influenza A (H5N1) for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad.
CDC Response
CDC is working with WHO and other international partners to monitor the situation closely. In addition, CDC continues to work with WHO and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on development of a vaccine for influenza A (H5N1). For more information view CDC's Response to Avian Influenza.
Also see Updated Interim Guidance for Laboratory Testing of Persons with Suspected Infection with Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in the United States for CDC’s domestic H5N1 surveillance recommendations.
The World Health Organization has additional resources and information on avian influenza A H5N1, including
Recommendations and laboratory procedures for detection of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in specimens from suspected human cases (pdf 165K, 28 pages)
WHO guidelines for investigation of human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) (pdf 115K, 18 pages)
Collecting, preserving and shipping specimens for the diagnosis of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection Guide for field operations (pdf 2.36M, 83 pages)
Background on the Current Outbreaks
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus is an influenza A virus subtype that occurs mainly in birds and is highly contagious among birds, causing high mortality among domestic poultry. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 among poultry and wild birds are ongoing in a number of countries. Currently, there are two different groups (or clades) of H5N1 viruses circulating among poultry (clade 1, and clade 2 viruses). At least three subgroups or subclades of clade 2 H5N1 viruses have infected humans to date: subclades 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 viruses. H5N1 virus infections of humans are rare and most cases have been associated with direct poultry contact during poultry outbreaks. While the H5N1 virus does not now infect people easily, infection in humans is very serious when it occurs; so far, more than half of people reported infected have died. Rare cases of limited human-to-human spread of H5N1 virus may have occurred, but there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.
Nonetheless, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that H5N1 viruses one day could be able to infect humans more easily and spread easily from one person to another. Because H5N1 viruses have not infected many humans worldwide, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population and an influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) could begin if sustained H5N1 virus transmission occurred. Experts from around the world are watching the H5N1 situation very closely and are preparing for the possibility that H5N1 viruses may begin to spread more easily from person to person.
NOTE: The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains situation updates and cumulative reports of human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1)
Page last modified October 27, 2008
Causes of the flu
by John W. Paulus
The causes of the flu are, generally speaking, viruses. The flu virus causes seasonal epidemics of influenza every winter in the United States.
There are, essentially, three different categories of flu viruses that can cause you to get the flu:
The first type of influenza, or flu virus, is the influenza A virus. There are two subtypes of the influenza A virus. One is known as the H subtype and the other is known as the N subtype. These subtypes can be even further broken down into specific strains. Fortunately, there are essentially only two subtypes of the influenza A type of flu virus that are found in human beings. Other subtypes affect various animals.
Influenza B viruses are the other type of flu viruses. Influenza B viruses have different strains just like influenza A viruses. Not all influenza B viruses affect human beings either.
The final type of influenza viruses is the influenza C virus. Influenza C virus doesn't cause the same type of flu epidemic that the influenza A and B virus will cause. Instead, the influenza C virus will instead cause a mild respiratory illness.
All of the different strains of flu virus can be confusing to keep straight. Just remember, regardless of which particular influenza virus you have that causes you to get the flu, the fact is that most flu viruses have similar symptoms and they have a similar severity. You're likely to experience the same kinds of things such as body aches, headaches, an upset stomach, or fever with influenza A virus as you are with an influenza B virus.
With a number of different causes for the flu, it's important to understand what exactly the flu vaccine does for a person. The flu vaccine is able to protect against certain strains of influenza A and influenza B viruses. They don't protect against all strains of course, but they do protect against some of the most common influenza viruses that have been identified and found to cause the flu.
The best way to avoid getting the flu is to avoid the causes of the flu. To do so, it is important that during the flu season you practice good hygiene habits. Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent catching the flu. Sanitizing your hands before you eat at a restaurant, for example, can help reduce the chance that you will get the flu virus. Also, keeping your home clean and sanitized can help the flu virus from spreading from one family member to the others.
PS. from blog owner : http://www.unovus.com/lang-en/yanadaj/products/novus-air
The causes of the flu are, generally speaking, viruses. The flu virus causes seasonal epidemics of influenza every winter in the United States.
There are, essentially, three different categories of flu viruses that can cause you to get the flu:
The first type of influenza, or flu virus, is the influenza A virus. There are two subtypes of the influenza A virus. One is known as the H subtype and the other is known as the N subtype. These subtypes can be even further broken down into specific strains. Fortunately, there are essentially only two subtypes of the influenza A type of flu virus that are found in human beings. Other subtypes affect various animals.
Influenza B viruses are the other type of flu viruses. Influenza B viruses have different strains just like influenza A viruses. Not all influenza B viruses affect human beings either.
The final type of influenza viruses is the influenza C virus. Influenza C virus doesn't cause the same type of flu epidemic that the influenza A and B virus will cause. Instead, the influenza C virus will instead cause a mild respiratory illness.
All of the different strains of flu virus can be confusing to keep straight. Just remember, regardless of which particular influenza virus you have that causes you to get the flu, the fact is that most flu viruses have similar symptoms and they have a similar severity. You're likely to experience the same kinds of things such as body aches, headaches, an upset stomach, or fever with influenza A virus as you are with an influenza B virus.
With a number of different causes for the flu, it's important to understand what exactly the flu vaccine does for a person. The flu vaccine is able to protect against certain strains of influenza A and influenza B viruses. They don't protect against all strains of course, but they do protect against some of the most common influenza viruses that have been identified and found to cause the flu.
The best way to avoid getting the flu is to avoid the causes of the flu. To do so, it is important that during the flu season you practice good hygiene habits. Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent catching the flu. Sanitizing your hands before you eat at a restaurant, for example, can help reduce the chance that you will get the flu virus. Also, keeping your home clean and sanitized can help the flu virus from spreading from one family member to the others.
PS. from blog owner : http://www.unovus.com/lang-en/yanadaj/products/novus-air
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)