Human influenza is transmitted from person to person primarily via virus-laden large droplets (particles >.5 microns) that are generated when infected persons cough or sneeze; these large droplets can then be directly deposited into the mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract of susceptible persons" ("Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission", CDC)

The onset of winter brings with it the danger of influenza or flu, the disease is gradually turning out to be a perilous epidemic and leaves the patient in vulnerable position. The phenomenal rise in people suffering from flu is also a matter of concern for experts.

Defining Influenza or Flu: Commonly occurring in winters Influenza or flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. There are two main types of mutating virus: A and B. Type A virus tends to cause more severe illness than type B. Influenza affects people of all age groups but it is most Anyone can get influenza, but it is most serious in elderly, in people with chronic underlying illnesses such as cancer, emphysema or diabetes or in those with weakened immune systems. The worst part of the disorder is its contagiousness; the disorder is highly transmittable, even a slight contact with droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person during coughing and sneezing is enough to get prone to the disorder.

Avian Flu and its Human transmission: Widely known as bird Flu, Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. The influence of Avian Flu viruses is not common in species except for birds and pigs but the incident occurring in Hongkong in 1997 was a setback. The H5N1 virus affected 18 people out of which 6 died. H5N1 is of particular concern for several reasons. H5N1 mutates rapidly and has a documented propensity to acquire genes from viruses infecting other animal species. Its ability to cause severe disease in humans has now been acknowledged on two occasions. Studies reveal that isolates from this virus have a high pathogenicity and can cause severe disease in humans.

When should an N95 respirator be changed? N95 respirators are disposable and should not be cleaned.

If an N95 is used in the care of a patient on Contact Precautions, in addition to Standard Precautions (e.g., SARS, smallpox, avian Flu; bird Flu), it must be disposed of after each use.

N95s can be reused if used in the care of a tuberculosis patient check before putting on each time and replace if facepiece or head straps show any signs of damage or deterioration replace if facepiece is visibly dirty, splashed on, or becomes difficult to breathe through. replace in accordance with your agency’s infection control protocols.

Respirators should be used in the context of a complete respiratory protection program as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This includes training, fit-testing, and fit-checking to ensure appropriate respirator selection and use. To be effective, respirators must provide a proper sealing surface on the wearer's face.

Preparedness.com carries a complete line of 3m face 8511 mask, 3m8511, 3m 8511 respirator, 8511 respirator, dust respirator, dust mask, dust masks, 3m dust mask, 3m dust masks, 3m dust respirator, 3m dust respirators, bird flu infection, SARS prevention, 3m respirator safety, 8511 n95, 3m safety, 3m n95 8511, 3m8511 respirator, N95 Respirator sizes, N95 Respirator, avian bird flu, N95 Respirator mask, 3m respirator 8511 n95 Particulate paper safety respirator mask, h5n1 protective safety respirator, prepare for bird flu, Bird flu h5n1 protective 3m safety, safety mask, flu mask, bird flu mask, mask for flu, flu prevention mask, flu mask, bird flu mask, avian mask, avian flu mask, mask flu, mask flu avian, prevent bird flu, mask safety flu, flu prevention, flu safety, safety flu mask, safety and flu, safety and flu mask, flu and safety mask, flu respirator, respirator for bird flu, bird flu mask kit, safety mask, travel protection masks, safety protection, flu safety to prepare and protect your family, workplace as well as state and federal government offices in the event an Avian H5N1 Influenza (Bird Flu) pandemic outbreak occur.