Urban Survival Secrets

Update on Swine Flu

As I mentioned in my blast yesterday, the siwne flu has reached the US and according to the World Health Organization, has the potential to become a Pandemic. I hope this concerns you as an Urbansurvivalsecrets reader.

For those who do not understand the ramifications of the pandemic lable, let me explain.

A pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of a virus/disease.  It has the ability to literally wipe out large numbers of people.  An epidemic, it typically a localized issue.  Both have nasty consequences, but the pandemic is much larger.

The reason this thing becoming a pandemic is such an issue is that with our jetsetting culture, spread of infectious disease is very easy.  I can be seated in a restaurant in Denver International next to someone who has come from overseas.  As I am eating, that person is exhaling in my general area and the virus is airborne.  I continue on to Arizona and to Africa carrying the virus….. Pretty simplified and scarry.

In Mexico, 81 have died and 1300 have contracted the flu.  24 new cases were reported just yesterday alone.  Cases have been found in New York, California (San Diego), Kansas and Texas.

In Mexico, they are closing down public places left and right.  Interestingly though, the subway is still available.  Talk about being trapped in a confined space with a sick person.

A question I recieved is will a surgical mask help?  Yes, it will, provided that you have it on your head and face correctly.  You do not want gaps or anything.  3M makes a great mask model 8511.  The key is to have two straps and not one!

Another tip, wash your hands frequently.  Those hand sanitizers are not nearly as effective as hand washing.  The sanitizers also contain a goop that dries on your hands and retains the virus.  By washing, the virus is physically removed.