To the people of Guangdong Province and other areas, however, it was a threat, one which millions of domestic fowl were culled to stop, and which the US government sponsored programs to check migratory waterfowl for in the Northwest, the most likely entrance to the US along migratory bird flyways.
Here and now, Ebola is a more serious threat, not because it is next door, but because it could be by morning if it catches the red-eye.
It is more contagious than the current H5N1 unless you are a bird.
If we wait until the total number of dead eclipse the Spanish Flu or the Black Death, it will be too late to do anything about it.
Protections, aside from distance and isolation from infected populations:
N-95 is sufficient as filtration for H5N1. P-100 for Ebola. H5N1 needs to be inhaled or conveyed by droplets contaminated dust, into the lungs or mucosa, or the direct contact with the corpse, feces, blood, etc. of an infected bird, especially through an open wound or consuming undercooked flesh.
Ebola, all of that, only the virus seems more likely to hitchhike in droplets rather than be airborne by itself. Add to that that Ebola virus tends to survive relatively well on surfaces contaminated with the bodily fluids of victims, and fomite transmission becomes a significant hazard. Corpses remain infectious, and dogs can get the disease and remain asymptomatic.
The most effective defense against either is to be where the virus is not. Failing that, isolating your body from Ebola in your surroundings is the next best thing: full suit, full face respirator, hood, gloves, booties, an apron to catch the worst of what could ail you and keep it off your suit, and a 'buddy' to decontaminate you in the event you are out and about, and to check on your PPE beforehand to make sure it is on correctly.
At no time have I really made light of the capabilities of the virus, nor its threat. My concern has been self-evident in this forum.
I’ve worn the military Chem/bio suits for up to 14 hours. It is beyond exhausting. It’s very easy to make deadly mistakes.
Actually, I wasn’t arguing which was worse. H5N1 remains a threat, but until it mutates, it isn’t an imminent one—especially here.
*****************************************************
I must apologize. My entire post was a response to #50, where that sentiment was expressed. It was like a last straw, after reading so many posts over the last month that basically downplay many people’s concern and desire to prepare.
I did include your name in case you might want to chime in.
I greatly appreciate your efforts, and think you have been very fair and accurate. I agree with what you have just posted, most especially I agree with your last sentence:
“At no time have I really made light of the capabilities of the virus, nor its threat. My concern has been self-evident in this forum.”
I just wish everyone had the same concern. Thanks again for all your efforts, and the additional info you posted.