Avian Flu Preparedness Project

Freepers. ^ | July 29, 2005 | various FReepers

[Judith Anne]

This thread is for specific questions and answers about preparing for Avian Flu in the US. News articles and discussion about the Avian Flu can be found here:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1399613/posts

Everyone who was on the Avian Flu Surveillance Project ping list will be on this ping list. If you want on or off this list, please let me or Dog Gone know. Thanks.

[Iowa Granny]

Elderberry stems have a form of cyanide in them

I guess that explains why you can't cook them with the stem on and then put thru a seive.

Thanks for this info MM.

[2ndreconmarine]

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Judith Anne]

Will do, right now.

[Judith Anne]

EBH, thanks very much for the information in 37 and 38. These things sound complicated, but with some practice sessions, they can become second nature.

Plus, when you've practised a few times, you can train others in your family, if it should become necessary.

[Judith Anne]

Thanks, BA. Much appreciated.

[Judith Anne]

LOL! No, no huckleberry or gooseberry recipes. All I remember about the one time I made green gooseberry pie is that you have to use twice as much sugar as berries, or something like that...;-D

[little jeremiah]

More information on handwashing:


N.C. study: Germs can't fight soap, water - researchers test hand-washing methods
Myrtle Beach Online N.C. study: Germs can't fight soap, water
Researchers test hand-washing methods
The Associated Press
Posted on Sat, Mar. 12, 2005

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Mom was right.
A new study by infection-control specialists at UNC Hospitals confirms that the best way to get germs off your hands is with plain old soap and water.
The researchers tested 14 hand-hygiene agents plus tap water against specific bacteria and viruses applied to the hands of 62 adult volunteers. Soap and water, or microbial soap and water, proved the most effective at removing viruses and bacteria.
"Based on these findings, I'd put my hands in my mouth after routine sink washing for 10 seconds," said Emily Sickbert-Bennett, a public-health epidemiologist with the University of North Carolina's Health Care System and the UNC School of Public Health.
Sickbert-Bennett is the lead author of the study, conducted as part of her UNC public-health master's degree work from 2000 to 2002 and published in the March issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
The study divided the hand-washing agents into three methods: five waterless alcohol-based rubs, two waterless hand wipes with chemicals, five hand-wash products with anti-microbial agents, plain soap without antibacterials and tap water alone.
The volunteers doused their hands in common, hardy strains of a bacteria and virus, washed their hands using one of the methods for 10 seconds and then measured the quantity of remaining germs.
They repeated the steps 10 times to measure each method's effectiveness after repeated exposures.
After just one wash, hand gels and soaps worked about the same, removing 99 percent of the bugs.
But after multiple washes, regular soap and warm water was most effective at removing the virus. For bacteria, anti-microbial soap was the most effective, removing 99 percent of bacteria after multiple washes. Regular soap and water was the next most effective, followed by tap water alone, then hand rubs, the researchers found.
Hand wipes were the least effective, getting just half the germs.
The germs used in the study are more hardy than the flu virus, Sickbert-Bennett said, so any cleansing method capable of wiping out the test virus is almost certain to be even more effective against flu.
The UNC researchers looked at 10-second scrubs, rather than longer washes studied in past trials, because they found that 10 seconds is the average time UNC health care personnel actually spend washing their hands.
Soap and water works better over repeated use because water removes germs by washing them down the drain, Sickbert-Bennett said.

[little jeremiah]

INFORMATION ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR ANTI-VIRAL AND ANTI-BACTERIAL USES -

Here’s some information I gleaned from books in my possession. Additionally, here are a couple of lists of essential oils which are considered to have either anti-bacterial and/or anti-viral properties. Not much experimentation has gone on using essential oils, especially in the US. Which is too bad, since E.O.s are relatively inexpensive and most have many therapeutic uses. Another herb which has had a lot of experimentation is Neem, which is not usually available as an oil. It is said to have a very wide specturm anti-bacterial and anti-viral potency. You can make a strong Neem tea, strain the leaves, and add essential oils for a wide spectrum anti-septic household spray, and it is very useful for traveling as well.

Essential oils can be dropped on the shirt collar to breathe (often makes a mark), dropped on a cotton ball and put in your pocket, there are portable diffusers that you can even wear around your neck, and use on the table or desk. They can be diluted in oil and rubbed on the skin, or in water and sprayed. A few drops could be placed on a mask.

I order most of my oils and herbs from Starwest Botanicals – you can order by phone or catalog. Their phone is 800-800-4372. (Naturally I have no vested interest in this company! I have just ordered from them for many years and am satisfied with their quality and customer service.) I have also ordered bulk dried herbs from them and just received a couple of pounds of dried Elderberries. I order with a wholesale account, which is not hard to qualify for, and gives you a very good discount - much, MUCH cheaper than buying oils retail. If any of you have any questions about essential oils and their uses, don’t hesitate to freepmail LJ and I will respond to the best of my ability.

If any of you are seriously interested in learning about essential oils, these are some books I have and like.

The Art of Aromatherapy --- Robert Tisserand
Aromatherapy – to Heal and Tend the Body --- Robert Tisserand (very good scientific explanations of how and why essential oils work)
The Aromatherapy Book --- Jean Rose
375 Hydrosols and Essential Oils --- Jean Rose
Aromatherapy Workbook --- Marcel Lavabre (very good scientific explanations of how and why essential oils work, with much botanical info)


(Don’t be put off by the French names. French doctors have done quite a bit of research into plant derived essential oils – EVERYTHING French isn’t bad….)

Oils generally considered to have anti-bacterial properties: (those with a * I have used and consider very useful). I am leaving out oils which are either very expensive or rare and hard to find.

NOTE!!!!!It’s VERY VERY important when using essential oils to be very sparing, they are extremely concentrated. Do NOT apply neat to the skin except for Lavender which is the best cure for burns that I know. I applied Oregano oil when I first got some neat to a wart, as I had read it gets rid of them. It got rid of the wart all right. But the pain was intense, for a couple of days. It has to be used in dilution VERY carefully. Many of these oils below may also have anti-viral properties.

* Bergamot *Clove
* Cinnamon
* Eucalyptus
*Fir
*Grapefruit
*Lemon
* Juniper
* Lavender
Niauli
* Peppermint
* Pine
* Rosemary
*Oregano
*Spruce
Savory
*Tea Tree
*Thyme

The oils below are considered to have anti-viral properties, same symbol use as above:

Artemisia
*Bergamot
*Eucalyptus
*Grapefruit
*Geranium
Melissa
*Lemon
*Tea Tree
*Thyme

Most essential oils (with some EXTREMELY IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS) can be taken internally but only in extreme dilution and ONE DROP AT A TIME. Keep in mind that often hundreds of pounds of plant material are needed to produce one kilo of oil. It's better not to use internally unless you really know what you're about. We use citrus oils internally when sick, they're quite safe if you use ONE DROP only in a cup of water.

There are many other oils which are listed as basic “anti-septics” such as Basil, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cedar, Cypress, Fennel, Marjoram and even Patchouli. In fact, most essential oils have some measurable anti-bacterial or anti-viral potential. My personal favorites for all purpose anti-septic purposes are the citrus oils and evergreen oils. They are among the cheapest and most potent, and Oregano as it is extremely powerful. A good mix I use would consist of Pine, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lemon and Fir or Spruce. How much Essential oil to use? I use approximately 40 drops to a pint or more of water, add to a spray bottle, and shake and spray. Sometimes I add a tiny bit of liquid soap to make it more dispersable.

I consider that the natural world, being created by God, has myriad uses for human benefit. I don’t discount the miracles of modern medicine – but herbs and other natural products often have incredible healing power, and often any side effects are minimal compared to some of the devastating effects of pharmaceuticals. I have studied natural healing methods for many years, and there is a lot of bogus wackiness out there. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t very good methods that we can use for our betterment.

***I have information I got from the internet about the potency of Essential Oils if anyone wants more corroboration.

[nuclady]

Thank you so much!!

[Judith Anne]

You're welcome. ;-D

[Americalover]

It is past time to pressure congress and the president to act aggressively. If there isn't profit in flu vaccines, subsidize manufacturers! If that won't work the government should build the plants. There are problems that aren't best left to the private sector, this is one.

Republicans have a majority; it's time to use that power. I for one won't complain if my tax dollars are spent to build a factory to produce massive amounts of antivirals.

This is no time to be passive; it is time to scream like your life depends on it.

[EBH]

Dirty Desks May Foster Flu Spread This Winter

Germ-Infested Desks May Plague Office Workers

By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
on Friday, October 29, 2004

Oct. 28, 2004 -- Failing to clean off your desk before lunch not only raises the risk of salad dressing spilling onto your work, but it could also increase your chances of getting sick.

A new report shows that close to half of Americans don't clean their desks before eating at them, and a third don't wash their hands, which may foster the spread of infectious diseases like colds and flu.

Due to a shortage of the flu vaccine this year, health officials have urged the public to take measures to reduce their risk, and researchers say improving at-work hygiene and hand washing habits could have a major impact in reducing sick days.

"Desks, phones, door knobs, conference tables, fax machines and other common workplace areas can be breeding grounds for bacteria-spreading germs," says Brian Sansoni, spokesman for the Soap and Detergent Association, in a news release. "Of course, germs are spread hand-to-hand, but those hands touch a variety of surfaces we come in contact with every day."

The nonprofit cleaning industry trade group surveyed about 1,000 adults about their cleaning and hygiene habits at work and found 46% of Americans don't clean their desks before lunch.

But there was a big difference in healthy office habits between men and women. The survey showed that 57% of women clean up their desks before eating but 57% of men do not.

"Common sense hand hygiene, surface cleaning and disinfection practices are valuable tools to help keep the workplace healthy -- especially in the midst of cold and flu season," says Sansoni. "We don't want to see poor hygiene habits lead to an absentee workforce."

[who knows what evil?]

Eucalyptus oils were used in military barracks to ward off the flu during 1918. Everyone should have a few bottles around the house. Remember what Mom used to do with Vicks when we were younger?

[little jeremiah]

Thyme is very good too - a synthesized extract, Thymol, is used in a lot of OTC medicines still.

The lists above are really representative, since so many Essential Oils have strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

[Judith Anne]

Pinging the list.

I just posted an article from Recombinomics about Avian Flu,

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1399613/posts?q=1&&page=1109#1109

and my personal prediction that we are likely to see cases in the US this fall. I may be wrong, or I may be right. In any case, being personally prepared will be an advantage, for those who care to do so.

What are some steps each of us can take?

Here are a few of my thoughts:

1. Starting in September or October, keep a 3 months supply of meds you take on a daily basis, ie blood pressure pills, diabetic meds, anything you have to go to the pharmacy for. This will keep you from having to go out for that stuff when a lot of sick people may be at the pharmacy...

2. Get the antivirals you plan to use, elderberry, essential oils, tamiflu, whatever, stocked up by the end of September. Same reason, plus some may be in short supply later.

3. Get some very simple meals that you can just heat up if you get sick: soups, especially. Keep a supply of the comfort foods that will give you a lift if there's a quarantine.

4. Make sure your first aid kit is stocked up, and get (if you don't have) a good quality first-aid book.

5. Have a frank talk with your doctor. Tell him/her that you are preparing for a possible severe flu epidemic this fall/winter. Ask him/her if you can have a small supply of effective pain medication, check if you can use Benadryl or other sleep aid with your current meds, etc.

If your doctor looks at you like you have two heads, consider consulting someone else.

Now, moving sort of into home care for someone with the flu...

6. The handwashing gels are as effective as soap and water if they are used according to directions. Get a supply of them in your closet. No-Rinse or other shampoos are a good idea for sick people--you can get them at many pharmacies or home health care stores. Warm them a bit in the microwave (not TOO hot, remember) before using.

7. For nausea, you can use a trash can with a plastic liner beside the bed.

8. Bendable straws are a good idea for when the patient just can't lift the head to get a drink or have some soup.

9. Disposable wash cloths or baby wipes can be used to help a sick person freshen up.

10. Masks have already been discussed above. If you're taking care of someone with the flu, gloves are also a good idea. I personally like the idea of disposable paper gowns worn in the sickroom, but this may not be practical. Disposable paper shoe covers are also good...you could also have a can of Lysol spray and use that over your clothes when leaving the sick room...

If at all possible, use paper or disposables for the sick person eating or drinking, washing, etc. Reason for this should be clear--cuts down on exposing others in the household. May not entirely prevent it, but it will help.

More ideas?

[EBH]

Judith Anne,

How does one get, ...keep a 3 months supply of meds you take on a daily basis, ie blood pressure pills, diabetic meds, anything you have to go to the pharmacy for... ?

I guess I've never tried to stock up, but I know my pharmacy only dispenses in a 1 month supply? So, do I need a special 'script from the dr. or do I just tell the pharmacy what I want?

[djf]

I don't think avian flu will be enough of a pandemic to affect things. I have personal knowledge of cases that would scare the bejeebers of some people, except it seems to be a fairly common occurence in some birds, especialy carrion types, like crows.

A mutation could change all that overnight.

But I am far more concerned about whatever the hell is going on in China. Not surprising in the least that a porcine virus might be the one that gets us.

[EBH]

Cute handwashing poster from the makers of Lysol. It's a free download in pdf format.

http://www.lysol.com/images/handwashing.pdf

[Judith Anne]

I've been able to get a 3 month supply at a time for BP pills, back when I had to take them (Walmart).