Shaking Hands

I do not know of any studies supporting this, but common sense dicates that shaking hands with other people when greeting them should not be done, as virus may be passed that way very directly.

See also:

The Institute of Medicine Committee on Personal Protective Equipment for Healthcare Workers During an Influenza Pandemic held a scientific workshop on February 22, 2007. PowerPoint Slide shows are available at the link.

• Questions raised about study on masks as aerosol barrier Feb 2007, CIDRAP, and see also:
• CBN Report: Surgical Masks May Provide Significant Aerosol Protection Feb 2007

• OSHA, Feb 2007
• Interim recommendations from pandemicflu.gov and HHS
• Aerosols and flu transmissibility -review in EID

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.

• A NIOSH approval is issued to a respirator only after it has been evaluated in the laboratory and found to comply with all the requirements of Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84, including a review of the manufacturer’s quality plan. The Nano Guard N95 Particulate Respirator is not certified and approved by NIOSH. See also Health Care Worker Safety During a Pandemic and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Microfiber Masks

• Explore new microfiber materials. A 500- or 600-thread-count bedsheet purchased from a local store may offer far superior protection from infectious droplets than low-tech masks made from, say, teeshirt material. Microfiber fabrics are becoming commonplace in every area of textile development, from the above-mentioned bedsheets to handbags to clothing to entire couches.

(:nogroup:)

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) \\

• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission \\

• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) \\

• Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped.
  

• A new paradigm in respiratory hygiene: increasing the cohesivity of airway secretions to improve cough interaction and reduce aerosol dispersion \\

<u style=“display: none;”>… no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … </u> (:nogroup:)

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) \

• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission \

• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) \

• Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped.

• A new paradigm in respiratory hygiene: increasing the cohesivity of airway secretions to improve cough interaction and reduce aerosol dispersion \

(:nogroup:)

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) \\

• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission \\

• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) \\

• Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped.
  

• A new paradigm in respiratory hygiene: increasing the cohesivity of airway secretions to improve cough interaction and reduce aerosol dispersion \\

<u style=“display: none;”>… no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … </u> (:nogroup:)

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) \

• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission \

• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) \

• Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped.

• A new paradigm in respiratory hygiene: increasing the cohesivity of airway secretions to improve cough interaction and reduce aerosol dispersion \

It is also very important to note, that although the CDC recommends these products as suitable levels of protection against the H5N1 virus, the testing criteria used to certify these products does not include any biological agents.

• What is N-95?

NIOSH only tests the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks against salt particles, and does not currently employ any standards to test against live agents.

• What is N-95?

Examples of particle size:

Particulate filter efficiency is based on ability to remove particles greater > than 0.3 microns in diameter (medial aerodynamic diameter of 0.3 um)

It is also very important to note, that although the CDC recommends these products as suitable levels of protection against the H5N1 virus, the testing criteria used to certify these products does not include any biological agents.

• What is N-95?

Filters and infectious particles

• Examples of particle size:
• Viruses 0.02 to 0.3 microns - N95 mask not effective
• Bacteria 0.5 to 10 microns - N95 mask effective
• Mold spores 1 to 70 microns - N95 mask effective
• Fungi 2 to >200 microns - N95 mask effective

Particulate filter efficiency is based on ability to remove particles greater?>than 0.3 microns in diameter (medial aerodynamic diameter of 0.3 um)

NIOSH only tests the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks against salt particles, and does not currently employ any standards to test against live agents.

It is also very important to note, that although the CDC recommends these products as suitable levels of protection against the H5N1 virus, the testing criteria used to certify these products does not include any biological agents?. ‘’‘

• +NIOSH only tests the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks against salt particles, and does not currently employ any standards to test against live agents.+’‘’

• What is N-95?

• Examples of particle size:

Particulate filter efficiency is based on ability to remove particles greater? than 0.3 microns in diameter (medial aerodynamic diameter of 0.3 um)

It is also very important to note, that although the CDC recommends these products as suitable levels of protection against the H5N1 virus, the testing criteria used to certify these products does not include any biological agents?. NIOSH only tests the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks against salt particles, and does not currently employ any standards to test against live agents.

• NIOSH-Approved P95 Disposable Particulate Respirators

• It is also important to note, that N95 facemasks deteriorate significantly over time. Although the CDC recommends these products as suitable levels of protection against harmful biological organisms, the testing criteria used to certify these products does not include any biological agents. NIOSH only tests the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks against salt particles, and does not currently employ any standards to test against live agents. Not all facemasks provide the same level of performance hour after hour of use. As seen in third-party studies; when subjected to bioaerosols, the performances of most facemasks deteriorate significantly over time. http://www.viraldefender.com/chart.htm

• It is also important to note, that N95 facemasks deteriorate significantly over time. Although the CDC recommends these products as suitable levels of protection against harmful biological organisms, the testing criteria used to certify these products does not include any biological agents. NIOSH only tests the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks against salt particles, and does not currently employ any standards to test against live agents. Not all facemasks provide the same level of performance hour after hour of use. As seen in third-party studies; when subjected to bioaerosols, the performances of most facemasks deteriorate significantly over time. http://http://www.viraldefender.com/chart.htm

• It is also important to note, that N95 facemasks deteriorate significantly over time. Although the CDC recommends these products as suitable levels of protection against harmful biological organisms, the testing criteria used to certify these products does not include any biological agents. NIOSH only tests the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks against salt particles, and does not currently employ any standards to test against live agents. Not all facemasks provide the same level of performance hour after hour of use. As seen in third-party studies; when subjected to bioaerosols,the performances of most facemasks deteriorate significantly over time. http://http://www.viraldefender.com/chart.htm

studies; when subjected to bioaerosols,the performances of most facemasks deteriorate significantly over time. http://http://www.viraldefender.com/chart.htm

• It is also important to note, that although the CDC recommends these products as suitable levels of protection against harmful biological organisms, the testing criteria used to certify these products does not include any biological agents. NIOSH only tests the filtration efficiencies of N95 facemasks against salt particles, and does not currently employ any standards to test against live agents. Not all facemasks provide the same level of performance hour after hour of use. As seen in third-party

studies; when subjected to bioaerosols, the performances of most facemasks deteriorate significantly over time.http://www.viraldefender.com/faqs.htm

• A NIOSH approval is issued to a respirator only after it has been evaluated in the laboratory and found to comply with all the requirements of Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84, including a review of the manufacturer’s quality plan. The Nano Guard N95 Particulate Respirator is not certified and approved by NIOSH. See also Health Care Worker Safety During a Pandemic and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• # A NIOSH approval is issued to a respirator only after it has been evaluated in the laboratory and found to comply with all the requirements of Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84, including a review of the manufacturer’s quality plan. The Nano Guard N95 Particulate Respirator is not certified and approved by NIOSH. See also Health Care Worker Safety During a Pandemic and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

(:nogroup:)

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) \\

• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission \\

• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) \\

• Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped.
  

• A new paradigm in respiratory hygiene: increasing the cohesivity of airway secretions to improve cough interaction and reduce aerosol dispersion \\

‹u style=“display: none;”>… no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … no changes … <a href=‘http://www.insurance-top.com’>car insurance</a> : [http://www.insurance-top.com auto insurance] - [HTTP://www.insurance-top.com auto insurance] : [Insurance car|http://www.insurance-top.com] - [Insurance car|HTTP://www.insurance-top.com] : http://www.insurance-top.com/auto/ : http://www.insurance-top.com insurance quote : home insurance : “cars insurance” http://www.insurance-top.com : [http://www.insurance-top.com|insurance auto] </u› (:nogroup:)

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) \

• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission \

• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) \

• Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped.

• A new paradigm in respiratory hygiene: increasing the cohesivity of airway secretions to improve cough interaction and reduce aerosol dispersion \

See also Simple Respiratory Mask from a cotton undershirt.

This is an area where some research or innovation is needed. Imagine you’re a mother with a diseased infant in an extremely poor setting. The low-tech approach works for water filters, so wouldn’t it be good if we could have the same for air-filters or masks? Consider bandanas, cloth masks, etc. This is being tried at simple masks which refers to a scientific paper reporting the developement and testing of a low-tech, washable mask which provides a less-than-perfect protection (as all masks do) and might have a role in diminishing transmission.

• Institute of Medicine Reusability of Facemasks During an Influenza Pandemic: Facing the Flu

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Alcohol-based hand cleansers must be at least 60% alcohol to be effective; not all are so you should check the label.

• Need study evidence on the efficacy of a light coat of vaseline or other petroleum jelly on the inside of the nose before air travel to seal microcracks in skin and reduce droplet transfer. Anecdotally it’s useful … use your little finger.

An example of Hong Kong mask policy can be found here at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) web site.

Hard data on masks is hard to come by. WHO recently published two companion papers on non-pharmaceutical interventions by the World Health Organization (WHO) Writing Group.

• From the first:

• From the second:

• Policy Review: Nonpharmaceutical Interventions for Pandemic Influenza, International Measures (article 1)
• Policy Review: Nonpharmaceutical Interventions for Pandemic Influenza, International Measures (article 2)

• 3M on SARS and Masks from an Australian perspective (.pdf)

This is an area where some research or innovation is needed. Imagine you’re a mother with a diseased infant in an extremely poor setting. The low-tech approach works for water filters, so wouldn’t it be good if we could have the same for air-filters or masks? Consider bandanas, cloth masks, etc.

Basics · Masks · Handwashing · Attendance · Sneezing · Handling · Air Travel · New Approaches · Respiratory Condoms

• 3M on SARS and Masks from an Australian perspective

(:nogroup:)

Personal Hygiene

Basics · Masks · Handwashing · Attendance · Sneezing · Handling · Air Travel · New Approaches · Respiratory Condoms

↓ edit · top ↑

Masks

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  about SARS experience, N95 vs surgical vs cloth (pdf)
• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission \\

• NIOSH-Approved N95 Disposable Particulate Respirators
• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) \\

• N95 disposable respirators from the Minnesota Department of Health

↓ edit · top ↑

Low-tech masks

This is an area where some research or innovation is needed. Imagine you’re a mother with a diseased infant in an extremely poor setting. The low-tech approach works for water filters, so wouldn’t it be good if we could have the same for air-filters or masks?

↓ edit · top ↑

Handwashing

• Essay on hygiene
• More on handwashing
• Guidelines for good handwashing (pdf)
• Guide to Handwashing – the video (mpeg, 3.5 MB)

↓ edit · top ↑

Attendance at work/school

↓ edit · top ↑

Sneezing/coughing/fomites

• Sneezing or coughing into your elbow or arm is less likely to spread viral droplets than coughing into your hands (still better than no coverage of nose and mouth)… this way, less droplets will be spread to doorknobs, etc.

↓ edit · top ↑

Reduce doorknob handling

• Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped. \\

↓ edit · top ↑

Air travel

↓ edit · top ↑

New Approaches to Hygiene

• A new paradigm in respiratory hygiene: increasing the cohesivity of airway secretions to improve cough interaction and reduce aerosol dispersion
  Zayas, et al, BMC Pulmonary Medicine 2005

↓ edit · top ↑

“Respiratory condoms”

Please take this mostly as a first provocative idea, but maybe a derived idea might have some value. We may need a CopingCreatively section: based on sound scientific knowledge and checking feasibility and real benefits, but also trying to use our brains to find better ways forward.) Bank clerks are behind glass protection - why can’t healthcare providers and cash-counter workers have some kind of plastic wall between clients and themselves? It would just be a couple of long wooden sticks nailed to each wall, and a plastic sheet nailed to the wood. If you want to explore the patients’ belly you can have gloves like those in incubator boxes. I think it would work if the “wall” is tall enough. The concept here is not perfect protection, but reduce unneeded respiratory contacts (say from 10 million contacts a day to 1 million contacts a day) while keeping societies functioning.

• More on handwashing

#New Approaches to Hygeine top

New Approaches to Hygeine

• A new paradigm in respiratory hygiene: increasing the cohesivity of airway secretions to improve cough interaction and reduce aerosol dispersion

• NIOSH-Approved N95 Disposable Particulate Respirators

• N95 disposable respirators from the Minnesota Department of Health

Basic Flu Personal Hygiene From The CDC

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.

top

Masks

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  in .pdf form about SARS experience, N95 vs surgical vs cloth
• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission
  from the CDC
• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)
  website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Respirators (masks); standards and information

top

Handwashing

• Essay on hygiene

top

Attendance at work/school

top

Sneezing/coughing/fomites

• Sneezing or coughing into your elbow or arm is less likely to spread viral droplets than coughing into your hands (still better than no coverage of nose and mouth)… this way, less droplets will be spread to doorknobs, etc.

top

Reduce doorknob handling

• Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped. \\

top

Air travel

top

“Respiratory condoms”

(Please take this mostly as a first provocative idea, but maybe a derived idea might have some value. We may need a CopingCreatively section: based on sound scientific knowledge and checking feasibility and real benefits, but also trying to use our brains to find better ways forward.) Bank clerks are behind glass protection - why can’t healthcare providers and cash-counter workers have some kind of plastic wall between clients and themselves? It would just be a couple of long wooden sticks nailed to each wall, and a plastic sheet nailed to the wood. If you want to explore the patients’ belly you can have gloves like those in incubator boxes. I think it would work if the “wall” is tall enough. The concept here is not perfect protection, but reduce unneeded respiratory contacts (say from 10 million contacts a day to 1 million contacts a day) while keeping societies functioning.

Low-tech masks

This is an area where some research or innovation is needed. Imagine you’re a mother with a diseased infant in an extremely poor setting. The low-tech approach works for water filters, so wouldn’t it be good if we could have the same for air-filters or masks?

• Avian Flu Masks - A website dedicated to Avian flu protection.

• The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Respirators (masks); standards and information

• 2004-05 Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Influenza Transmission - from the CDC

Reduce doorknob handling

Replace round doorknobs with “lever” ones, which don’t need to be grasped. (feel free to move this if it belongs elsewhere)

“Respiratory condoms”

(Please take this mostly as a first provocative idea, but maybe a derived idea might have some value. We may need a CopingCreatively section: based on sound scientific knowledge and checking feasibility and real benefits, but also trying to use our brains to find better ways forward.) Bank clerks are behind glass protection - why can’t healthcare providers and cash-counter workers have some kind of plastic wall between clients and themselves? It would just be a couple of long wooden sticks nailed to each wall, and a plastic sheet nailed to the wood. If you want to explore the patients’ belly you can have gloves like those in incubator boxes. I think it would work if the “wall” is tall enough. The concept here is not perfect protection, but reduce unneeded respiratory contacts (say from 10 million contacts a day to 1 million contacts a day) while keeping societies functioning.

Low-tech masks

This is an area where some research or innovation is needed. Imagine you’re a mother with a diseased infant in an extremely poor setting. http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/002738.html works for water filters, so wouldn’t it be good if we could have the same for air-filters or masks?

• http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/nutrition/348-965/348-965.html

• http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/nutrition/348-965/348-965.html

Basic Flu Personal Hygiene From The CDC

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick.
• If you get the flu, stay home from work or school. If you are sick, do not go near other people so that you don’t make them sick too.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.

• Sneezing or coughing into your elbow or arm is less likely to spread viral droplets than coughing into your hands (still better than no coverage of nose and mouth)… this way, less droplets will be spread to doorknobs, etc.

• Essay on hygiene

• Essay on hygiene

Masks

• Singapore Medical Association article about masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - in .pdf form about SARS experience, N95 vs surgical vs cloth

Handwashing

Attendance at work/school

Sneezing/coughing/fomites

Air travel