SARS didn't do the markets a lot of good - what about Swine Flu Epidemic

inspector_monkfish

Pandemic.......

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/health/-pandemic-obviously-not-what-you-thought-it-was-200904301734/

iltisman

I reckon the government dont want us to wear masks because they are investing so much in facial recognition equipment.

misskool

Davesnave wrote: »

I think the two doctors on here have already given some background and, to the extent that they have disagreed, shown that there are no absolute answers on this. However, it is known that transmission is partly based on the presence of droplets in the air, and that hospital staff treating highly contagious patients, use masks (meeting the relevant standards) as a barrier method to avoid inhaling those droplets. Patients are usually given masks too, to avoid projecting droplets via coughing, sneezing etc.

The general public are, at present, largely unaware of the different types of masks, or the fact that virtually all become useless after absorbing moisture from breathing etc. This means that anyone using one would need to replace it frequently; say after 4-6 hours.

On TV, the Mexicans were shown giving out masks to all and sundry; something which would be likely to invoke 'expectations' in our own population. The Mexican masks were, as others have said, of a type that is virtually useless, so our government would be quite right in saying that mass distribution like that isn't effective. However, another reason they might push this line is simply that they don't have any effective, or partially effective masks to give out! Any that they do have will be reserved, quite rightly, for front line staff.

Hope that eases your puzzlement. As someone who has looked into this a little bit, I have my own thoughts, which I'm trying to keep to myself. However, I agree with what Dr hermanmunster's implies; that some people's lack of attention to basic hygiene, rather than the lack of masks, may spread this further than it might otherwise go.

The main problem is people become more careless if issued with face masks. There are many who cover their faces with their hands after sneezing and then touch the handrails of public transport :rolleyes: That's a common way to transmit infectious organisms.

The face masks also need to be worn properly, so many pictures on the television show people covering their mouths but not their noses (where do they think they are going to inhale the bacteria from??) and those who use masks that are not the right size or correctly fitted (never mind the correct use).

To avoid spread, they need to be disposed of correctly so the virus/bacteria is contained. To give out face masks suggest that they will be protected and cause them to be less vigilant, very bad idea

GDB2222

It looks like we are almost there with the pandemic. WHO have pushed their warning up to level 5. Level 6 is when the pandemic is in progress. So, the markets' reaction to this news is up 2% so far today.

amcluesent

My replenishment of FFP2 valved masks arrived today:beer: which can be worn with wrap-around polycarbonate safety glasses. 3 micron filtration in the masks and glasses should greatly reduce mist droplet contact to the eyes.

The planners are working on a scenario of 94,000 excess deaths just in London!

bubblesmoney

looks like some buttons have been pushed. in a few hours from now have been asked (as part of front line staff) to land up for an appointment for fitting / measurement for being kitted out with a suitable mask!

dont remember any of the front line staff being asked to do that when we had the SARS drills elsewhere and at one point in time one of the places where i worked we were one of THE refferal centres for SARS cases needing intensive treatment / isolation etc as per early disaster plans. many years ago there were drills for decontaminating loads of people, hands on trials for using the antiviral masks and bodysuits etc (those didnt need exact fiiting and were mouldable and disposable, we used the same masks for someother things as well on other occassions).

because we werent asked to come for assessment/training/measurement for kitting out with masks the last time around, i wonder what they are upto this time asking some of us to come for assessment / measurement / training for kitting out with the masks. not all staff have been asked as it was news to most staff including me. anyway will know in a few hours what sort of mask we are getting this time around. doesnt seem like disposable ones this time as if that was the case there wouldnt be a need for assessment/measurement etc i would guess. i dont know how practical a non disposable mask would be if working many days and needing to take it off for breaks etc. !!!!!! am i expected to carry it around all day just in case i get called for attending to one of these cases. guess i'll need to carry a bag at work now to keep this type of mask. it would be easier and more practical if they had a few bog standard sizes and disposable ones rather than needing to call people individually for kitting out. so really curious what they are upto asking only some of us for dropping in tomorrow for these masks etc.

not entirely sure !!!!!! they are doing asking just some frontline staff for measurements for kitting out but not the others as some other staff (who will definitely assist us handling a suspected case if needed) who are on call as well along with us havent been asked to come for these things and they didnt even know about these masks being issued. dont know if only a few guinea pigs like me are being issued with these for starters at my place of work!:o or maybe they just havent got around to talking to the other staff yet which is understandable due to the number of staff.

GDB2222

Something like this would offer reasonable protection for a member of the Public, but not a front-line worker.

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/14194/Workwear-PPE/Protective-Clothing/Respiratory-Protection/28-Day-A1P2-Mask

That is a P2 mask. A P3 mask would offer more protection, but it's costlier and I suspect less comfortable to wear. P1-P3 rating is the proportion of particulates it lets through. I don't think you can catch a single virus on these masks, but the droplets of saliva etc in the air can be stopped by these.

There are some papery masks around that are totally useless - just uncomfortable to wear, but very cheap. For example, these:

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/55489/Workwear-PPE/Protective-Clothing/Respiratory-Protection/Comfort-Mask-Pack-of-50

I am no expert on masks, just offering such info as I have gleaned.

Davesnave

I found this site to offer a reasonable FAQ section and a decent range but, as you can see, stocks are not what they were!

http://www.surviveall.co.uk/shop/home.php?cat=248

Suddenly the 'tin hatters' are in vogue!

Anyone investing in mask manufacturers, like 3M?

amcluesent

>as you can see, stocks are not what they were!<

That's the online store I got my FPP2 masks from last. Ordered last Saturday!

There's no masks of any sort to be had from any chemist in London. Peeps are trying to cadge them off dentists etc.

I wonder what a mask will sell for on eBay.

space_rider

I went to Asda yesterday which is quite a big one and there wasn`t any anti bacterial handwash in sight. I have 2 daughters who are immunocompromised so although I didn`t pay too much notice of it in the beginning I am taking more notice now. They already know to stay away from someone who has a cough/sneeze and to make sure they wash their hands regularly and not to touch their mouths or nose without first washing their hands.