Categories: uncategorized
Date: 22 February 2006 13:01:44
Just been reading a bird flu thread on another discussion forum. Now, I don't know about you, but I've given little thought to the fact that it's almost on our doorstep and that if the type that transmits across to humans makes an appearance, we could all be in for a doomsday type scenario. My only reaction so far has been to think a) those poor farmers, and b) Bother it. We're not going to be able to buy free range chicken any more.
However, the web being the mine of info that it is - some sources advise stockpiling essential supplies, including protective face masks. (The latter can be used as a source of exchange and barter I gather). And not just any old face mask, either. No, there is a hierachy of protectiveness, and to get the ultimate in such for your loved ones you may need to dig deep. It puzzled me though, that one model - fairly basic was nevertheless counted OK, because apparently the virus attaches itself to fairly large particles. Which is in direct contradiction to the advice given me at the weekend re protection from Ms Miff's good old influenza B; he pharmacist reckoned that with this type the virus is transmitted via such tiny droplets that most of them would penetrate through the part of the ask through which you breathe, rendering it pretty useless to begin with.
Maybe it's sheer foolhardiness, but I've noticed that the older I get, the less worried I get about scares like this. Years ago, when the children were small, I'd have been out there stocking up on bottled water and loo rolls with the best of them. Not so any more. And it's not as if I'd wouldn't be affected - judging by my recent tendency to gunky bronchii. Strange.