Blog Archive for April, 2009
Do face masks really work?
In three separate articles by MSNBC, CNN, and the Associated Press, the authors address the question of whether the face masks that you see on television, print publications, and web sites really work.
According to the CDC in the MSNBC article they state, “”Very little is known about the benefits of wearing face masks or respirators to help control the spread of pandemic flu.”
However, the CDC suggests that face masks might reduce risk if it’s impossible to avoid crowds or people who are already infected. We know that Swine flu is thought to be transmitted in much the same way as seasonal flu, by touching something with the virus and then passing it to the nose or mouth or through coughing or sneezing.
There are clear differences, however, between face masks, N95 respirators, and our T-5000 P95 respirators. Many of the face masks you see people wearing are only designed to protect users from splashes or sprays from reaching the mouth or nose. In addition, they provide some protection to nearby persons if the mask wearer sneezes or coughs. However, they are not intended or certified to protect the wearer from a broad range of small airborne threats, that might pass right through the masks.
According to the CNN article they state, “More effective than soft surgical masks is the N95, which is an example of a “respirator.” This kind of tight-fitting face covering protects people against breathing very small particles, which may contain viruses. The downside is that it’s more expensive, uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time and has to be custom fit, Dr. Arthur Reingold, head of the epidemiology division at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health said, so it’s suited for people working in high-risk laboratories.”
Union Springs Pharmaceuticals’ T-5000 Series respirators have a P95 rating as certified by NIOSH and meet the requirements of 42 CFR 84. T-5000 respirators are coated with the Triosyn antimicrobial. Triosyn provides built-in antimicrobial and antifungal activity and may reduce contact transfer of microorganisms.† T-5000 Series respirators offer a comfortable fit, peace of mind, as well as protection against particles.
Adjustable straps and nose piece deliver a comfortable and secure fit. A full face foam seal also allows wearers of various face shapes and sizes to achieve a tighter fit and reduced potential air leakage.
Finally, Union Springs T-5000V model offers an exhalation valve that provides a comfortable, secure fit for up to 12 hours. The exhalation valve allows hot air to escape making it comfortable to wear for a longer duration of time.
For more information about the T-5000 click here. or click here to read more about Triosyn Antimicrobial.
More questions? Call us at 1-877-Go-Clyns.
Stay safe.
Joel Ivers
Union Springs Pharmaceuticals
† NIOSH has only certified T-5000 and T-500V respirators to meet the requirements in 42 CFR 84. NIOSH does not certify, test or endorse any independent studies.
WHO: Swine flu moving toward pandemic level
Germany and Austria latest European nations hit by the disease
msnbc.com staff and news service reports
updated 1 hour, 4 minutes ago
The World Health Organization warned Wednesday that the swine flu outbreak is moving closer to becoming a pandemic, as the United States reported the first swine flu death outside of Mexico, and Germany and Austria became latest European nations hit by the disease.
In Geneva, WHO flu chief Dr. Keiji Fukuda told reporters that there was no evidence the virus was slowing down, moving the agency closer to raising its pandemic alert to phase 5, indicating widespread human-to-human transmission.
Global race is on to contain swine flu outbreak
U.S. declares state of emergency as 20 cases confirmed; 86 dead in Mexico
Associated Press
On MSNBC.com
WASHINGTON - The world’s governments raced to avoid both a pandemic and global hysteria Sunday as more possible swine flu cases surfaced from Canada to New Zealand and the United States declared a public health emergency. “It’s not a time to panic,” the White House said.
Mexico, the outbreak’s epicenter with up to 103 suspected deaths, canceled some church services and closed markets and restaurants. Few people ventured onto the streets, and some wore face masks. Canada became the third country to confirm cases, in six people, including some students who — like some New York City spring-breakers — got mildly ill in Mexico. Countries across Asia promised to quarantine feverish travelers returning from flu-affected areas.
Click here to read more.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Be proactive about the recent swine flu outbreak
In the last 24 hours, news has broken about an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and that cases of the flu have been identified in California and Texas. Mexican authorities have closed down schools, museums and canceled events such as soccer games in an effort to stem the transmission of the virus. Click here to see MSNBC’s most recent story on the swine flu outbreak.
The interesting point that officials are making about this virus is that it seems to be a mixture of swine, avian, and human flu strains. Whether there is a threat of a pandemic is yet to be seen, but there are several things we can do to reduce the chances of transmission of the swine flu.
The CDC is tracking the outbreak and has offered some guidance regarding the swine flu. You can visit the CDC’s web site to view this information.
Also, as you see in many of the news stories, many people are using respirators or surgical masks to reduce their chances of becoming infected. Union Springs Pharmaceuticals’ T-5000 Series respirators have a P95 rating as certified by NIOSH and meet the requirements of 42 CFR 84. T-5000 respirators are coated with the Triosyn antimicrobial. Triosyn provides built-in antimicrobial and antifungal activity and may reduce contact transfer of microorganisms.† T-5000 Series respirators offer a comfortable fit, peace of mind, as well as protection against particles. Its one-size-fits-all comfort and protection means it can be quickly used and worn comfortably for up to 12 hours.
Available in two designs - with (T-5000V) or without (T-5000) an exhalation valve - the respirators also provide protection against mists, splashes, and sprays of oil, blood and bodily fluids.
Adjustable straps and nose piece deliver a comfortable and secure fit. A full face foam seal also allows wearers of various face shapes and sizes to achieve a tighter fit and reduced potential air leakage.
You can read more about the T-5000 and Triosyn Antimicrobial or go to our online store to purchase.
Also, if you suspect you’ve been exposed, you can also use MyClyns Personal protection spray. Independent laboratory testing on the solution in MyClyns has shown to reduce by 99.99% a reduction in over 60 pathogens. Click here for more details about MyClyns.
Stay safe and check back for more updates. We’ll be tracking the story as it develops.
Joel Ivers
Union Springs Pharmaceuticals
Mexico flu deaths raise fears of global epidemic
Unique virus connected to cases in Calif. and Texas; source still a mystery
msnbc.com news services
Mexico shut down schools, museums, libraries and state-run theaters across its overcrowded capital Friday in hopes of containing a swine flu outbreak that authorities say killed at least 20 people — and perhaps dozens more. World health authorities worried openly that the strange new virus could become a global epidemic.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said tests show some of the Mexico victims died from the same new strain of swine flu that sickened eight people in Texas and California. Of the 14 samples tested from Mexico, seven were matches, said the CDC’s acting director Dr. Richard Besser.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Deadly outbreak in Mexico caused by swine flu
All 7 U.S. victims recovered but more cases expected; source a mystery
msnbc.com news services
The unique strain of swine flu found in seven people in California and Texas has been connected to the deadly flu that has broken out in Mexico, killing as many as 60 people, NBC News has confirmed.
Click here to read more.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and
Thanks for sharing with us! The results from our MyColor contest are in.
We recently held a contest regarding your color preference for MyClyns Personal Protection Spray. Seventy-eight percent of you told us that Tactical Black was your color of preference.
Now we’d like to know why you chose Tactical Black as your color of choice. Post a comment below to tell us the reasons why you chose the Tactical Black. We want to hear from you so we can help design products designed to address your needs.
I want to thank each of you for your participation. We will be contacting the winners of the free MyClyns units within the next few weeks and sending them their MyClyns shortly after that.
Also this week, I wanted to announce our newest product. We heard from many of our customers that they would like a belt holder so they could easily access their MyClyns spray while they are in the field. The new belt holder is a nylon pouch specially designed to fit utility belts.
When an exposure has occurred, response time is critical. The belt holder allows first responders to easily access their MyClyns so they can immediately apply the product after they have been exposed to blood, spit, or other body fluids while in the field. You can order the belt holders at http://www.myclyns.com/store.
Keeping sharing your thoughts with us. They help us make products for those that help others.
Have a great week!
Joel Ivers
Human Bite Infections
Posted on eMedicine
Author: Don R Revis Jr, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine
Updated: Mar 27, 2008
Human bite wounds are notoriously deceptive and are often underestimated and undertreated. While controversies regarding optimal management continue, the basic tenets of meticulous wound care are no different than those for contaminated wounds.
TB scare: 3 Chicago-area hospitals evaluate patients, staff for tuberculosis
9:49 AM CDT, April 12, 2009
Three area hospitals where hundreds may have been exposed to tuberculosis from a doctor-in-training were still working Saturday to contact patients and narrow down how many people were at risk.
The need for personal protective equipment & Clyns Brands Products
We have recently come across so many examples of stories from professionals such as yourselves who have had exposures to bodily fluids while they are helping others. These stories underscore the need to protect yourself with personal protective equipment and products such as MyClyns and our T-5000 respirators with Triosyn technology that stops viruses.
Just last week we attended the 2009 EMS Today Conference & Expo in Baltimore, where many of you told us your exposure stories on video. We have posted these videos for you to view and share with other professionals to help spread the message to carry personal protective equipment and a MyClyns or two.
We recently came across a discussion thread on JEMS Connect about the use of safety glasses as part of PPE in the field. Even with eye protection you still may be susceptible to blood, spit, or other body fluids. Fluids may come from angles that still leave the eyes exposed, or could drip from your forehead and into your eyes.
Also, a law enforcement professional discovered an episode of COPS and shared it with us. In the first segment of the episode, a police officer from Sacramento received a laceration while apprehending a self-proclaimed drug user who also had a laceration. Toward the end of the segment we hear the concern from the apprehending officer about the exposure to the perp ‘s blood and the steps he takes to protect himself. View the video online at http://www.hulu.com/watch/62232/cops-on-the-run.
After seeing and hearing all of these stories, we are dedicated now more than ever to bring you innovative germ defense products that provide first responders everyday protection from pathogenic exposures. Stay safe out there. You can never be too careful.
Have a great week!
Joel Ivers
Union Springs Pharmaceuticals