According to the: Recommendations for Avian Influenza include: Use of a fit-tested respirator, at least as protective as a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N-95 filtering facepiece (i.e., disposable) respirator, when entering the room. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS...  PREVENTATIVE PRODUCTS: Masks, Barriers, and filters for Airborne Pathogen Protection   ADULT SIZE NanoMasks: Click on the button above   to Buy ADULT BLUE Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each Click on the button above   to Buy ADULT YELLOW Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each Click on the button above   to Buy ADULT MAGENTA Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each Click on the button above   to Buy ADULT GREEN Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each Click on the button above   to Buy ADULT RED Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each CHILD SIZE NanoMasks: Click on the button above   to Buy CHILD BLUE Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each Click on the button above   to Buy CHILD YELLOW Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each Click on the button above   to Buy CHILD PURPLE Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each Click on the button above   to Buy CHILD GREEN Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each Click on the button above   to Buy CHILD RED Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE $7.95 each SEE SPECIAL "PACK" SAVINGS BELOW See Nano Mask Filter Replacements below and to the right...   NanoMask SKUS: WP-NM1-102 (B,R,Y,M,G) / WP-NM5-FP1 CHILD SIZE SKUS: WP-NM2-100 (B,R,Y,P,G) / WP-NM5-FP2 A higher level of protection (Click here for NanoMask FAQs) 1. What is filtration efficiency? Filtration efficiency is the measurement of a filters capacity to remove particulates, such as virus and bacterium, from air as it flows through the filter. Filtration efficiency is stated as a percentage of efficiency and is affected by such factors as size of the particulates to be filtered, volume of air and duration of use. An N-95 rated mask, for example, is 95% efficient at removing particles with a median diameter of approximately 0.3 microns at a volume of 85 liters per minute. Duration of use is a critical factor because virus and bacterium can infest the filter for extended periods of time. Bacteria can reproduce on their own while virus can survive for days before infecting a living host. Virus and bacterium can also move through filters over time resulting in an erosion of filtration efficiency and increase in the associated risk factors.  2. What is the filtration efficiency of the NanoMask? The filtration efficiency of the filter material used in the NanoMask is 99%. We enhance this intrinsic filtration efficiency with a coating of nano-particles. The nano-particles counteract the ability of pathogens to live and/or reproduce on the filter by eradicating virus and bacterium that come into contact with the filter surface. 3. How do the nano-particles work? Nano-particles act as a destructive agent on the surface of the filter. The particles are positively or negatively charged and effectively break down the microbial structure of pathogens coming into contact with the filter. 4. How often do you have to replace the filters? The active life of the nano-particles is approximately 48 continuous hours. We are recommending replacement at that time. 5. What is the shelf life of the filter? The shelf life is currently two years. We will continue to adjust shelf life as we are able to test aged inventory for efficacy. 6. Have the filters been tested by a reputable testing facility? Yes, the filters are tested at Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, UT. Nelson Labs has provided high quality test services to manufacturers in the medical device, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries since 1985. They manage a 62,000 sq. ft. FDA registered facility in Salt Lake City, UT where they maintain 80 labs along with a custom-built 3,000 sq. ft. cleanroom and employ over 170 scientists and staff. Among their more than 75 degreed scientists are over 25 registered and specialist microbiologists (National Registry of Microbiologists). They currently offer more than 400 microbiological and analytical tests and are third-party certified to ISO 9001 (BSI) and EN 45001/IEC/ISO 17025 standards accredited (AMTAC). 7. Has the NanoMask been approved by NIOSH? The NanoMask is not yet validated by NIOSH. It was important to validate our nano-particle enhanced filter against bacterial and viral contaminates and NIOSH was not able to provide this biological validation. They currently test against a challenge of sodium chloride which is not able to measure the effectiveness of the nano-particle enhancement. We are developing the nano-particle technology in conjunction with the U.S. Military and sodium chloride testing was not sufficient for our purposes. We are registered with NIOSH and intend to submit the mask for certification in the near future but found it necessary to validate the bacterial and viral efficacies of the technology prior to a submission to NIOSH. Please refer to the ‘NIOSH Testing” PDF posted in our web site for a more detailed explanation. 8. Does the NanoMask fit small children? The NanoMask is currently available only in an adult size. We are developing a children’s size and hope to have it available by late November. 9. How do you disinfect the NanoMask? NIOSH recommends the following for cleaning and sanitation: • Remove the filter. • Wash the frame in warm (43°C/110°F maximum) water with a mild detergent. • Rinse the mask thoroughly in clean, warm (43°C/110°F maximum), preferably running water. • If the detergent used does not contain a disinfecting agent immerse the mask for two minutes in a disinfectant water solution such as: • Quaternary ammonia disinfectant (one packet per 2 gallons or per manufacturer's recommendation). • Hypochlorite solution (50 ppm of chlorine) made by adding approximately 2 ml of laundry bleach to 1 liter of water at 43°C/110°F. • Aqueous solution of iodine (50 ppm of iodine) made by adding approximately 0.8 ml of tincture of iodine (approximately 7% ammonium and potassium iodide, 45% alcohol, and 48% water) to 1 liter of water at 43°C/110°F. • Other commercially available cleansers of equivalent disinfectant quality when used as directed. • Rinse components thoroughly in clean, warm (43°C/110°F maximum), preferably running water. The importance of thorough rinsing cannot be overemphasized. Detergents or disinfectants that dry on the frame may result in dermatitis. In addition, some disinfectants may cause deterioration of rubber if not completely removed. • Allow the respirator to air dry in a non-contaminated environment. 20 Pack of ADULT SIZE Nano Mask filters ~ Stock up now on Extra Filters ADULT MULTI PACK includes a mask in each color - Blue, Red, Green, Yellow and Magenta. Comes with two easy-to-insert, replaceable filters. Available in five colors. Protect the whole business with the Adult Multi-Pack (featuring 5 Adult Masks and 90 filters.) Click on the button above   to Buy the 20 Pack of ADULT Filters Now Online... Just $23.95 Click on the button above   to Buy the ADULT MULTI PACK Now Online...Just $129.95 20 Pack of CHILD SIZE Nano Mask filters ~  Stock up now on Extra Filters FAMILY PACK Each Mask Comes with two easy-to-insert, replaceable filters. Available in five colors. Protect your whole household with the Family Pack (featuring 3 Adult Masks with Filters and 2 Child Masks.) Click on the button above   to Buy the 20 Pack of CHILD Filters Now Online... Just $23.95 Click on the button above   to Buy the FAMILY PACK Now Online...Just Was $89.95 Now on Sale for $59.95 NEW 100 PACK ASSORTED COLOR ADULT SIZE!   Click on the button above   to Buy 100 Assorted Adult NanoMasks Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE ONLY $7.50 each NEW 100 PACK ASSORTED COLOR CHILD SIZE!   Click on the button above   to Buy 100 Assorted Child NanoMasks Now Online...  Was $19.95 SALE ONLY $7.50 each

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Your source for Airborne Pathogen Masks, Avian Flu prevention, Protection from SARS Virus, Avian Flu and other air born pathogens, N95 products and  supplies - Masks, Face Shields, and Filters - Wholesale to the Public Manufacturer Direct Safety Product Sales since 1993

MORE INFORMATION FROM THE CDC on Avian Flu Prevention & Protection:

How are avian, pandemic, and seasonal flu different?
Avian flu is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds.
Pandemic flu is flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that spreads easily from person to person. Currently there is no pandemic flu.
Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

What You Should Know

• Key Facts Dec 28
• Infection in Humans

• Questions & Answers
• WHO Avian Flu FAQ
  (From World Health Organization)

Specific Topics

• The Virus & Its Spread
  Flu viruses, avian flu viruses, spread among birds, spread to people
• Prevention
  Infection control, vaccine development

• Outbreaks
  North America, Asia & Europe Jan 5 , Bird Embargo Dec 29, Quarantine Executive Order…

Information for Specific Groups

• Health Professionals
• State Health Departments
• Poultry Industry
• Persons Involved in Eradication Activities

• Travelers
• U.S. Citizens Living Abroad
• Airline Industry
• Persons with Possible Exposure

Interim Recommendations for Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities Caring for Patients with Known or Suspected Avian Influenza

• PDF formatted for print
  (119 KB/3 pages)
• Prevention of Avian Flu
• Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities
• Avian Flu Vaccines

Note: CDC is revising its interim guidance for infection control precautions for avian influenza. The revised recommendations will be posted on this website as soon as they are finalized.

Objective

This document provides interim guidance for protection of health-care workers involved in the care of patients in the United States with known or suspected avian influenza. Depending upon where avian influenza is active in the world, such patients may be recently returning travelers entering U.S. health-care facilities or individuals who have had close contact with domestic poultry infected with avian influenza in the United States. For information regarding the clinical and epidemiologic criteria to be used in screening patients for possible avian influenza, see the “Update on Influenza A(H5N1) and SARS: Interim Recommendations for Enhanced U.S. Surveillance, Testing, and Infection Control” and “Interim Recommendations for Persons with Possible Exposure to Avian Influenza During Outbreaks Among Poultry in the United States .”

Background

Influenza viruses that infect primarily birds are called “avian influenza viruses.” These type A influenza viruses are genetically distinguishable from influenza viruses that usually infect people. There are many subtypes of avian influenza A viruses, including H7 and H5. Avian influenza viruses can be distinguished as “low pathogenic” and “highly pathogenic” forms based on genetic features of the virus and the severity of the illness they cause in poultry.

Avian influenza viruses do not usually infect humans; however, several instances of human infections and outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported since 1997 (for more information, see “ Basic Information About Avian Influenza” ). In 2003, influenza A (H7N7) infections occurred in the Netherlands among persons who handled infected poultry and among their families during an outbreak of avian flu among poultry. More than 80 cases of H7N7 illness were confirmed by testing (the symptoms were mostly confined to eye infections, with some respiratory symptoms), and one patient died (a veterinarian who had visited an H7N7 influenza-affected farm). Although there was evidence of limited person-to-person spread of infection, sustained human-to-human transmission did not occur in this or other outbreaks of avian influenza. It is believed that most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. However, other means of transmission are also possible, such as the virus becoming aerosolized and landing on exposed surfaces of the mouth, nose, or eyes, or being inhaled into the lungs.

Infection and disease in people caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 infection have been identified recently in Vietnam and Thailand. On February 1, 2004, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that laboratory test results had confirmed two fatal cases of human H5N1 infection in Vietnam in which human-to-human transmission may have occurred. The cases occurred in two sisters who were part of a cluster of four cases of severe respiratory illness in a single family. According to WHO, a detailed investigation of this cluster concluded that limited human-to-human transmission was one possible explanation, but direct poultry-to-human transmission could not be ruled out.

The following interim recommendations are based on what are deemed optimal precautions for protecting individuals involved in the care of patients with highly pathogenic avian influenza from illness and for reducing the risk of viral reassortment (i.e., mixing of genes from human and avian viruses). The ability of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses to cause infection and serious disease is less well established, but appears to be lower than that of highly pathogenic viruses based on available information. Nonetheless, it is considered prudent to take all possible precautions to the extent feasible when caring for patients with known or possible avian influenza.

Rationale for Enhanced Precautions

Human influenza is thought to transmit primarily via large respiratory droplets. Standard Precautions plus Droplet Precautions are recommended for the care of patients infected with human influenza. However, given the uncertainty about the exact modes by which avian influenza may first transmit between humans additional precautions for health-care workers involved in the care of patients with documented or suspected avian influenza may be prudent. The rationale for the use of additional precautions for avian influenza as compared with human influenza include the following:

• The risk of serious disease and increased mortality from highly pathogenic avian influenza may be significantly higher than from infection by human influenza viruses.
• Each human infection represents an important opportunity for avian influenza to further adapt to humans and gain the ability to transmit more easily among people.
• Although rare, human-to-human transmission of avian influenza may be associated with the possible emergence of a pandemic strain.

Recommendations for Avian Influenza

All patients who present to a health-care setting with fever and respiratory symptoms should be managed according to recommendations for Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette and questioned regarding their recent travel history.

Patients with a history of travel within 10 days to a country with avian influenza activity and are hospitalized with a severe febrile respiratory illness, or are otherwise under evaluation for avian influenza, should be managed using isolation precautions identical to those recommended for patients with known Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). These include:

• Standard Precautions
  • Pay careful attention to hand hygiene before and after all patient contact or contact with items potentially contaminated with respiratory secretions.
• Contact Precautions
  • Use gloves and gown for all patient contact.
  • Use dedicated equipment such as stethoscopes, disposable blood pressure cuffs, disposable thermometers, etc.
• Eye protection (i.e., goggles or face shields)
  • Wear when within 3 feet of the patient.
• Airborne Precautions
  • Place the patient in an airborne isolation room (AIR). Such rooms should have monitored negative air pressure in relation to corridor, with 6 to 12 air changes per hour (ACH), and exhaust air directly outside or have recirculated air filtered by a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. If an AIR is unavailable, contact the health-care facility engineer to assist or use portable HEPA filters (see Environmental Infection Control Guidelines) to augment the number of ACH.
  • Use a fit-tested respirator, at least as protective as a National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N-95 filtering facepiece (i.e., disposable) respirator, when entering the room.

For additional information regarding these and other health-care isolation precautions, see the Guidelines for Isolation Precautions in Hospitals. These precautions should be continued for 14 days after onset of symptoms or until either an alternative diagnosis is established or diagnostic test results indicate that the patient is not infected with influenza A virus. Patients managed as outpatients or hospitalized patients discharged before 14 days with suspected avian influenza should be isolated in the home setting on the basis of principles outlined for the home isolation of SARS patients (see http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/guidance/i/pdf/i.pdf).

Vaccination of Health-Care Workers against Human Influenza

health-care workers involved in the care of patients with documented or suspected avian influenza should be vaccinated with the most recent seasonal human influenza vaccine. In addition to providing protection against the predominant circulating influenza strain, this measure is intended to reduce the likelihood of a health-care worker’s being co-infected with human and avian strains, where genetic rearrangement could take place, leading to the emergence of potential pandemic strain.

Surveillance and Monitoring of Health-Care Workers

• Instruct health-care workers to be vigilant for the development of fever, respiratory symptoms, and/or conjunctivitis (i.e., eye infections) for 1 week after last exposure to avian influenza-infected patients.
• Health-care workers who become ill should seek medical care and, prior to arrival, notify their health-care provider that they may have been exposed to avian influenza. In addition, employees should notify occupational health and infection control personnel at their facility.
• With the exception of visiting a health-care provider, health-care workers who become ill should be advised to stay home until 24 hours after resolution of fever, unless an alternative diagnosis is established or diagnostic tests are negative for influenza A virus.
• While at home, ill persons should practice good Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette to lower the risk of transmission of virus to others.

Respirators should be used in the context of a complete respiratory protection program as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This includes training, fit-testing, and fit-checking to ensure appropriate respirator selection and use. To be effective, respirators must provide a proper sealing surface on the wearer's face. Detailed information on a respiratory protection program is provided at this OSHA web page.