Links to government sites(pandemic info)

[kelee877]

PandemicFlu.gov

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

State Pandemic Plans

http://www.cste.org/specialprojects/Influenzaplans/StateMap.asp

CDC

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm

WHO

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm

WHO Alert Level

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en/index.html

[54321...]

Whatever they recommend, do the opposite.:?

[kelee877]

H5N1 (Bird Flu) Preparations

Know the Enemy
The H5N1 (Bird Flu) virus owes its lethality to its ability to instigate pathological immune responses in the host via cytokine storm. This leads to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lungs. DIC may be responsible for the massive hemorrhaging seen with the H5N1 Avian Influenza. Thus, any H5N1 protocol must take into consideration, not only the inhibition of the virus, but also the effects of DIC and alveolar flooding. Thus, in addition to supporting normal cytokine levels, supporting the body in normalizing blood coagulation parameters with nutritional compounds may also be suggested.

There are many reports of patients dying within hours of initial admission to hospitals with symptoms (which usually take 48 hrs to develop), so any medical response must be swift and aggressive.

In a pandemic, you may not have the option of a hospital and standard models for treatment outside of a hospital setting rely heavily upon antiviral medications; which may or may not be available. Drug treatment maybe or may not be sufficient anyway as there are now strains of the H5N1 that are resistant to all major antiviral drugs. Also, nothing addresses the issues of DIC and alveolar flooding.

It is a dangerous to strengthen of area of the immune response that the H5N1 virus turn against us with so deadly affect. Increasing immune response may prevent an initial infection, but in an infection that has already taken hold, you must be cognizant of what responses are strengthened as some will only worsen the outcome.

Acute management: Treatment key factors to address with the H5N1 virus:
1- Decreasing the risk of initial infection
2- Decreasing the potential virulence of infection
3- Inhibiting Hemagglutinin
4- Inhibiting Neuraminidase
5- Inhibiting Matrix proteins
6- Binding of viral receptor sites
7- Reduction of calcium and magnesium
8- Decreasing general inflammatory cytokines
9- Decreasing TNF-a in particular
10- Supporting normal platelet activity
11- Decreasing free radical activity in the lungs
12- Minimizing hemorrhage
13- Strengthening blood vessels
14- Protecting against the after effect of hemorrhage
15- Replenishing electrolytes lost to diarrhea
16- Inhibiting secondary infections

A. Isolation
The very best protection ageist the H5N1 (Bird Flu) virus is isolation from human contamination sources. This will require a major social adjustment since my wife is a teacher and my two youngest are still in (a different) school. Schools are an excellent place to exchange illnesses so they and other gatherings like church and clinic waiting rooms must be avoided.
1. Since this will have economic repercussions, I would try and wait until H5N1 is verified in my region but with Minneapolis, Chicago and Milwaukee as International Airports, that is not likely to take too long.
2. From this time on, you minimize out side contact.
a. If it absolutely necessary to shop, wear a Type N95 masks shop when the store is most empty of shoppers and discard or disinfect outer packaging before entering the house.
b. Disposable surgical masks, will help to prevent the most common hand to nose/mouth transfer of contamination/germs. For that use they are very cost effective.
c. Wearing disposable latex or nitrile gloves would help when outside the home while shopping and driving and disposed of before entry. In the bitter cold season, your permanent winter glove will need to be sanitized for reuse unless you can find disposable over gloves.
d. While mail and delivered package services are running; should wear disposable gloves to remove the outer packaging and discard it (or disinfect it) before entering the house.
3. While you are in isolation, you will be out of work too for periods of 6 to 18 months or more (if we have 3 waves as in 1918) but, I these are still running, your bills (electric, heating and rent) still need to be paid.
4. While the grid is up with Internet, phone and mail in operation, take of advantage of paying bills and banking on line using Paypal, credit card or check. Save your cash.
5. As services begin to falter and the grid goes down, you will need to keep cash on hand for your transactions (remember money is filthy, watch your change!).
6. Stock pile your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
7. Stock pile nonprescription drugs and health supplies; pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, electrolytes, and vitamins.
8. Stock piling applies to you basics like stored food, water and other essentials (and weapons for protecting it) too.

Note: the listing below is to give you options in your preparations and not to imply that you need every item listed.

B. Prophylactic and Treatments
a) Prophylactic (prevents): These are things that should be done before you are sick to keep from getting sick.
b)Treatments (to help recovery); These maybe used when you are ill with H5N1 (Bird Flu).

Vitamins and Minerals
1. Prophylactic & Treatment: Full spectrum vitamin and mineral tablets can be taken as both a preventative and cure; some may need to be taken in higher than normal dosages.
2. Prophylactic & Treatment: Vitamin A aids in the proper function of the immune system especially the mucus membranes.
3. Prophylactic & Treatment: B-Complex supports the nervous system and helps the body deal with stress.
4. Prophylactic & Treatment: Vitamin C 1000 mg 3-5 times a day (adult dosage); helps preserve intracellular-reduced glutathione concentrations and helps prevent viral infections. Know in advance what YOUR well tolerance level is so as to avoid the diarrhea that accompanies an overload of this vitamin at your well maximum dose. You maximum tolerated dose when ill will likely be several times your well maximum dose.
5. Prophylactic & Treatment: Vitamin E (tocopherol), Glutathione and Selenium may decrease the infectivity and pathogenicity of the H5N1 lowering the amount of virus that was present in the lungs, lowered inflammatory cytokines, enhances the activity of Vitamin A.
6. Prophylactic & Treatment: Vitamin D in 1000 IU( taken intermittently) strengthen the immune system particularly against influenza, preventing excessive of inflammatory cytokines and increasing the ‘oxidative burst’ potential of macrophages and stimulates potent anti-microbial peptides from neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract that play a major role in protecting the lung from infection.
7. Prophylactic & Treatment: Zinc lozenges, two 24 mg lozenges every two waking hours, inhibits the ability of viruses to attach to your cells to help protect cells from infection. Caution: this is a high dose of zinc, doses over 100 mg a day may suppress immune function and could be toxic if taken over the long term so only take this much for a few days at a time.
8. Treatment only: Potassium citrate blocks Ca2+ and Mag2+, while Ca2+ is required for its function, both appear to speed up the activity of neuraminidase.

Herbal Medicines, Supplements and Treatments.
1. Prophylactic only: Echinacea- activates and stimulates the body's immune defenses against both bacterial and viral infections but may be harmful as a treatment for Bird Flu. Boosts TNF-a so this may contribute to cytokine production. Stop at the first sign of symptoms!
2. Prophylactic & Treatment: Curcumin - (turmeric extract) may decrease the risk of cytokine storm and stimulates monocytes and alveolar macrophages while piperine- (black pepper extract) can increase 20 times the absorption of curcumin when co-administered with it. Piperine inhibits TNF, IL-1, IL-6 and other inflammatory cytokines also. Tablets with 500mg of 95% Curcumin and 3mg of Piperine are sold as a dietary supplement.
3. Prophylactic only!: Goldenseal- has strong antibacterial properties and also an immune system enhancer and is too potent to be taken for more than a few days running, intermittently perhaps before going outside.
4. Prophylactic & Treatment: Garlic- helps to reduce mucous of many bacteria and viruses, especially good for persistent coughs and bronchitis.
5. Prophylactic & Treatment: Ginseng- is an adaptogen that can increase mental and physical resistance to stress and disease. The herb will increase the white blood cell count, produce a sedative effect and increases immune function.
6. Prophylactic & Treatment: Hyssop- is a strong expectorant, which loosening phlegm, relieving congestion, coughs, and is has healing in the treatment of respiratory infections, lung conditions and bronchitis. It also has some sedative effect and can help to reduce fevers.
7. Prophylactic & Treatment: Licorice- supports the immune system and inhibiting viruses. It reduces throat irritations, lung congestion, and is used for coughs and bronchial problems. Licorice produces a protective lining for the stomach, making it a useful remedy in inflammatory stomach conditions. Caution: Licorice lowers blood sugar and raises blood pressure so people with diabetic and hypo or hyper glycemic problems, probably should not use licorice.
8. Prophylactic & Treatment: Astragalus root is a Neuraminidase inhibitor and increases Macrophage phagocytosis (the engulfing bacteria) and to increase Interleukin-2 activity ten fold within six hours of treatment and last for more than 72 hours.
9. Prophylactic Only: Elderberry- (including Sambucol preparation) is an immune system stimulant and antiviral. Caution: Sambucol and other elderberry treatments may worsen Avian flu H5N1’s cytokine storm phenomenon and have been shown to increase TNF - and TNF (also elevated by H5N1). A cytokine storm can leads to the total organ shutdown causing the over 50% mortality of this virus. This virus actually overstimulates the immune system in ways that kills the body while trying to eliminate the avian flu infection. Still an effective prophylactic to prevent infection or weaken it but must be stopped when the first symptoms flu manifest.
10. Prophylactic & Treatment: Rutin (rutoside), concentrated from buckwheat leaves, to strengthening capillary walls in preparation for a possible hemorrhagic problems.
11. Prophylactic & Treatment: Resveratrol- has an inhibit the replication of influenza, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and matrix proteins, as well as the release of cytokines from macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
12. Prophylactic & Treatment: Lactoferrin 1200 mg a day; constituent of mothers' milk boosts natural killer cell activity, kills certain viruses, and decreasing infiltration into the lungs of inflammatory cells.
13. Prophylactic: N-Acetyl Cysteine- an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory for the lungs which reduces damage to the lungs and helps mobilize and eliminate mucus.
14. Prophylactic & Treatment: DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) 200-400 mg early in the day; powerful immune enhancing anti-viral and also protects against dangerous inflammatory cytokine responses.
15. Prophylactic & Colloidal Silver about 1 oz three times a day orally as a prophylactic and up to 2 oz three times a day orally treatment on an empty stomach. CS can also be used as a nasal wash in the Netty Pot (without salt) and in a nebulizer as an inhalant mist (although I have not studied this application fully).
16. Prophylactic: Netty Pot for Sinus- Indian Ayurveda Medicine has used for hundreds of years as simple but effective treatment for sinus problems and infections, Netty Nasal irrigation also washes out bacteria, viruses and irritants that your sinuses have trapped. Just one more thing you can do when you have had to break isolation or have been treating your family members have developed symptoms of bird flu.
17. Treatment: Oscillococcinum 200c- if taken at the onset of the first symptoms of the flu, temporarily relieves fever, chills, body aches and pains. It has not been proven effective against H5N1 but is against all other flue viruses as there no nosode (remedy made from the disease material) from human to human H5N1at present.
18. Prophylactic only!: Melatonin in the high dose of 10-50 mg; can facilitate the deep sleep and induces an immune response, however, there are a few reports that it raises levels of inflammatory cytokines. Ok for prophylactic use. Needs more study.

Prescription Antiviral and OTC Drugs (drug should be initiated within 48 hours to be effective)
1. Treatment: Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) 75 mg twice a day orally or Relenza 5 mg inhalant directly into the lungs (can trigger bronchospasm and serious breathing problems not for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); block the active site of the influenza viral enzyme neuraminidase causing the influenza virus to aggregate and reduce the number of viruses released from infected cells.
2. Treatment: Ribavirin, 400 mg three times a day orally until viral symptoms subside (“probably a teratogen” women who can even possibly become pregnant should be very careful in using it); disrupt viral RNA synthesis. ribavirin in an aerosolized liquid spray via a nebulizer. By inhaling ribavirin, it may be possible to adequately inhibit viral replication in the lungs. Use in addition to Tamiflu and/or Relenza.
3. Treatment: Amantadine 100 mg twice a day (100 mg once a day if you are over age 65); inhibits the M2 protein to prevent the influenza virus from replicating. Add to ribavirin, Relenza and Tamiflu. Influenza viruses often develop rapid resistance to amantadine so it might rapidly become ineffective.
4. Treatment: Rimantadine inhibit the matrix proteins but development of rapid resistance is reported so it might rapidly become ineffective.
5. Treatment: Zocor, a statin drug, 40 mg or pentoxifylline 400 mg three to four times a day : a cytokine-suppressant block excess production of influenza-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines as soon as flu symptoms manifest. Needs more research.
6. Treatment: Phenergan Suppositories: 25mg: If the patent is not showing respiratory problems but are experiencing more than mild nausea/vomiting then a dose or two of Phenergan could go a long way to prevent problems caused by dehydration. Caution: if you have chronic breathing problems such as emphysema, or if you suffer from sleep apnea (periods during sleep when breathing stops) this medicine weakens the breathing reflex. If this flu attacks by flooding the lungs badly, anything that decline in the breathing function would seem counter indicated


OTC Drugs
1. Treatment: Pain and fever- Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin. Caution: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may stress the already taxed liver).
2. Treatment: Decongestant- pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), phenylpropanolamine (PPA), phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
3. Treatment: Antihistamine- chlorpheniramine maleate, dexbrompheniramine Doxylamine Succinate (sedating antihistamine) also sleep aid, Loratadine (Claritin),
4. Treatment: Saline nasal sprays- Cromolyn Sodium (NasalChrom), Phenylephrine Hydrochloride (NeoSynephrine), Pseudoephedrine, Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride (Afrin), Propylhexedrine (Benzedrex inhaler)
5. Treatment: Cough suppressant- Robitussin DM, (DM is dextromethorphan) also aids sleep. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl used in hospitals {(IV form} to combat cytokine storms 25-50 mg. every 4 hrs.) dries out bronchial secretions.
6. Treatment: Expectorant- guaifenesin (most expectorant caught medicines) give to help a productive cough.
7. Treatment: Diarrhea- Loperamide 2mg (Imodium), Bismuth subsalicylate (PeptoBismol), Kaopectate.
8. Treatment: Nausea- Meclizine, Antivert, Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), Diphenhydramine, Cyclizine Hydrochloride, (Marezine)
9. Treatment: Oral hydration formula:
1/4 tsp salt,
1/4 tsp " potassium chloride, (Lite salt)
1/2 tsp baking soda, (especially important if there is green bile in the vomit or for diarrhea)
2 1/2 tbsp sugar, (preferably corn sugar though table sugar, sucrose, is fine)
Dissolve in 1 qt. (or liter) water.
Drink frequent small amounts. The victim may need 3-4 quarts or more over a day if severely dehydrated. Even if vomiting continues, generally enough is absorbed to make progress against the losses. It may also be delivered anally if necessary with enema equipment.

Protective and other equipment
1. Prophylactic Protective: Type N95 masks worn by hospital workers during severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic. Surgical masks or other common face masks are not as effective.
2. Protective Disposable: vinyl gloves, eye goggles or face shields, protective gowns, and disposable head caps.
3. Treatment: Blood-pressure monitoring equipment, thermometers.
4. Protective Disposable: Q-Tips, rubber gloves, chux underpads- disposable, absorbent- to protect beds
5. Prophylactic Protective: Bed Pan and bucket potty, vaporizer.
6. Prophylactic Protective: Anti-bacteria soap, germicides like alcohol-based cleansers, bleach, mops & scrubbers

[kelee877]

CNN Map of outbreaks


http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/26/swine.flu/index.html#cnnSTCOther2

[cappyslilgal]

not sure if this will work but i thought it might come in handy . i tried to copy it but cant figure that out yet! but this is the adress http://www.hcphes.org/flu/HCPHES%20Flu%20Response%20Plan%204%2027%2009.pdf its for the houston center of diese control. it has a list of the different phases and descriptions of their plans. very interesting reading!

[kelee877]

Department of Defense Pandemic Influenza Watchboard

http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/

[kelee877]

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/cikrpandemicinfluenzaguide.pdf

[SheWoff]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/FLU/SwineFlu.html

Influenza Virus Resource presents data obtained from the NIAID Influenza Genome Sequencing Project as well as from GenBank, combined with tools for flu sequence analysis and annotation. In addition, it provides links to other resources that contain flu sequences, publications and general information about flu viruses.

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http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/swineflu/index.html

CIDRAP Uof MN site on influenza and bioterrorism. Lots of good news articles coming out of this one.

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http://www.vaccines.mil/default.aspx?cnt=disease/minidv&dID=60

MILVAX - military news on swine flu and who's working on a vaccination.

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[SheWoff]

http://www.hhs.gov/disasters/emergency/manmadedisasters/panflu/pandemicflu.html

HHS site for pandemics and swine flu