Flu Prevention

Current phase of alert in the WHO global influenza preparedness plan

2009-04-30T15:11:00.003-04:00

In the 2009 revision of the phase descriptions, WHO has retained the use of a six-phased approach for easy incorporation of new recommendations and approaches into existing national preparedness and response plans. The grouping and description of pandemic phases have been revised to make them easier to understand, more precise, and based upon observable phenomena. Phases 1–3 correlate with preparedness, including capacity development and response planning activities, while Phases 4–6 clearly signal the need for response and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, periods after the first pandemic wave are elaborated to facilitate post pandemic recovery activities.

The current WHO phase of pandemic alert is 5.

In nature, influenza viruses circulate continuously among animals, especially birds. Even though such viruses might theoretically develop into pandemic viruses, in Phase 1 no viruses circulating among animals have been reported to cause infections in humans.

In Phase 2 an animal influenza virus circulating among domesticated or wild animals is known to have caused infection in humans, and is therefore considered a potential pandemic threat.

In Phase 3, an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus has caused sporadic cases or small clusters of disease in people, but has not resulted in human-to-human transmission sufficient to sustain community-level outbreaks. Limited human-to-human transmission may occur under some circumstances, for example, when there is close contact between an infected person and an unprotected caregiver. However, limited transmission under such restricted circumstances does not indicate that the virus has gained the level of transmissibility among humans necessary to cause a pandemic.

Phase 4 is characterized by verified human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza reassortant virus able to cause “community-level outbreaks.” The ability to cause sustained disease outbreaks in a community marks a significant upwards shift in the risk for a pandemic. Any country that suspects or has verified such an event should urgently consult with WHO so that the situation can be jointly assessed and a decision made by the affected country if implementation of a rapid pandemic containment operation is warranted. Phase 4 indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic but does not necessarily mean that a pandemic is a forgone conclusion.

Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.

Phase 6, the pandemic phase, is characterized by community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to the criteria defined in Phase 5. Designation of this phase will indicate that a global pandemic is under way.

During the post-peak period, pandemic disease levels in most countries with adequate surveillance will have dropped below peak observed levels. The post-peak period signifies that pandemic activity appears to be decreasing; however, it is uncertain if additional waves will occur and countries will need to be prepared for a second wave.

Previous pandemics have been characterized by waves of activity spread over months. Once the level of disease activity drops, a critical communications task will be to balance this information with the possibility of another wave. Pandemic waves can be separated by months and an immediate “at-ease” signal may be premature.

In the post-pandemic period, influenza disease activity will have returned to levels normally seen for seasonal influenza. It is expected that the pandemic virus will behave as a seasonal influenza A virus. At this stage, it is important to maintain surveillance and update pandemic preparedness and response plans accordingly. An intensive phase of recovery and evaluation may be required.

About MMS - The Miracle Mineral Solution

2009-04-30T14:34:00.012-04:00

Miracle Mineral Solution is a 28% solution of sodium chlorite in distilled water. Miracle Mineral Solution is a water purification product. It is NOT a mineral supplement nor is it sold as a mineral supplement of any kind. Though often referred to in acronym (i.e. "MMS"), an important distinction must be made between Miracle Mineral Solution and the "MMS Protocol" established elsewhere and detailed exhaustively by third party sources.

While it is true that when Miracle Mineral Solution is activated, the chemical compound chlorine dioxide is produced, MMS is NOT chlorine dioxide.
If your privately intended use for Miracle Mineral Solution is to activate it (i.e. convert it to chlorine dioxide) it is advised you thoroughly read all related material, consult a healthcare professional and study various third party resources, some of which, are made available here for your safety and convenience.

Warning: Certain statements expressed within this site may not have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any and all information and/or statements found within this site are for educational purposes only and are NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease or replace the advice of a licensed healthcare practitioner.

Note also, this website may contain links to other websites operated by other parties. These links are provided for your convenience and reference only. PGL International is not responsible for the content or products of any linked site or the links contained therein.

PGL International does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. Any views and ideas expressed by PGL International are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical advice or service. You agree that no responsibility or liability will be incurred to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained within this site. If you have a severe medical condition, please see a licensed healthcare practitioner.

Resources:

What is Chlorine Dioxide?

Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound with the formula ClO₂. Prominent uses include water purification, oral hygiene, and more recently, oral supplementation. According to third party sources:

Chlorine dioxide is used in many industrial water treatment applications as a biocide including cooling towers, process water and food processing.
Chlorine dioxide was the principal agent used in the decontamination of buildings in the United States after the 2001 anthrax attacks.
Chlorine dioxide was also used after Hurricane Katrina (2005) to eradicate dangerous mold from houses inundated by water from massive flooding.
Chlorine dioxide is less corrosive than chlorine and superior for the control of legionella bacteria.
Chlorine dioxide may be more effective than chlorine against viruses, bacteria and protozoa including the cysts of Giardia and the oocysts of Cryptosporidium (parasites).
Chlorine dioxide is the topic of author, scientist, chemist and humanitarian, Jim Humble's book entitled, "Breakthrough, The Miracle Mineral Supplement of the 21st Century". In Breakthrough, Humble describes how he discovered the use of chlorine dioxide as an alternative treatment for Malaria, which has since led to over 75,000 documented successful treatments of the disease in Africa. Humble's research aims to establish chlorine dioxide as a powerful alternative treatment to many pathogen-borne diseases.
Chlorine dioxide may be used to against "disease-bearing bacteria, yeasts, molds, fungi and algae", including MRSA and other deadly pathogens.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine_dioxide - Wikipedia, see "Uses"

http://miraclemineral.org - Breakthrough, The Miracle Mineral Supplement of the 21st Century, by Jim Humble, available in hardcopy or as a free download at

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/art icles/30105.php - "New MRSABacteria Killer Registered by EPA"

What is a Pathogen?
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

A pathogen is described as "any biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host". Types of pathogens include Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoa, Fungi, Parasites and Proteins.

Examples and/or typical effects of Bacteria pathogens include:
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

Urinary Tract Infection
Peritonitis
Typhoid
Foodborne Illness(i.e. Salmonella, E. coli)
Tuberculosis
Anthrax
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Pneumonia
Strep Throat
Stomach Ulcers
Tularemia
Lyme Disease

Examples and/or typical effects of Virus pathogens include:
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

HIV / AIDS
Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E (liver disease)
Herpes
HPV (i.e. Genital Warts; HPV infection is a necessary factor in the development of nearly all cases of Cervical Cancer.)
Warts
Chickenpox, Smallpox, Cold Sores and Measles
Colds, Influenza Virus(i.e. H5N1, "Bird flu")

Examples and/or typical effects of Protozoa pathogens include:
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

Examples and/or typical effects of Fungi pathogens include:
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

Opportunistic Pneumonia
Ringworm
Candidiasis (i.e. Yeast Infection)
Histoplasmosis (i.e. "Darling's Disease")
Cryptococcosis

Examples and/or typical effects of Parasite pathogens include:
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

Examples and/or typical effects of Protein pathogens include:
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

BSE (mad-cow disease)
vCJD(Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen

Example of Oral Hygiene using Chlorine Dioxide:

Excerpts from the research paper "War Against Microbes" written by the Bradford Research Institute.

The following is a description of the characterization and mechanism of action of Dioxychlor, researched and developed by American Biologics, as relates to its antiviral, antibacterial, antimycoplasmal and antifungal activities. Dioxychlor has been in clinical use for over fifteen years with tens of thousands of infusions at the American Biologics Intergrative Hospital and Medical Center as well as other clinics and hospitals throughout the world.

To understand fully the action of Dioxychlor on target organisms, it is necessary to describe in detail the chemical structure of this oxidant as well as the biochemical structure of substances found in these target organisms with which Dioxychlor interacts. These targets include viruses (the nucleic acides, RNA, DNA), bacteria and fungi.

The formula known as Dioxychlor is the same active ingredient derived from activated MMS, only weaker (chlorine dioxide).

Source: http://www.miraclemineral.org/faqs.php

Worldwide Shipping!

MMS Professional™

Miracle Mineral Solution (Professional Grade)™: Healthcare professionals and retailers provide only the
best to their clients and customers. Order MMS Professional™ here for family and friends. 100% authentic and original "breakthrough" formula. Ships in one to three business days. 4fl. oz.

Ingredients: 28% Sodium Chlorite Solution

$ 19.99

Attention Retailers and Healthcare Professionals: MMS Professional™ is the only professional grade MMS on the market, manufactured by an FDA certified GMP compliant Nutraceutical company and packaged with the utmost attention to quality and safety. Look for the MMS Professional™ label when using MMS or recommending to clients or customers.

Citric Acid MMS Activator Kit

The only Professional Grade MMS Activator Kit on the market. Each kits makes 20 ounces of citric acid activator.

- One (empty) 4 oz. blue bottle
- One 20/410 cap for empty bottle
- One 2 oz. packet of Citric Acid Crystals

$ 2.98

Note: When you order one or more bottles of MMS Professional™ along with one or more Citric Acid Activator Kits, they will be packaged together as single kits.

Wide selection of Health items at Huge Discounts Here

Swine Flu Pandemic

2009-04-30T12:30:00.006-04:00

Those of you who were following the news in 1976 may remember reports at that time of a disease known as "swine flu." An Army recruit stationed at Ft. Dix in New Jersey died, and four of his bunkmates became ill. Two weeks later, health officials announced that the virus in question appeared to be very similar to the one that had caused the deadly Spanish flu epidemic in 1918.

The response at the time was about what you'd expect: declaration of a "public health emergency" and stockpiling of vaccines, enough for a universal immunization program.

As I'm writing you, there are currently 68 reported cases of a new swine flu in this country. No doubt there will be more cases before it's all over. The official response this time is little different from what we saw in 1976: declaration of a "public health emergency" (but it's "not a cause for alarm") and stockpiling of antiviral drugs, enough for universal coverage.

This go-round with swine flu may turn out to be "The Big One," the pandemic that affects a significant part of our population—with widespread illness and death. Or it could be nothing more than a popgun, with a few well-publicized cases and no more. Remember SARS? Bird flu? West Nile virus?

My point here is that we just don't know yet how much of an impact this swine flu will have on our society, and frankly any prediction is purely guesswork on someone's part. There's certainly no need for panic, but it's best not to ignore the situation, either.

Preparing for a Pandemic

More than 15 years ago I began warning about the dangers of epidemics that would start in one isolated part of the world and spread quickly to our doorstep. At the time, I received a considerable amount of flak for making such a prediction. Traveling the world as I have, however, I knew it would only be a matter of time.

The Asian flu of 1957-58 and the Hong Kong flu of 1968-69 were the last big epidemics to hit this country. And, despite public health preparedness efforts, we won't know what the next epidemic is until we're already in the middle of it.

One example is the SARS outbreak I mentioned earlier. Because the illness was caused by a virus, there was no definitive treatment. The infected individuals were isolated and given the antiviral drug ribavirin and steroids. Although the infection could become quite serious, most of those who died were already in poor health or had another serious illness. Worldwide, there were more than 2,700 cases, and about a hundred deaths.

For the majority of us, SARS and this outbreak of swine flu should serve as a "blessing in disguise"—a textbook example that illustrates a serious problem we need to be prepared for. Like the threat of increased terrorism, potential epidemics need to be addressed.

History has shown time and time again that isolation is one of the best tools to help stop the spread of infectious diseases. In the event of a widespread outbreak of any type of illness, one of the best precautions you can take would be to eliminate or minimize your exposure to the general public. Essentially, you should quarantine yourself as far as is practical.

In the small farming communities where I was raised, everyone seemed to have a stocked pantry full of homemade canned goods and cases of food from sales at the Piggly Wiggly. It amazes me nowadays that when some 24- or 48-hour crisis occurs, everyone empties the local grocery stores.

Self-quarantining (the more current term is "shelter-in-place") would require that you have on hand at least a limited supply of necessities such as food, water, toiletries, medications, supplements, et cetera. If you haven't done so already, now is definitely the time to prepare to meet any future challenges.

You should have at least enough nonperishable and canned items to be able to get through a couple of weeks without having to leave home. If you have necessary medications or take supplements, it's not unreasonable to keep a three-month supply on hand. Just make sure to rotate the items as you continue to purchase new supplies each month.

For various respiratory threats I would suggest keeping a small supply of fiber surgical masks around. Dousing them with several drops of eucalyptus oil goes a long way toward both preventing and treating respiratory infections. Type N95 masks cost a dollar or less each and offer improved filtering power against bacteria and other pathogens. Keep a few on hand for everyone in the family. You can find the masks in many pharmacies or at any medical supply house or on the Internet. While you're shopping, include a box of surgical gloves as well.

Many people, me included, feel that it's only a matter of time before we see the next pandemic. I don't believe it's a matter of whether an outbreak will occur, it's just a matter of when and what disease. My intent in sharing this information is not to frighten or create a feeling of hopelessness, but I do think it's a threat that you and your family need to be aware of and prepare for.

It's a good policy to expect the best but prepare for the worst. And, as my dad has always said, it's cheap insurance. Whether you're fighting off the first symptoms of a cold or flu virus, or you find yourself in the midst of a spreading pandemic, being forewarned, aware, and ready will make a big difference for your (and your family's) chances of good health and survival.

Get Your Flu Masks at the lowest price.

Australian Researchers: Surgical Face Masks Important Weapon Against Swine Flu

2009-04-30T10:50:00.002-04:00

In what Australian researchers say is a world-first clinical trial, surgical masks have been found to be a cheap and effective front-line weapon against epidemics such as swine and avian flu. A team at the University of New South Wales says masks have an important role to play especially when vaccines are unavailable.

Study provides scientific evidence

Australian researchers say their trial provides the first scientific evidence that surgical masks greatly reduce the risk of contracting contagious respiratory illnesses, including swine flu or even the common cold.

The study commissioned by the Australian Department of Health and Aging analyzed the effect that close contact with sick children had on about 300 adults.

The research team was led by Raina MacIntyre, a professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at the University of New South Wales.

She says the results show that surgical face masks have an important part to play in protecting public health.

"They do show that there is clinical effectiveness of masks and that if a pandemic were to take off that masks are a potentially effective way of preventing transmission and, you know, right now we do not have a matched vaccine. It will take a minimum of eight weeks - possibly up to 12 weeks - before we have a matched vaccine," MacIntyre said. "And (in) that period we need to look at all available, other measures to prevent the transmission of influenza."

How does virus spread?

Experts say that the new H1N1 swine flu virus is spread the same way as the other forms of the disease - through sneezes and coughs and by touching contaminated surfaces.

The Australian study pointed out that while there has been strong public acceptance of surgical masks across Asia, less than half the Australians who participated in the trial kept their masks on despite being exposed to sick children.

Other research has shown that few hospital doctors and nurses in Australia wear such protection at work.

N95 Particulate Respirators Surgical, Dust & Avian Flu Mask, 10/ pack

A larger study into the effectiveness of face masks has been carried out in China and results will be published shortly.

In Mexico, where the swine flu first appeared, it is believed to have caused the deaths of more than 100 people. Cases have since been found in the United States, Canada and Europe. No cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Australia, but there are about 20 suspected cases spread throughout the eastern states of New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania.