Avian Flu Protection

Protection From Avian Flu

Avian Flu Protection is very important.

Growing concerns over avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, are causing individuals to give greater consideration to the importance of wearing hand protection.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral infection naturally found in wild birds, particularly waterfowl and shorebirds. These birds carry the flu virus in their intestines but show no ill effects from it. However, domestic birds like chickens, ducks and turkeys are generally more susceptible to the virus. In the mild form, signs of illness may be expressed only as ruffled feathers, reduced egg production, or mild effects on the respiratory system. In the more dangerous form, the virus causes severe sickness in the bird and then death. Scientists fear that the virus will mutate into a strain that can directly affect and be passed among people. Already, the virus is thought to be the forerunner of a new human influenza virus.

The H5N1 strain of the virus-now found in more than 40 countries in Asia, Africa and parts of Europe-is easily transmissible between species. As of May 12, 2006 the H5N1 virus had sickened 208 people and killed 115, mostly in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Turkey, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most of those who died lived in rural areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely among the general population. The deaths were a result of eating or handling the infected chickens. Additionally, approximately 200 million domestic birds have died as the result of either infection or slaughter to stop the spread of the disease. There have so far been no cases of the virus detected in North America.

Nitrile Gloves Offer Superior Protection

Risk of the H5N1 strain of the virus has been associated with direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by poultry excrement or secretions. Wearing high quality protective exam gloves provides an effective barrier to potential infectious agents like the H5N1 virus. In fact, research has shown that nitrile gloves are an excellent hand protection choice. Made from a synthetic polymer, nitrile gloves hold up much better "in-use" than vinyl and even latex gloves which are more prone to tearing and puncturing. An added bonus is that nitrile gloves do not contain any protein and, therefore, are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Nitrile gloves have a much lower penetration rate than many other disposable exam gloves. That's one reason why they are used by individuals handling chemicals, solvents and oils. During testing, nitrile gloves have shown high resistance to penetration by bacteriophage Phi-X 174, the smallest known virus. The bird flu virus is three times larger than bacteriophage Phi-X 174. Therefore, when properly used, nitrile gloves can provide excellent protection against contamination from avian influenza.

How to Maximize Protection with Nitrile Gloves

For the maximum benefit, nitrile gloves should be put on with the utmost care. Be sure to wear the correct size of glove to minimize excessive stretching or tugging. This can lead to compromises which can lower the glove's protection level. Keep fingernails well trimmed and short-not more than a quarter-inch in length. Another major threat when donning nitrile gloves are rings with sharp edges that can easily produce tearing.

Nitrile gloves should be disposed of before their protective barrier has been compromised to avoid any contact with contamination, advises the WHO. Users should wash their hands with soap and water as soon as the gloves are removed and disposed of properly. Glove wearers should also use a 70 percent alcohol rub afterward. The recommended type of nitrile gloves are powder-free as microorganisms found in the H5N1 strain of the virus can adhere to and be transported by air borne powder

FINAL THOUGHTS
 Most Experts Agree That The Bird Flu Pandemic?
Is IMMINENT!

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and Carers Begin Dying?

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About the Author

Irene Perez is General Manager of DonTheGlove.com, the online division of Handgards Inc, a 45 year old company specializing in hand protection products. Irene is the company's expert in medical grade exam gloves and a frequent contributor to the website's resource centers. If you thought this article was helpful, explore additional articles now at: http://www.dontheglove.com/nitrilegloves/ 

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