On Avian Flu, Part III: Protective Measures

[NOTgarycoleman]

Please, please, please cut a rowdy ol fart during one of your monologues. It'd be comedy GOLD, baby. Then just pass it off with a 'excuse me' and go on like nothing happened. Ahhaah. Oh God. I crack myself up. Pleeease do this for me Urgelt, I beg you!

[chocolate45689]

isn't swine flu worse than people thought

[Urgelt]

Up to this point, it's just about what the experts expected.

Bear in mind that even seasonal flu kills tens of thousands of people every year. Thus far A/H1N1 has racked up a fairly low score.

It could mutate, of course, and become something more dangerous. It hasn't done so yet.

[TheRetardedSheep]

unfortuanatly, some masks are perforated with microscopic holes in them. those would be the ones china was usually wearing in the subway pictures of the SARS pandemic. a virus is small enough to slip through the holes in the perforated mask. theyre not entirely useless because at least they catch some of the virus but they arent entirely usefull

[Urgelt]

Yes. Not every mask is certain to stop enough viruses to confer protection.

Hopefully, health workers will use masks rated for the threat, in the event of a pandemic. But should appropriate masks not be available, any mask is better than none. Viruses clump, viruses ride on dust particles - and so even inadequate masks may filter enough viruses to prevent infection in some wearers, especially those who are not often within 6 feet of infected persons.

[Urgelt]

SARS is a bad disease, but the policies of the World Health Organization seem to have contained it.

The potential danger from H5N1 appears to be, by comparison, unthinkably greater. Because the news media has done such a poor job of explaining this threat, I felt a need to address it for my viewers.

My purpose was to stimulate discussion, not to become a single source for information about all communicable diseases or pandemics.

[JBHutto]

Doctors would have to pull out those creepy bird masks that were used in the middle ages.

[TaigaSibirskaya]

do you know dr rebecca carley?

[Urgelt]

Not before you mentioned her to me.

I visited her web site.

A lot of her conclusions seem to be drawn from anecdotes - not in itself bad, but conclusions from anecdotes are risky if not followed up with hard science.

I agree that vaccines can produce bad results. I also agree that the methods used to manufacture vaccines can pose dangers to us - toxins and inadvertent viruses being among the problems. (Read up on Simian Virus #40 in polio vaccines, for example.)

[Urgelt]

I agree that the drug companies will advocate whatever brings the greatest profits. I agree the FDA has become terribly lax about monitoring vaccine safety and efficacy, and should clean up its act.

But I'm inclined to think vaccines have produced generally positive, if mixed, results.

Vaccines are just an intermediate step in the war against viruses. I expect them to be phased out in favor of more effective medical strategies as they are developed, and I will not mourn their passing.

[vince2468motorway]

Mostly informative but not pertinent enough.

The governments are behind the birdflu,, Dont call the services, They will lock you away.

If you catch it,, I would suggest inhaling the mist of 1.5% food grade hydrogen peroxide to kill the bugs on the surface of your lungs.

you can also snort the stuff to clear out the sinuses, although it stings a bit.

Start getting your immune system powered up right now..

distill drinking water and analyze whats on the ingredients list of your food.

good luck.

[Urgelt]

I can't agree.

H2O2 releases elemental unpaired oxygen, which will readily bind with practically anything - not just invasive viruse. H2O2 is a component of tobacco smoke, and there is evidence it contributes to the development of cancers and the discoloration found in smoker's lungs.

Distilled water is not as healthy as most tap water, for the simple reason that it lacks minerals.

Avian flu has infected birds far longer than humans have even known what a virus is. No government created it.

[vince2468motorway]

DISTILLED WATER IS TO BE USED PRIMARILY AS A MEANS TO HYDRATION AND YOU MUST BACK IT UP WITH THE CORRECT DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS,,THIS IS TRUE...

I WOULD SUGGEST THOUGH,THAT YOU MORE THOUROUGHLY ENGAGE THE SUBJECT YOU ARE PREACHING ABOUT BEFORE MISLEADING PEOPLE.

H2O2 Hydrogen peroxide is something you need to look into closely, Then you will find it has a multitude of good uses,,INCLUDING THE KILLING OF CANCER CELLS.

TELL ME,,, ARE YOU ON THE ILLUMINATI PAYROLL FOR MISINFORMATION?

[Urgelt]

No need to shout, I can hear you. And no, nobody pays me. If you run into this Illumanti group, tell 'em they're behind on their payments!

H2O2 will release unpaired oxygen atoms. Unpaired elemental oxygen is violently reactive, which is why it's so rare in nature, and why it's such a dice roll to take it internally. It will damage any kind of cell, not just cancer cells.

What we need are treatments which leave healthy tissue alone. H2O2 isn't it.

[Eldel15]

If a pandemic did occur and managed to kill a billion people. Many countries would go into anarchy and people would try isolating themselves from other people and fight for food.

[Urgelt]

I'm one who thinks that such a casualty rate is extremely unlikely.

But I think it doesn't hurt to realize that our civilization is more fragile than it appears.

[vigilant006]

i am sure the local Goverment will lock down all main roads. ( A and B roads) but with in the first day of out break they wont lock down train stations, canals,foot paths and most importanly Parks and opon spaces. so if anyone wants to Move on that day thats how. Question is where too? and depending on how big the out break...chose wizly. and interesting you put "It might become necessary" good point Urgelt. how long will it last and how many strains and types of bird flu? chat tomorrow.

[Urgelt]

Forecasting is tricky as hell, as you might imagine. This is just my opinion. If the subject interests you, you should spend time at the WHO web site and read up.

I think authorities might issue broad lockdown orders and suspend commerce if it seems an outbreak is getting out of control. Otherwise they'll stick with very targeted quarantines and try to handle it with minimum disruption.

In bureaucratese, the response will be graduated and situationally-determined. :-)

[vigilant006]

Point two - England being an island will lock down from the rest of Europe. we get most our food from europe.(no food will come from Europe) super markets well be out of food over night. i dont think in a seriours pandemic that people will stay in. if there is order i think food drops will be made door to door. and with work force crippled we may not have any power. if its bad i think england will lose upto 30-35% of population. At least housing prices will drop for first time buyers!

[Urgelt]

I think you are taking counsel of your fears, rather than counsel of the facts.

We have advantages that did not exist in past pandemics: rapid communication being at the top of the list. The World Health Organization is important, too - that didn't exist in past pandemics. They will play a central role in containing a pandemic.

Still, I advise you: don't put all of your eggs in the "escape London" basket. Be prepared to ride it out where you are, too. It might become necessary.

[vigilant006]

Urgelt,thanks for the fast responce. i will be stocking up on water and basic foods. lucky for me, if this does happen i will find out fast and before many others. so at that point i will be leaving london fast. am i paranoide? slighty yes. Im sure the Goverment have planing...but with many of our armed forces over sea's does england have the resorce avalible to control members of the public in what i think will be a break down of sucity. ( bad spelling)

[Urgelt]

You raise a good point, which needs to be considered by emergency planners. How will they rapidly impose quarantines? Do they have the personnel and training to do it? What procedures will they follow?

An important variable is how many of these quarantines will be needed. Obviously, if they have to lock down a lot of locations, it's going to stress available person-power.

Training is vital, too. A badly managed quarantine can do more harm than good.

[vigilant006]

Edenic. their will be no burial sites or cofins lol it will be bodys in werehouses and local insinarators ( north london weast )burning body's by the day.

[Urgelt]

Nah. I don't think it'll come to that.

The most likely scenario I can envision is occasional clusters of outbreaks which are rapidly contained by quarantine. Most of us will never get within a hundred miles of a human-transmissible strain.

There is a small chance it could be worse, though, which is why a bit of personal planning is a good idea.

And, it's worth pointing out, quite a lot of contingency planning is needed in the fields of medicine and emergency management.

[vigilant006]

Urgelt. i have enjoyed listening to your brordcast. however. some questions.1) what happens if we cant get a vacine because no bird eggs. all birds are dead? and who will get the vacine first.Army and goverment. then abother 6 months pass till civ's get theirs? so we have to wait 12 months for sure? correct? also i for one will be out the city fast. i have allready planed the routes out.before goverment lock down and contain the out break.and the same accounts for dirty bomb.

[Urgelt]

Let me clear up some misconceptions you seem to have.

1. The virus is not going to kill all birds. It's going to kill some, but plenty will survive.

2. The vaccine we'd need to protect us against a transmissible strain of avian flu does not exist, because the strain itself does not exist yet. So worrying about who gets the vaccine first is pointless. Vaccines will not play an important role if a pandemic breaks out.

[Urgelt]

3. Getting out of the city isn't going to protect you. What will protect you is isolation from other humans during peak periods of infection. If you're paranoid about it, get yourself a pile of canned goods and toilet paper, and just lock the door if a warning is issued.

4. We're not talking about doomsday here. We're talking about a virus that can't survive in open air. If you're further than six feet from infected persons, the risk of infection is practically nothing. Plan ahead!

[chocolate45689]

your right it is better to be safe then sorry

[edenic]

Thanks man ! that made so much unhurried sense!The authorities here in U.K are scrambling around for policy and action plans but find the numbers involved are huge and projected figures so enormous that they are completely baffled as to how to cope. Stacks of coffins, quarantine locations,burial sites in short supply..argh nightmre. No personal education for low level emergency staff. we are going t suffer very badly in Europe. Me? I got my beans, evap milk and dry goods.

[Urgelt]

It shouldn't be *that* hard for a nation to prepare.

Forget stacks of coffins. What's most needed is training and protective gear for emergency and medical workers; a plan to safely distribute food and toilet paper to the public during periods of infectious risk; and good communication with the public.

The virus can only travel a short distance through the air before dying, so any hospital ward can be designated for isolation of patients. Or a hotel, or a warehouse - anything, really.

[GarlynX]

great vid Urgelt

[Apacalyptis]

Urgel, i hear that there is a good possibility of a bird flu outbreak in or around 2009 and many ppl are supposed to die (LD50)wats your oppinion.

[Urgelt]

I have formed an opinion, but I'm not an expert. Bear that in mind, ok?

My opinion is that it's quite possible that the virus will mutate into a human-to-human transmissible form.

If it does, it may (or may not) lose some of its lethality.

If it gains transmissibility and remains quite lethal, it's very likely to be caught early where it first appears and eliminated by quarantine.

There is a chance (small, I think) a pandemic could get loose, despite international efforts to prevent it.

[Urgelt]

Even in the worst case, I can't see a pandemic being anything like as bad as the 1918-1919 Spanish Flu pandemic was.

Why? Communications and medical technology were comparatively primitive back then. Communities were hit, one after another, before they understood what was happening to them or what to do about it. Virus propagation was poorly understood, and many of the fatalities were probably due to administration of aspirin, which we now know can produce Reyes' Syndrome in flu patients.

[Urgelt]

But the risk of a serious pandemic involving millions of deaths is not zero. It can never be zero; new diseases are crossing over from animal populations into humans all the time, and once in a while, one of them will turn out to be very nasty.

Many epidemiologists think a true pandemic is likely by the end of the 21st Century. If it happens, though, quarantines, medical interventions, and information reaching the public will all be much more effective than they were in 1918.

[nvtwo2]

growing pot i could trade for things... right ? hahahaha no seriously thats the only thing i can produce at home

[Urgelt]

If you can grow pot, you can grow vegetables. They'd be better nutrition than store-bought vegetables, they'd taste better, and nobody will bust you for tomatoes or squash, last I checked.

Anyway, I don't foresee civilization crashing due to a pandemic. We're just talking about the possibility of periods of heightened risk, during which people might be encouraged to stay home. Keep your freezer and pantry stocked, monitor the news, and you'll be fine.

[nvtwo2]

of course, and yes i know how to grow vegetables, if i need to i can. and i think your right, i really doubt avian flu is going to mess us up big time, maybe a few small outbreaks in north america, bigger ones in asia and europe, some in south america. but what i really think could screw us over on the very things we trust to cure us from bacteria are these "anti-biotic resistant super-bugs" that could and probably will be a really big problem in the not so distant future. maybe make a video ?

[Urgelt]

I jumped into the fray about avian influenza because I perceived that mainstream media coverage lacked perspective and smacked of hysteria.

But I'm not a health expert, and I do not have informed opinions about every health topic.

I'm aware of the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but have nothing much to say about it worth hearing.

[hypermellowchick]

get respirators if you can, a wet cloth over your mouth can also work, if nothing else is there. You can also add cloths to a surgical or paint mask inside; even sew extra tightly woven cloth to the mask. Just make sure it presses down around your nose closing up open areas. I guess if you have swimming goggles, use those, wear gloves, spray clothes, or use hot water to wash.

[Urgelt]

I agree, if a person knows what she is doing, she can make a home-made filter and use it to cut down her odds of being infected. It won't be as effective as a commercial product, in most cases, but it will be much better than nothing.

But if a person *doesn't* know what he is doing - and most people do not, until they are trained - no mask or filter, homemade or otherwise, will be of much use.

For the untrained, safety lies in isolation during peak periods of threat.

[chrisvskris]

he looks like santa clause trying to inform the masses...

interesting

[hartrend]

There is a multitude of viruses and bacteria that can jump from species to species that could wipe out the human race at any given time.

Avian Flu = Media Hype

[Urgelt]

1. There are indeed a lot of viruses and bacteria that could cross over. Some will be dangerous. It's unlikely to wipe us out, though.

2. There is media hype, yes. The pharmaceutical industry is flogging sales of drugs and vaccines - most of which won't actually be of much use in a pandemic, it's thought by experts.

[TearsOfBlood1793]

This series of videos are definitely a good thing. It was a good idea to post them on YouTube. I had all but forgotten about "Bird Flu" until I saw the video. Your videos have inspired me to think about these sorts of things more and not to ignore things because they're simply unpleasent. Thank you much for the information.

On a lighter note, you should consider a job in radio or public speaking. Your way of speaking is intelligent and intuitive. Good job.

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Tears, I'm glad you think so.

It's when we feel both afraid and helpless that our minds shy away from a threat. My hope is that when we know more about the subject, we'll feel neither afraid nor helpless. I'm confident that an outbreak can be contained, and that minor things we can do will reduce our individual risk to near zero. Knowledge is the key.

[MelodyAtHome]

Excellent videos on avian flu. You remind me a bit of Orsen Wells. You should do radio with a voice like yours...like coast to coast type or even a storyteller. You are very enjoyable to listen to:) Thanks for the great information and awareness.

[Urgelt]

That is a very kind thing to say; Welles was the master. Thank you, Melody.

[rispy999]

Thank you so much for your video you are very easy to listen to and very informative An outbreak amongst a chicken farm happened today and has got me looking up information I liked " peace of mind doesn't come with barrying your head in the sand"

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Chris.

Likely there won't be an Avian Flu pandemic, but if there is, it's fairly simple to avoid the worst dangers. Keep an eye on the news, though.

And a little planning won't hurt.

[JuciShockwave]

I'm not too worry about the Bird flu as some people are like my grandmother who gets paranoid over everything.Sure it shouldn't get ignored nor forgotten but it's not like a huge problem that can't be fixed. Its at a stage that can be studied and looked at so that when it does become a problem for humans it can be avoided and stopped. Thanks for the info and knowledge.

[Urgelt]

Exactly right, Juci. We all should know about it, there is a danger. But it's a danger we can monitor, and also avoid, should it get loose.

What made the 1918-1919 epidemic so bad was poor communications. Communities were hit, one after another, without realizing that a deadly pandemic was making the rounds or knowing what to do. Tracking and communication today is a different thing altogether.

[JuciShockwave]

Right on. BTW are you a professor? If not, have you ever considered the thought of it? You would be an excellent grad school professor. :)

[Urgelt]

Oops, I didn't answer this one.

No, I'm just an amateur, Juci, with no credentials whatsoever. I think ordinary people - and I certainly qualify - should be able to talk about these subjects, inform themselves, make sense of the issues. Health is important to all of us.

And if there's a risk amateurs won't get it right, that's more acceptable to me than relegating these topics to professionals and forgetting about them.

[candnrg]

You sure have the right attitude about countering the apathy of passing the buck (relegating to professionals)!

In doing, you become...smart!

[Urgelt]

The pros have their role to play, of course, but yeah, we need to take responsibility for ourselves. Flu is avoidable. We don't bother if it's a mild strain, but if a killer gets loose, we'll want to take precautions.

There will be tons of warning if a pandemic looms. It won't catch us by surprise, and that means we need to think about how we'll cope - because we *can* cope if we stop and think about it. We can all be smart.

[Slayer7666COF]

yeah it is wize to plan ahead instead of arriving at that day with nothing prepared and struggle to get anything. best way is to start putting little by little away right now and making a bujet and a plan and accomodate your plan to what ever new knowlege on the case that you learn and also keep informed and updated. would not make sence to fight with your eyes closed, this is the same and it includes death, so be aware.

[Urgelt]

Agreed. That's my strategy: have a cushion of essentials. Civilization is so reliable these days in many countries, we forget that things can happen to upset the routine.

[daftbobwhite]

i love your videos... you have such a relaxing voice and by the way... like how your glasses reflect your monitor... it looks like your eyes are glowing.

[Urgelt]

Thanks, Bob. Heh, not everyone likes the monitor reflections. But it's tough to get rid of them, since I'm reading a script there. Better than rattling a piece of paper, I suppose.

[amd2q9]

nice to learn about this disease outside all of the media hype

[Urgelt]

That's why I made the vid, really. Media reports this or that fact, but there doesn't seem to be any desire to convey the big picture.

[davidrjin]

well glad that there is not a major outbreak however i'm glad as well that some people bother to notice the possibility.

[Urgelt]

It's a possibility, for sure.

[ALIKJUDOKA]

n' how d u know all this?

[Urgelt]

I provided sources.

[Zkwwwsn]

You seem to have quite a lot of faith in our worlds goverments ability to control people who are sick from others, I also don't think there will be one. But I might jsut be hopefull. I do not on the other hand have faith in the worlds ability to do those. It is doubtfull that the Hard working village folk who deal with chickens will be checked on regularly for sickness. I feel that if it does happen if will start there.

[Zkwwwsn]

You seem to have quite a lot of faith in our worlds goverments ability to control people who are sick from others, I also don't think there will be one. But I might jsut be hopefull. I do not on the other hand have faith in the worlds ability to do those. It is doubtfull that the Hard working village folk who deal with chickens will be checked on regularly for sickness. I feel that if it does happen if will start there.

[Urgelt]

Yes, that's where it will start. And I'm not sure a pandemic won't get loose.

My faith comes from modern communications, as well as from government containment efforts.

Containment has had successes. SARS was contained in the 90's. Containment also is responsible for the eradication of smallpox in the '80's. Yes, I'm optimistic.

[amsc0f]

I am a new viewer, I have not checked out your library yet. But a similar series on nuclear events might be another modest contribution to facilitating the survival of your fellow man.

[Urgelt]

As in, a melt-down? A nuclear war? A trip to the dentist?

[amsc0f]

Nuclear events in general. Radiation in particular. I can avoid the dentist. I do not know much about melt downs. War = MAD, dirty bombs seem more likely. Wind patterns probably play a part.

My first impression of your videos is that you seem like one who has wisdom/insight. Therefore I am curious as to your thoughts. Maybe not the survival aspects in particular...but you general view on nuclear weapons.

[Urgelt]

Such a big topic.

Nuclear weapons were obsolete soon after they were invented. Imposing national will by force through them is not practical. MAD was madly dangerous. Safeguarding the weapons is proving to be very hard (Russia). Proliferation is dangerous too.

Radiation does produce cancer, but the incidence is pretty low, except for skin cancer caused by damage from solar UV radiation or people near Chernobyl when it blew up.

[OOCMk12]

Very informative but easily understandable series Urgelt, good job!

[Urgelt]

Thank you, OOCMk12, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[Veryvery77]

Thank you for this video, Urgelt. I honestly wish such a well-informed gentleman like yourself was around in my home - your knowledge on topics like these is immense!

[Urgelt]

Ah, that it is not. There's a great deal I don't know about pandemics and influenza. I've only skimmed the surface, as any expert will instantly recognize.

But we don't have to be experts, we just have to know enough to handle contingencies.

I'm glad you found it interesting, VeryVery77.

[groovytimes]

hmm, good series.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Groovytimes.

[Elvesong7]

Once again, I really enjoyed your speaking.

Thank you for creating these videos and being so insightful on things.

[Urgelt]

I'm glad you enjoyed them, Elvesong7, and thank you for your positive comment.

[summonerai]

*shudders* sounds like resident evil.

[BackingTracks]

Enjoyed the 3 parts, lots of usefull information :)

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Kyle, I'm glad you did.

[lolzore]

A very informative trilogy. Well done.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, lolzore.

[KennyWrites]

One thought - if you have months of food/drink/supplies (a good idea that I agree with) and something big happens, what are your thoughts on also having guns/ammo to defend your supplies?

[Urgelt]

There's always some level of crime in our society. If anything, crime should go down during a pandemic because people will be minimizing contact with each other.

As for other "something bigs," I'll stick to talking about pandemics here, and let someone else worry about survivalist scenarios.

[KennyWrites]

Ahhh, very insightful. People running out of supplies and willing to rob to get them will have to weigh that against contact which might kill them. I hadn't thought of that. Lets just hope many people are wise enough to prepare so they have some supplies if needed.

[Urgelt]

I think in most Western countries, we would see a considerable effort on the part of governments to distribute food, in the event that a pandemic forced temporary closure of commercial food distribution outlets.

Such efforts will help, but distribution may be uneven.

If a substantial minority has modest stockpiles of food, it will make it easier for governments to cope, I think. In any event, I can't imagine that going on for more than a few months at a time.

[gemycat]

how did I miss this? it's my guess that I would have to work, especially being one of the closest people. And I can imagine the people turning in animals! thanks for the information again! :)

[Urgelt]

If you think you'll have to work - and I suspect you're right - it's worth your while to talk to the boss and make sure they have a plan, especially with respect to protective gear and training for using it.

Far as I know, thus far cat to human infection has not been seen. But cats can contract avian flu in its wild state, so it may become an issue. I'd advise a cautious approach for animal shelter workers, on a par with poultry workers.

[gemycat]

and sometimes we do get poultry :)

[Urgelt]

I had no idea! My suggestion, then, is to read up on the precautions the poultry industry is taking and apply them.

And have a good stockpile of herbs and seasonings! (j/k, heh.)

[RoddyYoung]

TB is a virus? TB is a bacteria.

[Urgelt]

Yep, you're right. I guess that explains why it circulates in building ducts so much more easily. My apologies for the error.

[Abbey7]

The most remarkable thing about your videos is the amount of research (although I know health issues are among your passions) that you have to do in order to post them. I appreciate your study and preparation in large measure! I'll never unsubscribe - NEVER I SAY!! lol Take care Terence! Wonderful series!!

[LadySeneca]

Thank you for the information, Urgelt! I'll definitely be talking to my boss about what they plan to do (particularly since I doubt they have any kind of plan at all) especially because of the environment I work in. I'm constantly in contact with doctors and students. I need to work on a grocery list and I already started my garden this past weekend!

[KobyBrandt]

Part 2) So, if the pandemic (or anything else) comes, I'll probably be ready for it. But I think that it's a real public service that you perform to inform others on how to protect themselves and attempt to prepare them for the worst -- and to do so in a very rational and calm manner -- after all, there's no reason to panic. The respirators are a very good idea, something very worthy of purchasing. Thanks for the excellent info Urgelt.

[Urgelt]

Exactly, Koby. Panic is the worst possible response to a threat like this.

I don't fear a pandemic. I'm warily respectful of the possibility, though, and willing to make adjustments in my planning to be safer if one comes.

Unpowered disposable respirators aren't that expensive, but remember, you have to know *everything* about using them for them to protect you. Getting training is a requirement, really.

[KobyBrandt]

Part 1) I'm fortunate to live in a fairly isolated area where I can avoid outside contact for extended time frames, if necessary. I've been (and am) considering plans for basically a self-contained environment (electricity, food, and all)...but pandemics aren't the reason for all of this. Economics, the environment, and maximized disconnection from the Governmental "grid" is my motivation.

[stumpie2]

thanks again for shareing with us,

[Urgelt]

Most welcome, Stumpie2.

[Selachim]

Thanks for yet another great video and for reassuring me that even if the world falls into a panic, I'll be alright. ((This as continuing from my last post. XD))

[Urgelt]

Selachim, it seems that you are as well-prepared as a person could be.

The sole remaining precaution is to make sure your parents have a plan to keep themselves from becoming infected. During a pandemic, doctors - even those who are not virologists or in general practice - will be called upon to help. They will need protective gear and the knowledge to use it.

[Selachim]

What's cool is that I already have almost everything you suggested in place. I've got a large veg. garden in the back, a small one inside in a greenhouse, about a year and a half's worth of food and drinks laid by with a well for more to drink, and, what reassures me the most, two parents who are doctors, though not those who would deal with viruses, they have enough medical knowledge and equipment.

[thepetsaver]

Very good video, i think i'll buy some canned food now too. Just in case.

[Urgelt]

It can't hurt.

If we stockpile food, we need to be aware of the expiration dates and use the food up before they're reached, but canned food should be good for at least a couple years.

Thanks for commenting, TPS.

[geezerart]

And don't forget to buy a hand held can opener! Mrs. GeezerArt

[Urgelt]

You know, that raises the question of electricity, which I've neglected. Could a pandemic cause outages?

The short answer is, probably not much. With a bit of preparation, electricity companies shouldn't have a harder time of operating during a pandemic than at other times.

It might be tough to get workers to come into your house to fix local wiring, though.

In any event, I use a hand-held can opener anyway. :-)

[Selachim]

I use a lot of hand-held tools as well, but it's good to know electricity most likely would last. Then internet can provide me with the contact to the outside world I need. XD

[baybea]

We always seem to be stock piled in our home. With 2 boys over 6'2" we can never have too much food in the house lol.

I enjoy these videos you make Urgelt. You deliver your research in such a concise and factual manner and make it easy for all to understand. Thanks for that. :)

[Urgelt]

I'm happy you think so, Bea, thank you.

My stockpile (above normal stocks) is at about a month now. I add to it each trip to the store.  I don't think I'll go past 2 months... it seems like that ought to handle any peak danger times.

[kenrg]

These videos are quite eye opening. The ripple effect through the economy, rising crime, etc., are all sobering to consider. Being prepared for containment is our best hope.

[Urgelt]

Yes, exactly. Vaccines won't be much help. Anti-viral medications do help, but we'll run out of those quickly if a pandemic really gets going. The best way to fight it is to contain it and prevent transmission. That means being prepared so you can ride it out during times of danger.

[vince2468motorway]

LOCKING OURSELVES AWAY IN OUR HOMES CERTAINLY MAKES IT EASIER FOR THE ILLUMINATI POLICE TO COME TAKE US AWAY TO A CAMP DOSENT IT? YOU BAD BOY URGELT... REMEMBER H2O2 FOOD GRADE IS GOOD FOR YOU. BIRD FLU IS MAN MADE,, AIDS IS MAN MADE,, WW1 WAS MAN MADE, WW2 WAS MAN MADE, WW3 WILL BE MAN MADE, TITANIC WAS SUNK BY THE ILLUMINATI,, ONLY IT WAS THE OLYMPIC,,,titanics sister ship. THAT ONE MADE FOR A GREAT INSURANCE CLAIM WITH ALL THAT BULLION ON BOARD,, or was it? WAKE UP SHEEPLE,, THIS IS EVIL.

[Urgelt]

Nonsense.

The avian flu virus genome has been around since our ancestors were chucking spears at each other, if not longer.  It shows none of the signs of an engineered bug, and it isn't adapted to humans.

What makes it a danger to us now is the domestication of birds and our own population pressures, which are bringing the virus into contact with humans much more frequently than in past centuries.

[Urgelt]

It's hard for the virus to infect a human, but once it does, evolution kicks in. Variants can appear, and traits can be acquired from other viruses present in the host..

When it acquires transmissibility, it may pose a threat of a pandemic, and that's why epidemiologists are paying close attention to humans who have become infected through contact with birds.

[HexenX]

Off-topic:

Have you ever narrated anything? Your voice sounds remarkably familiar...

[Urgelt]

Professionally? No, I haven't, HexenX.

Since coming to YouTube last year, I've been involved in some amateur things with other 'tubers, but not much of that, even.

[KobyBrandt]

HexenX: lol. I was thinking exactly the same thing! Urgelt has a very "narrational" kind of voice, don't you think?

Urgelt: You could do definitely do professional documentaries with that very level and soothing voice. You're voice is like a cross between Rod Serling and Leonard Nimoy. Ever considered a second career?

[Urgelt]

It looks like I'll be remaining an amateur for the foreseeable future. But as an amateur I've already been involved in a few projects, and I'll do more in the months to come.  It's a lot of fun. :-)

[KennyWrites]

Urgelt did a wonderful job narrating a video about me. He's also done excellent poetry and short story readings. I think he has a great talent for that sort of thing.

[BigBrotherMateyka]

Keen, informative, and full of integrity. This is the news that I want to hear. :)

Bless you always.

~Mike

[Urgelt]

Thank you, Mike, your encouragement could lift mountains.

[P1X1E56]

Thanks for a level headed, informative and well presented series. You don't post often, but when you do I am always eager to listen.

[Urgelt]

Thank you, P1X1E56. I'm glad you found it of interest.

[Sumduhmguy]

Another excellent video. Keep up the good work.

[Urgelt]

Thanks, SDG.

[haiiyaa]

Thank you for posting the last part. Gonna listen to it now :)

[Urgelt]

I'm glad someone listens. :-)

[1DRock37167]

Thank you for the information, it doesn't come through the regular channels quite as freely. Sage advice given to the masses is only taken by the few.

Thank you again,

D

[Urgelt]

Yes, I agree, news media is long on incident reporting and short on context. I can't change that, but at least the context is available now on YouTube for anyone who searches for it.

[vince2468motorway]

Hey rock.

There is very informative and pertinent info on birdflu and the world today given by dr Blaylock on utube,,

Give him a go.. Its worth it.

[1DRock37167]

Thanks!

[Fakenstien]

So if there was a pandemic, what do you think would be the biggest problem for most people, getting sick, or running out of supplies

[Urgelt]

I think the secondary effects - economic disruption, job furloughs and firings, bankruptcies of marginal businesses, stock market setbacks, shortages of essential food and goods, disruption of routine health care services - will affect by far the greater number of people.

The deadlier the pandemic, the fewer will fall sick, I think - simply because fear and precautions will slow the spread of the disease, making it easier for isolation and quarantines to be successful.

[vince2468motorway]

If you need a real answer to that Fakenstein, I would suggest you check out dr Mercola on u tube or dr Blaylock. These are good genuine people trying to make a difference for the better.. The information is wholesome and free for all.

Best regards VINCE