Flu season is upon us, and experts all over the country and world are encouraging folks to get their shot early. The CDC has released new updates on what to expect this year, and how the vaccines have been modified to keep pace with the circulating viruses. Ideally, you should receive your vaccination before the end of October. Shots will still be available throughout the rest of the year and into early 2019, but getting it done early will give the antibodies time to develop before the season begins in earnest. The urgency of managing flu outbreaks is particularly potent this year, which marks the centennial of the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918 that killed an estimated 20-50 million people. More recently, the tragic failure of medical infrastructure on local and international levels during the 2014 Ebola outbreak showed just how far we have to go before we are fully able to contain these large threats while minimizing casualties.
Here at Enviro Safety Products, we’re committed to providing the finest personal protective equipment (PPE) available at ideal prices for our customers. That includes the medical field, and the need for microbial protection always skyrockets during flu season. We also believe in providing information directly through our site so that customers can understand the nuances of certain products and make informed decisions for their needs.
For protection against microorganisms and pathogens, a Type N95 respirator will meet OSHA’s requirements for infectious exposure control. We recommend the 3M 8210 respirator as an excellent and economical option for airborne particle protection. It shields against particles as small as 0.1 microns, which covers nearly any threat you could possibly encounter. Another excellent choice is the 3M 8511, an N95 particulate respirator that features a proprietary “CoolFlow” valve. The valve actually redirects the user’s exhaled breath away from the face and out of the mask, providing a comfortable work experience during long hours. It guards excellently against biological particles including airborne pathogens.
Hand protection is also important in these situations, and high-quality gloves by Microflex. The manufacturer offers a variety of gloves designed for various situations. The Microflex N85 powder-free exam gloves provide a latex-free option for users with sensitivities, without sacrificing excellent protection. There’s also the Microflex N73 nitrile medical exam gloves, which provide excellent grip and tactile sensitivity for performing complicated tasks.
When it comes to vaccination, there are a number of flu shot options outlined by CDC:
Standard-dose: Administered muscularly, either with a hypodermic needle or jet injector.
High-dose: Designed for patients 65 years or older, to make up for age-weakened immune defenses.
Adjuvant: Standard-dose plus adjuvant to enhance immune response in patients 65 years or older.
Cell-based: Sourced from viruses grown in animal cells rather than eggs.
Recombinant: Made with vaccine production technology, approved for patients 18 years and older
LAIV: Live attenuated influenza vaccine takes the form of a nasal spray with viruses designed to multiply at cooler temperatures.
Go over these options with your provider to determine which is right for you.
Stay safe and protected this flu season with high-quality protection from Enviro Safety Products.
