Few Correctly Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Before and After XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial Treatment

XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial treated surfaces provide advanced protection against harmful biological contaminants such as: E.coli, Chlorella vulgarus, Salmonella, and just about any other bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold, dust and algae.

XMICROBE™

Long Lasting Germ Protection !

Dry Air Blamed For Flu Outbreaks

MSNBC.com -
By Emily Sohn

It’s one of the hallmarks of winter: The misery of being stuck in bed with the flu. Now, scientists are finally figuring out why the virus hits hardest in the wintertime and why some winters are worse than others.

Blame dry air.

Extremely low humidity levels in winter, according to new research, fuel influenza outbreaks. Particularly dry spells make the problem worse. The discovery might help scientists prepare for epidemics and for the rash of secondary illnesses, like pneumonia, that often slam people once they’re already down.

“It is the first step toward potentially forecasting the risk of influenza outbreaks,” said Jeffrey Shaman, an atmospheric scientist at Oregon State University in Corvallis. “By getting a handle on what’s going on with influenza, we are also getting a handle on the other diseases that really piggy back on influenza.”

To explain why flu and related illnesses strike far more often in the winter than at other times of year, theories have fallen into three categories. One idea is that people spend more time indoors in the winter and schools are in session, so there is more person-to-person contact.

Another theory is that, with less exposure to sunlight, people have lower levels of melatonin and vitamin D, weakening their immune systems and making them more likely to succumb to influenza viruses. Scientists have also hypothesized that temperature and humidity affect how long the virus can last after someone coughs or sneezes.

Previous research has shown that influenza viruses survive longer in air when temperatures are colder and relative humidity is lower. Relative humidity, which appears in many weather reports, describes how close conditions are to the point of forming fog or clouds.

But relative humidity isn’t the best measurement for studying flu outbreaks, Shaman said, because relative humidity varies with temperature. So, there is actually less moisture in the air on a rainy winter day in Seattle than there is on a sunny summer day in the same city.

He thought it would be more useful to look at absolute humidity, which measures exactly how much moisture is in the air, regardless of temperature.

On that scale, Shaman said, winters are usually twice as dry as summers in a place like San Diego and Arizona, four times drier in New York, and up to five times drier in a particularly cold state like Minnesota.

Along with colleagues, he analyzed 31 years of data from around the United States and used a computer model to show that influenza outbreaks were more likely to occur when absolute humidity levels were low. Like a sliding scale, progressively drier air led to progressively higher likelihood that an outbreak would occur, the researchers reported in the journal PLoS Biology. Temperature didn’t play much of a role.

“People had recognized that there was seasonality to this, but nobody has really come up with a unifying explanation,” said Gregory Poland, Director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group in Rochester, Minn. Humidity, he said, “is likely is part of that unifying explanation.”

Humidity is probably not the only explanation, however, and the weather forecast will probably never serve as a flu forecast. Even in dry conditions, the virus needs to be hanging around, and people need to come into contact to spread it. Still, any insight into what drives epidemics is a step toward saving lives.

When absolute humidity is low, for example, local hospitals could start stockpiling anti-viral medications and other supplies, and they could increase moisture levels in patient rooms.

Humidifying your home could help, too, but moist air alone is not the answer, Shaman said.

“The best defense against influenza remains vaccination. That can’t be stressed enough,” he said. “I would never suggest anyone forgo that to go out and buy a humidifier.”

XMICROBE™ Mode of Action

 

XMICROBE™

Long Lasting Germ Protection !

XMICROBE™ – A Greener Approach to Extended Sanitization

BioShield Services, LLC has developed a technology centered around XMICROBE™ a silicone quaternary ammonium salt microbiostatic agent which provides a durable, long acting, environmental friendly surface protection. While there are no “green” disinfectants, XMICROBE™ supports many of the twelve principles of green chemistry as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)1.

The following specifics relate to those principles which apply to the use of XMICROBE™ and are identified using the numbers and headings from the USEPA list:

Prevention:

XMICROBE™ is applied as a spray and generates no excess solutions which must be disposed of. Remaining solution is stable and may be stored for use in the next application.

Designing Safer Chemicals:

Upon application, XMICROBE™ bonds first to the surface and then to itself through its cohesive bonding properties forming a large co-polymer compound. The special bonding abilities of XMICROBE™ can be attributed to its multifunctional bonding receptors. Each bonding site, on the surfaces that are treated or the cell membrane’s receptor proteins, are easily adhered to because XMICROBE™ contains a variety of complimentary binding proteins. The multivariate bonding combinations make XMICROBE™ an excellent combatant for treating surfaces against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, molds, yeast, mildew, and algae. It is extremely effective in destroying Staph, MRSA, E. coli, Salmonella and Influenza A. Once bonded XMICROBE™ immediately begins its assault against microbes using long protein chains which are synthesized from highly reactive, positively charged “R” group amino acids. It is because of the charged “R” group that XMICROBE™ has the ability to bond to a wide diversity of negatively charged, infectious and potentially fast spreading micro organisms. Because the bonds formed between XMICROBE™ and the microbes are covalent bonds the strength of the bond has no dislodgeable residue leaching, off-gassing migration or diffusion of the molecule. Once the bond has been established the length and reactivity of the molecular proteins spikes work quickly and effectively in eliminating the micro organism threat. The methodology is mechanical in nature preventing any creation of resistant strains or toxic residues. Normal cleaning removes any dirt, residue or dead organisms allowing the efficacy of the polymer surface to continue.

Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries:

XMICROBE™ continues to hold its bond even after the annihilation of the micro organism which has a twofold benefit. One, since the covalent bond between XMICROBE™ and the unwanted organism is never compromised, the possibility of latent pieces of microbial DNA being taken up and integrated into a host cell’s genetic code is virtually impossible. Two, due to the positive-to-negative charged bonds, the reactive “R” groups of the proteins are rendered impotent eliminating the possibility of XMICROBE™ rendering to another surface.

Water is the only solvent used for dilution of the XMICROBE™ concentrate to the desired application strength.

Design for Degradation:

The resultant polymer surface is durable and tightly bonded to the surface to which it is applied. Any breakdown material is non-toxic and is removed by normal periodic cleaning. Due to the chemical structure of the ammonium salt the compound renders itself harmless by simple decomposition, leaving behind no harmful residue or lingering byproducts.

Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention:

The XMICROBE™ concentrate is classed as a pesticide by USEPA and normal precautionary handling is required. There are no carcinogens in the compound. It is non-flammable, stable under normal conditions and is not subject to hazardous polymerization. In the event of accidental spill, the solution can be deactivated by addition of an anionic surfactant or detergent.

The XMICROBE™ material when used by or according to a certified technician of the Healthier Environment Living Program™ (HELP) provides affordable, long lasting antimicrobial protection. This protection can by monitored and managed through ongoing Indoor Air and Surface Quality testing provided by HELP. View more information on www.HealthierPrograms.com or call 888-558-5254.

Erik J. Waters

Independent Microbiologist

December 2009

XMICROBE™

Long Lasting Germ Protection !

Poison (Chemicals) vs. Mechanical Elimination

Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning or chemically altering the organism. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly to avoid adverse effects to humans and animals due to their toxic ingredients. (The XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial Does Not) 

Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating building surfaces do a great job of getting a quick kill on bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited spectrum of effectiveness. (XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial Has A Broad Spectrum Of Effectiveness) 

Heavy metal based antimicrobials, such as silver ion may leach into the environment and lose their effectiveness over time. (The XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial Is Water Based That Won’t harm The Environment) 

Here’s The Big Difference… 

XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial takes a totally unique approach. It provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces because the surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobial active. 

The active ingredient in the XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer, which chemically bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. 

When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the anti-microbial doesn’t lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it. 

XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial protection continuously fights the growth of microbes. Plus, the XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial protection makes the surfaces in your home easier to clean and keeps them cleaner and fresher between cleanings. 

XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial has undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and has a long 35 year history of safe use. It is registered with the EPA for all applications in which it is used.

XMICROBE™

Long Lasting Germ Protection !

A Look at XMICROBE™

As you can see to the left, XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial works like a bed of nails to draw and impale microbes. 

XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial is an EPA Registered revolutionary product. XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial prevents the growth of an amazingly wide array of bacteria, mold, mildew, algae and yeast.

XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial acts like a bed of microscopic spikes that pierce the cell walls of microbes.

XMICROBE™ Antimicrobial is a totally new approach to providing long lasting anti-microbial protection.

XMICROBE™

Long Lasting Germ Protection !

‘Summer Colds’ May Not Be Just That

(CNN) — You dread this: Runny nose, scratchy throat, maybe a cough. And worse, it’s 80 degrees outside.

Most of us know it as the summer cold. But in fact it’s probably not.

A true cold is a virus with symptoms that last up to 10 days, with the first two to three days being the most contagious. These viruses exist year-round, but are more common in the colder months.

Allergies to tree and grass pollens and outdoor molds can cause cold-like symptoms in the summer. Congestion, itchy eyes, scratchy throat and runny nose are common complaints.

“If you tend to get those same symptoms every year around the same time, allergy is the probable cause,” said Dr. Peter Greenspan, pediatrician with MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston, Massachusetts.

Young children are more susceptible to cold viruses because they have not had previous exposure to them, Greenspan said. They are also in contact with other children a lot, and may not take the same hand-washing, sneeze-covering precautions as adults.

They are too young to take over-the-counter medications, but the symptoms go away on their own, Greenspan said.

For adults who want sinus relief, a doctor may recommend saline irrigations through the nose — such as the neti pot — nasal steroid sprays or antihistamines, said Dr. Alexander Chiu, associate professor of otorhinolaryngology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

But such treatments are for relieving symptoms, not curing them, Greenspan said. Colds go away on their own and allergies subside when the offending pollen diminishes with the season.

This spring was particularly nasty for allergies, doctors said. The pollen counts are going down now, however, and the next major allergy season won’t start until fall, Chiu said.

Doctors use the term “vasomotor rhinitis” to describe the cold-like symptoms that many people get not because of allergies or a virus, but for some unknown cause, Chiu said.

Some people are naturally sensitive to dramatic temperature changes and may get the sniffles from going in and out of air-conditioned and warm environments, said Chiu.

But such temperature shifts do not promote cold viruses, so don’t blame the air conditioning, Greenspan said. For allergy sufferers, air conditioning may help alleviate symptoms.

“Some people may feel better or worse in different kinds of environments,” he said. “It’s a very individual kind of thing.”

From his pediatrics practice, Greenspan has noticed that a cold virus has been going around, with coughs that last several weeks, Greenspan said.

But Chiu, based in Philadelphia, said people who have sinus symptoms this time of year probably do not have colds.

Is your gym contagious?

By Wina Sturgeon,
Adventure Sports Weekly
(adventuresportsweekly.com)

People are using tissues to turn doorknobs and staying away from crowds. Schools have closed down. And a lot more hand washing than ever before is going on. But can you get the swine flu from your gym? The answer is yes.

Think about that nasty dumbbell that’s been gripped by who-knows-how-many sweaty hands. Imagine how often the pin for a machine weight stack has been pinched between someone’s thumb and forefinger; the same two digits that person may have used to catch a cough or wipe a nose. You may avoid touching doorknobs with your bare hands, but what about the contamination of the pull-down bar on the lat machine?

Worse, the gym is a place where people sweat a lot and breathe hard. One infected person in a crowded aerobics class can do a lot of damage.

Even if you’ve already received the swine flu vaccine, the flu is not the only contagious illness going around. During this season, everyone’s susceptible to picking up a cold or other virus. And, though the H1N1 strain is dominant, it’s not the only strain of flu out there. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, you may be vulnerable to another type of flu virus.

Taking precautions at the gym has not yet become commonplace, but it soon will. You can start now to protect yourself. Here’s how: 

Mix up a solution of half isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and water in a spray bottle. Put this in a small backpack with a roll of paper towels and a plastic bag. Before using any free weight or machine, spray the surface you will be touching with a good shot of the alcohol mixture. Wait at least 30 seconds, then wipe it dry with a paper towel. Put the used towel in the plastic bag. At the end of your workout (though it’s a violation of the green ethic), throw away the bag of used paper towels.

Wash your hands before leaving, then use hand lotion to keep them moisturized. Frequently washing your hands can dry and flake the skin, causing minute cracks that are perfect openings for any stray bacteria or viruses to enter your body.

If using a spray bottle before every new exercise seems too much trouble, try wearing rubber gloves. The thick dishwashing kind, not thin latex gloves that can be easily torn or shredded in the rugged environs of the gym. Two things to remember when wearing rubber gloves while working out: they may interfere with your grip; and they must be removed before you touch any mucous membrane. That includes the eyes, lips and inside of the nose. These membranes are totally porous, and the briefest of touches will inoculate you with any cold or flu virus that happens to be on the fingers of the glove.

Spray the alcohol mixture on the handlebars of your spin bike. That mix you brought also comes in handy during fitness classes.

Stand in the back of the room for an aerobics class, so all that heavily breathed air goes forward, away from you.

Put on gloves before grabbing a step or a mat.

These precautions may be inconveniently time-consuming, even embarrassing to do. But accepting the inconvenience is a whole lot better than lying in bed, sick as a dog, because you picked up a bug at your gym.

Or, you can tell your Gym or Health Club to take a proactive approach against GERMS!

If you are a concerned customer and want a cleaner, healthier gym for your workout without relying on ineffective harsh toxic chemicals to keep the place clean, then you need to ask them to look into the Healthier Environment Living Program^TM offering XMICROBE Products and Services.

How will you benefit from a Gym utilizing the Healthier Environment Living Program?

Proactively protecting your Gym or Health Club from H1N1(swine flu virus) staph infections, MRSA, bacteria, molds and mildew is easier than ever with XMICROBE^TM unique antimicrobial technology.

Our XMICROBE^TM Technology offers an antimicrobial protection that works every minute of every day with just one simple application and it’s affordable and long-lasting.

XMICROBE^TM Technology creates a durable bond to the surfaces (porous and non-porous) of your facility preventing further growth, spreading of bacteria and cross-contamination.

The antimicrobial treatment is perfect for:

Exercise Mats, Locker Rooms, Bathrooms, Offices, Exercise Equipment, Workout Benches, Barbells, Door Handles, Exercise Balls, Showers and more.

What will the XMICROBE^TM Technology do for Your Health Club or Gym:

• XMICROBE^TM Technology continuously fights the growth of microbes that make you sick!
• XMICROBE^TM Technology protection makes the surfaces in your Health Club easier to clean and keeps them cleaner in between cleanings.
• XMICROBE^TM Technology is applied to porous and nonporous surfaces and will not wash off!
• XMICROBE^TM Technology is engineered to provide continuous antimicrobial protection for an extended period of time.