What can you do to avoid getting the flu?

Here I am talking with Ray Suarez on HITN listing the basic stuff -- we don't know how flu is transmitted, so if you want to reduce your chances 1) wash your hands frequently (and don't touch your face), 2) stay as far away from sick people as possible, and c) wear a respirator if you have to get near sick people. Also, keep the windows open or otherwise get as much dilution ventilation as possible (either outside air or HEPA filtered air unless you have very special UV lights).

Why EVERYONE who can should get the swine flu vaccine

Here are my thoughts, as expressed to Ray Suarez on Destination Casa Blanca, back in December. What you don't see here is that I was responding to comments by another panelist who argued that it is really just an individual decision -- I should take the shot only if it is good for ME. Good old American Me Me Me. No though of my children, my grandparents, much less my neighbor.

House Overwhelmingly Rejects Goldstone Report On Gaza War Crimes | Media Matters Action Network

House Overwhelmingly Rejects Goldstone Report On Gaza War Crimes | Media Matters Action Network

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The Starr, Reich, Kuttner Debate on Health Care Reform

If these three cannot agree ... how can we expect Democrats in congress to sing from one score?

I tend to agree with Kuttner. The public option gets weaker with each day, increasingly more complex (and hard to understand or sell), and easier for insurance companies to game. We need to get some single payer skin in the game -- that could keep the public option honest.

I'm having to choose new insurance plans for Diane and myself in Maryland. I note they all have a "lifetime cap" -- so if either of us gets AML and needs a bone marrow transplant -- tough cookies. I'm not happy with my medical insurance options. I doubt any survey that says most people are.

Preventing AIDS in Iran is a crime

Besides the terrible news of recent HSPH grads being given years in prison, accused of being US agents because they are using proven public health measures to prevent the spread of HIV, this article is interesting for its note that WHO claims that Iran has the highest rate of heroin addiction in the world. I suppose living in a theocracy is tough -- many need an escape.

Swine flu -- What to do?

The CDC recommendations are very good. I have only a few things to add -- open the windows and if you are infected or could be infected, wear a surgical mask to protect your friends and family. Our research shows that surgical masks partially limit the shedding of virus into respiratory droplets. There is a lot of debate in the scientific community about whether influenza A viruses are transmitted by fine particle aerosols or just by large droplets and touching. It is time to be prudent -- consider aerosol transmission likely and take steps to limit it.

1. Open the windows at home.
2. Maximize dilution ventilation in mechanically ventilated buildings
3. Hold classes and religious services outdoors when possible.
4. If you have contacted someone with the flu, wear a surgical mask to limit spreading it to your family and friends.

Good sources of reliable information
For parents: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/parents.htm
In general on pandemic flu: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

AIG Bonus for Failure

The idea that AIG cannot legally get out of contracts to pay bonuses argues strongly that it is high time that this company, already 80% owned by the US Govt, be forced into a govt supervised reorganization - bankruptcy. That will quicky solve the problem of bonus contracts.