Sunday, November 23, 2008

stupidity in action

One of my biggest pet peeves is the "modern" belief that vaccinations are no longer necessary as a public health measure. of the measles patients, 33 were from Indiana and 1 resided in Illinois. Patients ranges in age from 9 to 49 (mean age: 12). Measles vaccination was documented for 2 persons, one of whom had received 1 dose, and one who had received 2 doses. [3 doses being the magic 'fully vaccinated' number]. MMWR, vol. 54, no. 42, pp. 1073-1074, 2005, Import-Associated Measles Outbreak Now, I realize that it is possible to get vaccinated and no have immunity (e.g., me). I also realize that vaccination does not provide life-long immunity (e.g., the patients over 40). But really, 31 of these people suffered through a case of the measles (and its attendant infection-related health problems) due to a simple refusal to vaccinate their children.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

10 Germiest Jobs

The magic list is supposedly: 1. Teacher/day-care worker 2. Cashier, bank employee 3. Tech support/computer repair 4. Doctor or nurse 5. Lab scientist 6. Police officer 7. Animal control officer 8. Janitor or plumber 9. Sanitation worker (AKA garbage man/woman) 10. Meat packer Hands down, I have absolutely no doubt about #1. Though the article thinks pest control workers climbing around in dark basements after rats should be added to the list. While I would not want the job, it would take one monster basement to be that 'germy'. The only biologically active thing in mine is the cat's litter box. The rats, not the basement, are going to be diseased.