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Bacteria & Virus FAQ One of our supporting users has a Ph.D in Environmental Microbiology & Genetics and is an Assistant Professor of Biology. The following are some comments to questions submitted to Chef Noah. We have included a brief introductory statement to clarify our contributor's qualifications. "I'm not an expert on chemical weapons so I'll have to ignore those questions. I'm also not an expert on bioweapons but I do understand a bit about bacteria and viruses so I'll do my best. Please be aware, though, that I am not an M.D. and am therefore not going to give advice for medical treatment". Do you have access to the information on items that are in our households that we can use to treat chemical warfare exposure? Do you know what natural antibiotic can be used to treat anthrax poisoning? "I'm not sure what is meant by a "natural antibiotic". All true antibiotics are "natural" in the sense that they are produced by organisms (e.g. penicillin by the mold Penicillium and streptomycin by the bacterium Streptomyces). There has been a lot of press given to the use of Ciprofloxacin for the treatment of anthrax but it is my understanding that nearly all anthrax is susceptible to tetracycline, doxicycline, and even to penicillin." Do you know how to make a safe room in our homes for protection? "Houses are generally good places to be, safety-wise, since airflow will be relatively low. In the event of an airborne dissemination of infectious agents (heaven forbid), staying in the house, reducing air movement (so as not to draw in outside air), and not leaving until an 'all-clear' is given (i.e. until particles have settled) would be a good idea. It would behoove us therefore, I believe, to have sufficient means on hand in our homes to be able to stay in them for a few days. And to have a radio..." "That said, it's looking more and more like a wholesale airborne dissemination of infectious agents is much more difficult than previously thought. I wouldn't stay up at night worrying about this one." What do we need to do in the event we hear of a bio terrorism attack in the US? "Relax, listen to the national and local news, and get the facts before acting precipitously. FDR's comments on fear should be reviewed..." How do we avoid bringing these biological agents in our homes after being outside? "Bacteria, spores, and viruses will wash off readily. Don't worry about "antibacterial" anything: it won't work well on spores anyway." How do we help those who have come down with problems because of exposure? "Get them to a hospital quickly." How do we quickly and effectively decontaminate bodies of infectious biological agents? "See above. All of these things wash off easily with soap and water. We would all do better health-wise -- even disregarding bioterrorism -- if we would wash our hands on a regular basis and especially before eating or touching our faces, mouths, and eyes." Back to the Germ Warfare page.