Could there be pathogens in your drinking water?

 

Recent global events have prompted me to write a blog explaining how drinking water can be made safer. This blog is an op-ed that expresses my opinion.

 

Is there a way for us to make our potable drinking water safer?

When water that carries pathogens is exposed to a frequency of 150 kHz, the induced signal has a cytotoxic (i.e. toxic to a living cell) effect on viruses, bacteria and parasites. This phenomenon is believed to hinder a pathogen's ability to multiply. It's important to note that a 150 kHz frequency is not harmful to humans; it is many times weaker than the frequency emitted by a mobile phone. Installing a HydroFLOW USA water treatment device on the incoming water to a home will greatly reduce the risk of pathogens in the drinking water.

 

Can a person spread an illness without being sick?

People are most contagious when they are sick. With this said, spreading an illness might be possible before symptoms are noticeable. To my knowledge, it is rare to be contagious prior to displaying symptoms.

 

How do most pathogens spread?

Pathogens mainly spread from animal-to-person and from person-to-person, but in some cases, they can spread through our potable water systems.

• Physical Contact: If an unprotected person (i.e. a person without medical gloves) touches an animal or another person that is infected by a pathogen or touches a surface that harbors pathogens.
• Airborne: If an unprotected person (i.e. a person without an adequate mask or respirator) is exposed to respiratory droplets produced when an infected animal or person coughs or sneezes.
• Ingestion: If a person ingests foods and/or liquids that carry the pathogen.

 

 

How easily can pathogenic illnesses spread?

How easily a sickness spreads, can vary. Some infectious diseases are highly contagious (i.e. they spread easily), like measles, while other infections do not spread as easily. The current global epidemic seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”).

 

Are viral and bacterial infections lethal?

Yes, some infections are lethal, but with proper medical treatment, a majority of the population will heal within weeks. The current global epidemic seems to be most lethal to people that are over 80 years old and/or people with weakened immune systems. For example, the recent fatal outbreak in Washington state occurred in a nursing home that was understaffed. The facility’s staff was attempting to treat the vulnerable elderly patients with inadequate gear.

 

Is there a cure for all infections?

Thanks to modern medicine, almost all infectious diseases have a cure or a vaccine. There is currently no vaccine that prevents people from being infected by the ongoing worldwide pandemic, but significant efforts are being made to create a vaccine. The best way to prevent illness is by avoiding exposure.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following preventative measures:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Wash your hands with soap and water if they are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth prior to washing your hands.
• Stay home when you are sick; if you are not showing signs of getting healthier after a few days, seek professional medical assistance. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask: 1) CDC does not recommend that healthy people wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases. 2) Facemasks should be used by people who show any symptoms of an illness, to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for healthcare workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).