[at-l] Virus in Water

[jbkramer@afn.org (Bryan Kramer)]

I wasn't suggesting that anyone not take sensible precautions. Anyone
who has been to third world countries would know that while we are a
tough bunch of critters we aren't impregnable. I firmly fall in the
second group and I use a PUR and carry aquapure-just in case. But I
don't shiver in my shoes worrying about hepatitis A in the creek either.
And if it came down to going thirsty or drinking untreated water I would
and have partaken. (The springs at ice-water shelter for example).

And actually there is a growing body of data that shows that your
attitude does make a big difference in your resistance to disease. I
think the medical folks on the list have seen plenty of evidence of
that.

Bryan

> 
> LOL.  I'm sure the microorgansims, viruses, etc., could care 
> less which of these two "types" I am.
> 
> I used to think I was safely in that second category.  I had hiked 
> the Whites for years and years, dipping my cup into any/every 
> stream along the way, never filtering or treating any of it.
> 
> In October 1989, that practice finally backfired on me, and I 
> spent a rather amusing week with a royal case of giardia.  
> Lost about ten pounds before it was all over.
> 
> Bodies are pretty rugged -- usually.  But that ruggedness 
> tends to fade a bit with advancing years, and a whole raft 
> of medical conditions.  I don't hike anymore without a water 
> filter.