Radios Go Silent; Afraid Flu Virus Can Be Transmitted Via Radio Waves
By K5KVN, on the scene
PETALUMA, Calif. — As the number of confirmed flu cases continues to rise across the country, some amateur radio operators are turning off their radios in hopes of avoiding the virus. It’s an outbreak, according to doctors, and some hams are taking no chances.
“I heard that you get it from contact with people. I don’t get out of the house much, so my contact with people is on the radio,” said Clarence Bogart of Huntsville. “I don’t want to get sick, so I’m keeping my radio off,” he continued.
Harold Wisenheimer agrees. “They say the bug is in the air. Well, so are my radio signals, and I don’t want to be anywhere near it.”
Some enterprising ham radio stores are offering help in the form of a flu filter, which can be installed between the radio and antenna, essentially keeping out the virus.
A local physician who wished to remain anonymous quietly says he is puzzled by the actions of the radio operators. “Look, I’m aware that many have a bug in their shack, but it’s not that kind of bug. And someone really should tell them that the virus can indeed be transmitted, but not in that way.”
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I hear it helps if one disinfects the antenna on a regular basis, as well. Furthermore, as an extra precaution, some hams I know have taken to wearing a medical face mask while operating their radios during flu season.