H5N1 Wear - bird flu, avian flu, influenza pandemic shirts and awareness apparel

Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks in advance for asking.

Who the heck are you?
Just some guy.

Why are you doing this?
I've been concerned about the potential for pandemic for a while, but grew tired of frequently bringing it up to friends/family/clergy. I figured why not make a shirt or button (or thong) that forced people to ask me about the bird flu? Of course, I'd still look like a nutjob, but not a proselytizing nutjob. Anyhoo, I know there are tons of other amateur (and professional) flu freaks out there who might also like to wear such a product.

Why are you profiteering off this potential calamity/people's fears?
I'm not. To be honest, I'd love to make more money, but frankly can't justify profiting from a pandemic. Perhaps in the event of widespread infection, if I were on the "front lines" of getting supplies to quarantined communities or treating the infected, I'd be deserving of risk-related profit. But for designing a few T-shirts? Lame.

I will be donating all profits to a pandemic-related charity. I haven't really found a specific one yet, but I will -- and I will record all said donations here.

How much money are we talking here? Millions? Billions? Can you buy Google now?
Nay, nay, and barely a share. Profits are slim, and, really, the flu isn't that big a social statement.

What if you start selling a ton? Then you'd take the profits, you greedy bastard.
If this were to grow big enough to require full-time management, then I'd give myself a salary, sure. But it won't.

I'm pretty sure I saw you driving around in a new Range Rover yesterday.
No you didn't.

Okay, so you're not profiting. But aren't you making light of a serious situation?
I don't think so. Well, I mean, sure, I'm making light, but I'm not laughing in the face of influenza. (My dad always taught me: "Son, never laugh in the face of influenza.")

When I first started this the mainstream press had barely gotten past the standard "What is H5N1?" article. In recent weeks, a ton of press has picked up. My initial -- and continued -- goal is simply to spread awareness of the flu. If I make people laugh, that's great. But more importantly I'd just like more people to think seriously about it instead of saying "this can't happen today." Because I think it can. I don't know that it will, but I'm pretty convinced that it can.

What's the best way for me to prepare for the flu?
There are lots of places that have nice guides about self preparation. My biggest piece of advice (I'm clearly an expert on the avian flu because I designed a few shirts): store a few weeks worth of food and other necessary supplies. This isn't a special flu that transmits via the air or electricity: you have to be in contact with someone who's sick to get it. So if you can hole up for a while (and it could be 1-2 months), you've pretty much reduced your risk to zero. Tamiflu is a worst-case scenario; if you keep away from people you'll never need an antiviral drug.

Thanks. I love you.
I love you, too.

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