What do you think about the Swine Flu?

My understanding of the threat comes by comparing seasonal flu with this current virus, which is swine flu and now designated "Influenza A(H1N1)" by the World Health Organization.

Seasonal flu is a common respiratory illness that is spread from person to person. A healthy person might contract it, but usually their immune system is strong enough to fight off serious complications. Vaccinations also can protect us from seasonal flu.

In contrast, we have no natural immunity to Influenza A(H1N1). It too is spread from person to person, but there is no vaccine for it.

CDC statistics for the U.S. indicate seasonal flu-related causes most often kill the elderly and children under five years old. See: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

In comparison, WHO said many of the Influenza A(H1N1) deaths "have occurred in otherwise healthy young adults". See: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html

Medical professionals are familiar with diagnosing and treating seasonal flu. On the other hand, no one really knows how severe or mild Influenza A(H1N1) will be.

"Let me remind you. New diseases are, by definition, poorly understood. Influenza viruses are notorious for their rapid mutation and unpredictable behaviour," said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, in her April 29 press statement.
See:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/.../en/index.html

We do know that in recent days Influenza A(H1N1) is spreading rapidly. This fact, plus our lack of immunity and lack of a vaccine, are sources of anxiety and give us reasons to practice risk prevention.

The Center for Disease Control's web site says, "In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported." See:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

As of April 30, swine flu Influenza A(H1N1) numbers for 2009 in the U.S. have grown to 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico had 97 human cases of infection and seven deaths . See:
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_30_a/en/index.html

These numbers show the spread of Influenza A(H1N1) is much more rapid than swine flu has been in recent times.

When the World Health Organization upped their alert status for a pandemic, i.e. global outbreak, of Influenza A(H1N1) to Phase 5 yesterday, they were signaling a high probablity of worldwide swine flu outbreak. See:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian.../en/index.html

Right now the World Health Organization doesn't know how debilitating or deadly this outbreak of swine flu might be. CDC doesn't know. The media doesn't know.

Yes, maybe Influenza A(H1N1) will turn out to be a mild disease that most people will recover from quickly, but it can't hurt to:

* Stock up on food, health items, sanitation and comfort items
* Avoid contact with people in public places
* Wash your hands more often

I've been reading everyone's responses to this and entertained by a few :D. I think there are reasons to be concerned but not to flip out about it. The only thing has me even slightly concerned is that I'm running the Mini Marathon in Indianapolis with 35,000 other runners from many different countries. I don't know if I should be worried about contracting the Swine flu and dying or just simply having a heart attack and dying trying to run 13.1 miles. It begs the question :rolleyes:.

On a serious note though, I am a little worried about being in such close proximity with that many people. :(

My company has been taking the normal precautions. Sending us helpful information, asking us to go to the doctor if sick and limiting outside visitors to our office. No panic though. My mother works for the state health agency, haven't had a chance to see how that is different.

I saw a great word today to describe the reaction to this..

PANICDEMIC..

The media should be ashamed.

I received an automated call yesterday afternoon from my daughter's school informing us that a student was sent home from school because one of the student's parents had the swine flu. The student's father, a World Bank employee, had just traveled to Mexico. One of my daughter's friends called last night to say that her mom was keeping her home from school today as a precaution. I respect her decision but I don't think it's necessary. Much to my daughter's dismay, she will be going to school today :) On the other hand, when my ex-husband finds out, my daughter might be quarantined :D

I had another kid convince his mom that he needed to stay home yesterday. That's after the superintendent called using our automated system saying our district has no cases of swine flu. The mom called in his absence and our clerk told her it would be unexcused. The mom realized then that her boy had played her. Yeah, this is one of my difficult kids.

I would understand parents keeping their kids home if there was someone anywhere in the district who had it.

The girl who stayed home on Wed. because of flu worries fell off her dad's motorcycle. She's got a lot of road rash, but no flu.

Veronica

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Veronica

The girl who stayed home on Wed. because of flu worries fell off her dad's motorcycle.

---

!@#%W#$%^#$%^&@#$%!@!~#$%^&$%&^*%^&(^&*(


(I really don't have anything more useful than the above to say about parents who allow their children to ride motorcycles [or bicycles!] without proper gear on, especially after they've expressed some kind of concern for their health.)

Yeah, seriously. DD hates the moto boots and gear but she has to wear them. Even so, her chances of being injured on the moto are higher than dying from swine flu I suspect.

I'm quite worried about swine flu. I sure as heck stay away from people who cough or sneeze without covering their mouth (seriously why on earth do you think it's OK to spread your nasty germs??)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a55...4/swineflu.jpg

I'm really glad I finally have allergy meds that work this year...... I'd have to wear a sign around my neck saying "its just allergies you can't catch it" otherwise...

There's a case in the town next to me.

Has it been confirmed or is everyone SUSPECTING it's the virus? I really hope people aren't barricading themselves in thier homes & blaming it on the sky falling.

I'm glad i'm not the only one who sees the disbelief in everyone in panicking...http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...g-1677640.html

I no longer believe mainstream media & am questioning everything that's reported about it.

Reminds me of "The Blob"

Media hype... they love to scare us to death. Be reasonable, wash your hands, don't kiss any pigs and live your life.

I emailed the county health department doctor and asked him to explain to me why everyone was panicking over a virus that essentially gave bad cold symptoms. I understand that the CDC and WHO have to monitor the spread of new viruses. But WHY the panic and other extreme reactions. He basically answered that, yes, a more reasonable response was in order and agreed that it was mostly media hype.

The case (actually there are 2) in Bedford, MA has been confirmed. Both are kids and they are recovering.
I don't panic easily, but this is getting to me a little. In fact, I am rather laissez-faire about germs, etc. Normally, I live a pretty quiet existence in a small town, but I do take the subway to grad school and I have 3 class days left. Generally, I agree with what CC said; media hype.

I heard a news report yesterday, more people have died in the United States from regular flu this season than from the H1N1 virus. Too bad it was buried in the middle of the newscast, after the PANIC FEAR reports.

Since I work at a hospital, we get regular updates. We also all been through a "Pandemic Flu" training. (In other words, office drones like me would be recruited for washing bed pans if it got really bad....) This is from the latest update:

INFECTION CONTROL FOR COUNTY STAFF
In an effort to keep you safe and to protect the public we serve would like to provide some guidance regarding the use of masks and other personal protective equipment. County staff encountering clients with signs and symptoms of influenza (including fever of 100º F or higher and head and body aches, cough, sore throat, chills, trouble breathing or vomiting and/or diarrhea) should follow the instructions below to limit the spread of infection and to protect them.
At this time, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department recommends the following precautions for County staff in contact with patients, clients and visitors with influenza like symptoms:
•Apply surgical mask to the individual. If you are in a non-clinical area, masks can be obtained through Product Management.
•Use good hand washing technique.
•Advise the individual to contact physician for further instructions. A medical provider will need to determine if the patient needs to come in for an appointment and/or a test for influenza. Likewise, a medical provider will determine the whether influenza antiviral treatment is needed.
Unless you are sick, routine use of masks is not necessary.
Please follow the below instructions to protect yourself and the community we serve.
1.Masks should be used only for those persons with symptoms to prevent the spread of disease.
2.If you are not sick, you do not need to see a physician or wear a mask.
3.Respiratory etiquette should be implemented to protect staff and patients alike.
4.We need to be sure that masks are available in adequate supply should the number of cases escalate.
5.If you have a patient with flu symptoms, please offer the patient a respiratory hygiene kit.
6.If you have any questions or concerns about these instructions, please contact your manager.

GENERAL FLU ADVICE FOR EMPLOYEES AND FAMILIES
What should I do if I think I am sick?
•If you have a fever of 100°F or higher and one of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor or medical provider. Your doctor may have you come in for an appointment and test you for influenza. Your physician will decide whether influenza antiviral treatment is needed.
•If you're sick - stay home from work or school. It is important to limit contact with other people, so you don’t spread germs to others.
•If you have flu symptoms and need to go to a medical appointment, use a surgical mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue in the trash afterward.
•If you are feeling sick and you don’t have a fever, its best to stay home from work or school, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your symptoms get worse, call your physician or medical provider.

What can I do to prevent getting sick?
•Wash your hands with soap and hot water to get rid of germs and prevent the spread of disease, especially after coughing and sneezing. If you do not have soap and water, use a waterless hand gel with an alcohol base of at least 60%.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you sneeze and cough. Throw the tissue away in a waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the fold of your elbow, without using your hands.
•Avoid kissing or shaking hands when greeting people, and do not share food, drinks or utensils.
•Keep common areas clean; places such as kitchen counters, bathrooms, door handles, toys, telephones and other household items.
•Allow fresh air to flow into your home or at work by opening screened windows and doors.
•Only those who are sick and experiencing flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, vomiting and diarrhea should call their doctor or seek medical care. Healthy people, with no flu symptoms and not in need of medical care, should stay away from medical offices, clinics and hospitals in order to limit exposure to those who may be ill. In very specific circumstances, Tamiflu or Relenza, may be prescribed to sick people with certain health conditions and healthcare workers who may have been exposed to the swine flu.

I had a little bit of sore throat, fever and nausea early in the week. we made the mistake of joking that I had Swine Flu to my super hypochondriac sister in law. So... she didn't let her kid to go a movie with my kid today. my kid is perfectly healthy and the reason it would have been nice for my kid to go to the movie w/the grandparents and her kid is because I was doing a 200k in the rain. in other word I mostly recovered from my SIMPLE UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION. sheesh people. (last time we try to out hypochondriac a true hypochondriac).

I've had a sore throat and a drippy nose for a couple of weeks. Maybe I should run to the doc for an antiviral...or wait...maybe it's allergies:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

(In case it doesn't come across, that's a joke. I have allergies, not swine flu. And I'm not rushing to the doctor.)

Yes, it could be serious. It's not time to panic yet. They haven't even confirmed it in my state, and people are running around in face masks:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Maybe there are no confirmed cases in your state, but they're nearby! Check this map:

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I don't think there's any need to panic, but there are good reasons to take precautions.

Karen

Here's my favorite map:

http://www.idemc.org/

While this flu strain my not be as devastating, I think it will bring in the next wave of a more dangerous virus. :(

That map is SCARIER, even though it shows fewer cases than the one I posted. Something about the red and yellow banner scrolling by at the bottom! lol.

Yep, I don't think this is a laughing matter...but it would seem that, as opposed to other pandemics in prior centuries, we're better informed and can be better prepared on an individual basis to do what is necessary to mitigate the effects.

Karen

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tuckervill

Maybe there are no confirmed cases in your state, but they're nearby! Check this map:

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I don't think there's any need to panic, but there are good reasons to take precautions.

Karen

---

True - but I'm not sure what precautions I can take that I don't already take (other than stopping riding public transit, which I'm not planning to do unless things get worse). I already wash my hands, try to keep my distance from those who appear sick, etc.

CA

The Five Boro Bike Tour started near my home this morning. I saw lots of people in cotton sweatshirts. I'm sure flu will be the least of their worries since it's likely to rain all day.

If people are staying home, it's certainly not apparent to me. I've been to a wine tasting, restaurants, the farmer's market and on the subway, and everything seems crowded and noisy as usual.

Pam

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by roadie gal

I emailed the county health department doctor and asked him to explain to me why everyone was panicking over a virus that essentially gave bad cold symptoms. I understand that the CDC and WHO have to monitor the spread of new viruses. But WHY the panic and other extreme reactions. He basically answered that, yes, a more reasonable response was in order and agreed that it was mostly media hype.

---

THat's my thinking. What is behind the hysteria? The flu goes around! People get sick! I *do* wish people washed their hands more, and that they could stay home when they were sick. (NY TImes had an op-ed about the folks in the food serivce industry who don't *get* sick leave.) Why is this flu different? I'm thinking weird media pimples, since it takes less to make a "critical mass" effect... is there a Michael Crichton factor - an unknown menace like a propensity for mutation that a few folks know about, you know, in their secret little offices? But somebody leaked out that this flu is "important" and counted on our fear whle they work on saving the planet ? Or... is the pimple a group xenophobes? Or a plot by the medical industry to boost Tamiflu? Or... is it part of an ongoing attempt by underground anarchists to bring down our "society" and its evil dependence on capitalism? (I'm afraid I could never be a sincere conspiracy theorist because I'd think of twelve more possibilities...)

The local bishop says we should try smiles and nods instead of handshakes at the "sign of peace" and distribution of the Sacred WIne and tongue distribution of the host have been temporarily suspended. Other than that, nobody 'round here has made changes (except that our admin. assistant came out from her desk to hit me when I told that joke about pigs flying and swine flu... then, probably, went to wash her hands.)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sundial

Here's my favorite map:

http://www.idemc.org/

While this flu strain my not be as devastating, I think it will bring in the next wave of a more dangerous virus. :(

---

And the hysteria about this one could easily lead to complacency about the next.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Geonz

And the hysteria about this one could easily lead to complacency about the next.

---

This is precisely what the problem could become later on.

Yesterday, I did see the rare person here and there who wore face masks. I live downtown where there are tourists in certain areas.

This is a test of the Early Panic System. It is only a test. Should there be something real to panic about you will be notified by the Nearest Government Agency That Is There To Help (NGATITTH).

REPEAT! DO NOT PANIC!!

feh

There are only so many times that you can hear "The sky is falling" before you don't even bother to look up...

I worked at an outdoor art show yesterday. It rained a little, and was tented. I can't help but think of the tent as a dome over a giant petri dish. It was very crowded. I didn't see any obviously sick people, but I used a lot of Purell anyway. I'm feeling good so far, but I often get a little sick after these events.

It seems to me there's always a flu epidemic when I work a show. :rolleyes:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tuckervill

Maybe there are no confirmed cases in your state, but they're nearby! Check this map:

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I don't think there's any need to panic, but there are good reasons to take precautions.

Karen

---

I agree.

I don't think there is any panic or overreaction except from people who are naturally prone to panic or overreact. I think there's been a lot more panic coverage of the economy than the swine flu.

As a consumer, I felt that there was adequate coverage of the facts, including the potential concern, and that I was free to make my own assessment and conclusion of what was right to do. I, for one, will not wait on the government to tell me when I have a problem or count on them to provide me what I need to respond to it.

I made sure that we had what we needed if the situation escalated...and that gave me peace of mind.

Maybe it's just because I live in the country, near a tiny little town, near other, not very big towns, in a part of the state that other people consider to be extraordinarily remote (it isn't really all that remote), but I don't seem to be too worried. Yes, the flu can cause death. Yes, this is a new kind that we don't have a vaccine for or immunity to. Just because it can spread easily because we don't have an immunity to it, does NOT mean we are all going to die. On the other hand, I don't want my parents, in their 70s, or DH's parents, in their 80s & 90s, to get it.

I really can't believe the whole spectrum of misinformation floating around. People who think you can get it from eating pork (DH got some pork chops pretty cheap today!), and other people who think it is totally unrelated to pigs. People who think it is only young, fit, healthy people who are dying from it. Even the 1 US fatality, which in reality was a kid who had gone to Texas from Mexico City for treatment - personally, I don't think that counts as a US fatality.

I've researched the issue and determined that I'm safe. I understand that this is the means of transmission:

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/a...1963/swine.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mr. Silver

I agree.

I don't think there is any panic or overreaction except from people who are naturally prone to panic or overreact. I think there's been a lot more panic coverage of the economy than the swine flu.

As a consumer, I felt that there was adequate coverage of the facts, including the potential concern, and that I was free to make my own assessment and conclusion of what was right to do. I, for one, will not wait on the government to tell me when I have a problem or count on them to provide me what I need to respond to it.

I made sure that we had what we needed if the situation escalated...and that gave me peace of mind.

---

Best post in this thread. I've been bemused at the hysteria over the hysteria. And I agree about coverage of the economy.

Interesting that you characterize yourself as a consumer. I'd agree with that; I'm an active consumer of news from sources that I choose, not a passive victim of "media hype."

Pam

Last night I overheard a snippet of conversation about the whooping cough outbreak in my area. I'd forgotten about it since I just returned home and I don't go into town every day.

(great pic MrS :D)

I just have one word for you:

Aporkalypse!!!

:rolleyes:

Rotfl!

HAMTHRAX!!!

Mp - Ouch! :d

My mom works for our state health agency, I sent her a message yesterday "Is the sky falling or is the media just needing some story?" She said "Wash your hands, take your allergy meds, tell sick people not to come to work but the sky is intact." Good enough for me. ;)

That picture is too cute! I think the flu is a concern but why should I let it affect the way I live my life? I'm still going to go out and enjoy every minute of my life and not be in a state of panic everytime someone coughs.

I went into a Wal-Mart in Harrison Arkansas this morning (about 80 miles from my house). I saw a woman with a mask on, using antibacterial wipes on the cart before she went in the store.

I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt and assume she's immuno-compromised. But there are some whackos in Harrison.

Karen