Have YOU had Swine Flu?

[Albertan mom]

We leave in 18 days and I am stressing over this H1N1 flu!

Have you had it?
I am looking for first hand experiences, not oh my sisters hairdressers brothers roomate had it!

How did it start? What was the first symptom?

What did you do? Go to Hospital? Did they give you anything?
How long did it last?
Did others in your house get it?

[damo]

I haven't had it and don't know of anyone who has. It doesn't seem to be going around yet where I live outside of Toronto.

[Subrbnmommy]

Our area was hit pretty hard in June. There was a few confirmed cases at my DD's school (one in her class)but by the time my DD5 got sick they weren't testing unless you needed serious medical help.

So, we're pretty sure she got it. Out of the 18 kids in her class 13 got sick.

It started with aches and pain then moved on to fever (we're talking 103-105 for a few days) with sore throat and cough.

She was sick in total for about 5 days but took about a week longer to get her back to her normal self.

At the same time, I had fever (but not as high) muscle aches, chills, sore throat and cough. I was sick about 3 days.

[drag n' fly]

I have not had it but my ds6 came down with it on the last day of school in June. Headaches, very high fever, very lethargic, red eyes. I took him to Childrens Hospital here in Calgary to be tested and they refused to do it because they said "everyone had it" and they were not randomly testing kids. Well I looked at the triage nurse and said I am not leaving this hospital until you test my son. She looked at him and said "there's nothing wrong with him". I then reminded her I was not leaving. We were finally put in a room and he really was not well. She took zero precautions in case ds6 did have it. Five hours later a doctor comes in and turns all the lights on and he was so lethargic he wouldn't open his eyes. She looked at me and said I think we need to test him. So they did and sent him home. It took 5 days from the day he was tested for the results to come back positive. Ds6 has asthma and they still sent him home. Symptoms wise it really seems like a mild case of the flu. As a Mom you just know when your kid needs to go to emerg. The symptoms I gave are the ones to look for. The red eyes is a symptom specific to this flu and is a really good sign though not all kids may get it. Once they suspect you have H1N1 you are on isolation and no one enters or leaves your room without protection. So basically we spent the first part of summer holidays on isolation in our home.:sick:

After it was all said and done the doctor exchanged words with the triage nurse on how we were handled. The nurse said in this syrupy 10 year old voice to the docotor "Ooooh are you mad at me".popcorn:: I wanted to kick her in the shins:headache:

What a tool she was.....the end!:lmao:

P.S I forgot to add that ds15 is home with some sort of flu right now and he has severe asthma. He seems to be ok so far. Cough, fever, chills etc. Dd13 had flu symptoms last week and is doing fine now.

[c&m]

My DD13 had it on Oct. 2. It had been going through the high schools in Vancouver. She started with a sore throat, cough and moved on to a high fever of 103/104 deg F. She also had achy sore muscles. It only lasted 3 days and she was fine. We took her to the doctor, who didn't test her for H1N1. [As a side note: She said that if everyone who walked in with the flu were tested, it would literally break the medical system.] She said that H1N1 is the only strain of flu outbreak that's currently out there, so most likely it was what we all suspect it was.

It wasn't as severe as I thought it would be. No one else in the household got it from her. But we had quarantined DD13, and sanitized everything she had touched. We also washed our hands till they were cracked and dry.

As for DD10, she got it on Oct. 14. She caught it at school too. Same thing: Sore throat, cough, fever, muscle aches, lasted 3 days.

Honestly, the whole experience wasn't that bad. All the kids I know who have had it had 3 days of feverish hell but none required hospitalization. They were all healthy to begin with though. So if your children are healthy and they get it, take them to the doctor and get out the Tylenol or Motrin or Advil, quarantine them from other children, and ride it out for 3 days.

[Alderbrook]

My DS & I were both sick just before thanksgiving (I got sick the friday night before the weekend). I thought it was strep & went to the hospital. They wanted to test for H1N1 but I told them no & that I knew it was strep as I've had strep a million times & I also had no cough. I had pus on my tonsils to they gave me antibiotics. By Sun I was feeling better but my strep ended up turning into a cold which it never has before. I didn't have a cough but I never get a couch when I'm sick.

When i took my son back to school on Tues 50% of the kids weren't there & the teacher wasn't either. When i talked to her on Monday of this week she ended up being hospitalized & they have tested her for H1N1. She has not got the results back yet. If she does test positive I'm can probably be 99% sure that's what we got. My mom has it now but my dad doesn't. Funny thing is, when they vaccinated against a similar strain 20-30 or so years ago (yes swine flu is not new) he remembers getting the vaccine at work.

So if I had it I had slight fever, muscle aches like I've never had before especially in my neck, so tired you could have thought I had mono, sore throat to the point I couldn't eat or sleep for 3 nights plus vomiting. My son had the same symptoms.

Total I was out for about 5 days.

Right now one of the mothers in my sons preschool class said their older child's class at elementary school has 13 students missing, 2 in the hospital. Nothing confirmed yet on what they have.

[drag n' fly]

My DD13 had it on Oct. 2. It had been going through the high schools in Vancouver. She started with a sore throat, cough and moved on to a high fever of 103/104 deg F. She also had achy sore muscles. It only lasted 3 days and she was fine. We took her to the doctor, who didn't test her for H1N1. [As a side note: She said that if everyone who walked in with the flu were tested, it would literally break the medical system.] She said that H1N1 is the only strain of flu outbreak that's currently out there, so most likely it was what we all suspect it was.

It wasn't as severe as I thought it would be. No one else in the household got it from her. But we had quarantined DD13, and sanitized everything she had touched. We also washed our hands till they were cracked and dry.

As for DD10, she got it on Oct. 14. She caught it at school too. Same thing: Sore throat, cough, fever, muscle aches, lasted 3 days.

Honestly, the whole experience wasn't that bad. All the kids I know who have had it had 3 days of feverish hell but none required hospitalization. They were all healthy to begin with though. So if your children are healthy and they get it, take them to the doctor and get out the Tylenol or Motrin or Advil, quarantine them from other children, and ride it out for 3 days.

It is important to not overreact. But it is also equally important to not underreact either. Ds6 became so lethargic he was not waking up. That combined with the fact he had asthma warranted a trip to ER. I certainly never felt I was taxing the health system because of my request. People with confirmed cases of H1N1 are contagious to other people within the first 72 hours of the onset of symptoms and must be isolated for a full seven days.:thumbsup2

[Calgary DISHeads]

I am so worried about this for our trip at Christmas, especially the flights and the fact that we are exposed to people from all over the world (not enough obviously for me to cancel it though :lmao:. The fact that we are so helpless against it and you have no idea how seriously it will hit you is what really scares me.

[Canadamom]

Hi Albertan mom! We leave in 18 days too! And the same question has concerned me. My son was sick over the weekend and we kept him home from school on Monday (flu-like symptoms and temp.). 5 kids were missing from his class that day. Yesterday it was up to 7. Haven't heard yet about today but there's definitely illnesses going around. Stay healthy everybody and happy travels!

[Canadamom]

Oops...sorry...you were looking for first-hand experiences and I'm not sure my son even had it. I was just so excited to see that someone else gets to leave in 18 days as well!

[chasbos]

My family could have had the swine flu and I would never know it. It is the flu and we have never, ever gone to the doctor for the flu. It is something that most healthy people recover from after a few awful days of being sick.

Why the need to get tested for it?? There is no magic cure for it - it takes time to run its course.

[Albertan mom]

Thanks for all your replies. It is scary how quick it hits. To think we can be walking along the Magic Kingdom, and then a few hours later be sick in bed for days is too depressing!!
And how to quarantine the sick person in a small Pop Century room!!??

I am just praying that nobody gets it in WDW!

[snickerboo]

Albertanmom, we are off to DL California in 12 days and I am just as nervous as you are! The middle school here is full of a flu-like illness. I am reminding my two kids constantly to wash/sanitize their hands regularly at school. So far, no sickies here. I just want to get through the trip. Dd has asthma as well and qualifies for the immunization clinic to take place here next Wednesday, but she's 9 so she'll get the half dose and not have immunity for about a month later, after the second dose takes full effect. Dh is refusing to get trip insurance which I think is assinine since this is a trip that could be cancelled if we get swine flu. Meanwhile I'm shopping the various sites for trip insurance and I'm forcing him to buy medical insurance just in case.

Anti-flu vibes for all of us heading to WDW/DL soon!!!!

[iluveeyore]

My DD14 is home sick today with a headache, slight fever and stomach pain, plus sore throat, cough and stuffy nose. She had a sore throat a couple of days ago, but no other symptoms. I'm keeping her home tomorrow too just in case. I've had a headache for three straight days and been very tired, but no other symptoms (thinking it's just stress). The two of us leave in 11 sleeps, and I hope it's all clear by then.
Can you get it again once you've had it?? I'm hoping that since DD is sick now, she'll be fine when we go, but if it's being passed around at school, I'm scared to let her go back next week!

[CanadianPaco]

I'm home with DD right now who has had the flu since Monday. Headache, then tiredness and body aches, then fever and cough. She is still battling the fever and cough along with cold symptoms... I work in Public Health and know that she wouldn't be tested even if I took her to the doctor. Rest, fluids and advil... and time. GL.:wizard:

[slg]

I work at the University of Victoria in BC and we had a nurse come and talk to us about swine flu. The big determining factor on swine flu versus a cold is that it has sudden onset of symptoms. Having a headache and a stuffy nose or sore throat for a few days, is NOT the swine flu, it is a regular cold. And colds can also make us tired, cough, feverish (slightly) and achy. But the feeling of being hit by a mac truck with very little notice is the flu.

Lots of folks are over-reacting and calling severe colds the swine flu, but in fact, colds are all over the place at this time of year. If you have been feeling poorly for a few days, then don't worry, its just a cold! Of course, cold lower your immune system making you more susceptible to colds, so the best thing is to stay hydrated, and rest.

The minute I can I'm having a flu shot. I have 3 kids in 3 schools, and I work at a theatre department in a university. Its not if, but when I'm going to get it! We have a trip to DL in Dec. and I don't want to have to cancel it!

[drag n' fly]

I'm home with DD right now who has had the flu since Monday. Headache, then tiredness and body aches, then fever and cough. She is still battling the fever and cough along with cold symptoms... I work in Public Health and know that she wouldn't be tested even if I took her to the doctor. Rest, fluids and advil... and time. GL.:wizard:

That is the way it is here to. If you are not comprmised in any way and are managing the symptoms fine there is no point in being tested. In fact they do not even want to see you at the doctors office so you wont make anyone else sick. In the beginning when what seemed were normally healthy people dropping dead from it I think the testing was being done to confirm pandemic levels? For the most part it is a regular flu there seems to be a select few who need hospitalization. Ds15 (he has severe asthma) is on day 5 today and his cough is breaking up now. Hopefully he will be well enough to go back to school on Monday!:thumbsup2

[CanadianPaco]

DD's cough is breaking up today and the fever is gone. What a relief!!!! She no longer has the glassy eyed "i"m sick" look! Wishing everyone a speedy recovery!:wizard:

[photomama]

Got this info from my daughter's school and thought I would pass it along:

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation (ie., rapid reproduction) is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face.

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above...clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot, but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton swabs dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.

5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. Drink as much warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm

[snickerboo]

That's intersting photomama. Not sure if it will work but it's all worth a try. Been doing most fo that except the gargling/nose cleaning.

[sueandkent]

I too am concerned regarding our upcoming trip. Just DH and I, no kids around in the home so that does help reduce our chances of getting sick. We got the seasonal flu shot a week ago and starting next week we can get the H1N1 shot which we will do. My plan for the plane and parks is to wash hands frequently and carry some hand sanitizer and hope for the best.

[Calgary DISHeads]

We were at both the Calgary south hospital and children's hospital last night with DS15 (dislocated shoulder and fracture) - both emergency waiting rooms were filled with people in masks - it was pretty scary. They have an idea identified for "isolation" but it is in no way isolated - you walk to into emergency and sit on either right or left hand side, no separtation. Left was considered "isolated". Luckily we didn't wait at either place, got straight in at Calgary south then were sent by ambulance to childrens hospital. Sure feel sorry for people who there for anything other than the flu, you're almost guaranteed to get it. :eek:

[dennise]

Got my seasonal and H1N1 shot today. Arm for H1N1 is quite tender,but otherwise no ill effects. I usually don't even get the seasonal shot.

[Tiger926]

I have not had it but my ds6 came down with it on the last day of school in June. Headaches, very high fever, very lethargic, red eyes. I took him to Childrens Hospital here in Calgary to be tested and they refused to do it because they said "everyone had it" and they were not randomly testing kids. Well I looked at the triage nurse and said I am not leaving this hospital until you test my son. She looked at him and said "there's nothing wrong with him". I then reminded her I was not leaving. We were finally put in a room and he really was not well. She took zero precautions in case ds6 did have it. Five hours later a doctor comes in and turns all the lights on and he was so lethargic he wouldn't open his eyes. She looked at me and said I think we need to test him. So they did and sent him home. It took 5 days from the day he was tested for the results to come back positive. Ds6 has asthma and they still sent him home. Symptoms wise it really seems like a mild case of the flu. As a Mom you just know when your kid needs to go to emerg. The symptoms I gave are the ones to look for. The red eyes is a symptom specific to this flu and is a really good sign though not all kids may get it. Once they suspect you have H1N1 you are on isolation and no one enters or leaves your room without protection. So basically we spent the first part of summer holidays on isolation in our home.:sick:

After it was all said and done the doctor exchanged words with the triage nurse on how we were handled. The nurse said in this syrupy 10 year old voice to the docotor "Ooooh are you mad at me".popcorn:: I wanted to kick her in the shins:headache:

What a tool she was.....the end!:lmao:

P.S I forgot to add that ds15 is home with some sort of flu right now and he has severe asthma. He seems to be ok so far. Cough, fever, chills etc. Dd13 had flu symptoms last week and is doing fine now.


Can you please explain more about the red eyes? I have done a ton of research on this, get all CDC emails, etc. and I hadn't heard of this until I read this. My DS2 has been sick all week - went to emerg with 105.2 fever that wouldn't come down, red eyes, minimal coughing (not much at all), clear chest, very stuffy nose and lethargic. They said it was a superbug virus that is going around here - no H1N1 as they said his lungs were clear, and they did a bunch of bloodwork as well.

I am very intrigued by the red eyes as he had red and sore eyes, but he was sneezing and very stuffy nose, so they said it was from the virus.

Thanks, Tiger

[KerriMc]

We have all been sick in our house for the last two weeks. Both girls started right after Thankgiving and the youngest was quite sick with a fever that continued for just over two days, plus achy body, stuffy nose and sore throat. Then when the fever stopped she had a lot of stomach cramps. My older daughter had a chesty cough and was very tired and a bit achy. Of course after they had it I got it! I had it exactly like my youngest. I dont' think that is the Swine Flu though. It is a run of the mill virus that is going around like crazy in our area right now. If it was the flu we'd be knocked out cold feeling like we'd been run over. I think we are all just on such high alert now.

My class (a SK/Grade One split) is full of germs!!! We do as much as we can (handwash and sanitizer) ... but they still sit and pick their noses or have their fingers in their mouths. What can you do??? AHhhhhhhh!!! :goodvibes

Kerri

[Mom of a *Princess*]

We were at both the Calgary south hospital and children's hospital last night with DS15 (dislocated shoulder and fracture) - both emergency waiting rooms were filled with people in masks - it was pretty scary. They have an idea identified for "isolation" but it is in no way isolated - you walk to into emergency and sit on either right or left hand side, no separtation. Left was considered "isolated". Luckily we didn't wait at either place, got straight in at Calgary south then were sent by ambulance to childrens hospital. Sure feel sorry for people who there for anything other than the flu, you're almost guaranteed to get it. :eek:

Totalloy agree with your comments. I was at the Children's on Wednesday with my my 4 year old DS and was in shock to see all the children, including babies with masks on. Although they were "isolated" they were not. We were there for much of the day so I'm hoping we didn't pick it up.

We'll definitely be getting the H1N1 shot, we tend to get the flu shot every fall anyway. Its a personal choice for everyone, but I read that after a shot it will take about 10 days for you to have full immunity. Kids under 10 need to get 2 shots, 3 weeks apart. So if you are planning to go away on vacation and plan to get the shot, you should keep this in mind.

[tink1969]

While I was never tested for it....I'm almost sure I had the H1N1 in August while we were in Disney. The day we left, my throat started to REALLY hurt and I was dry coughing. Then on the third day, I couldn't keep up with the rest of the family. I was so weak and hot. I just wanted to plant myself on every bench I saw and sleep. Problem was.....Florida is soooo hot in August, I just figured it was from the humidity!
On the fifth day, I started to feel better but my niece started to get the sore throat. On our last day in MK, we took her to First Aid centre and the nurses took her temp and it was 104 degrees! Poor thing. They gave her Tylenol and freezies and laid her down. Her temp came down thank goodness but she was still very sick.
From all I've read about the symptoms, it sounds like we may have had the H1N1 flu. But like other posters have said, it is a flu and most people don't seek medical help for it. There is nothing doctors can do. They send you home to let the virus take it's course.

[laura001]

Our area is being hit right now with the H1N1, they are not going to test at all now (here anyway), but are going to assume that you have it. I know quite a few people (including my niece) that have it, it ran its course within 7-10 days. My neice is on day 3 right now and is feeling really rotten.
The recommendations that we were given in my office last week (I am a nurse) were that if you have it, stay home, take tylenol and decongestants (flu and cold meds) and STAY home, unless you are experiencing abnormal symptoms (not being able to breath etc.) do not go to the doctor or hospital. The suggestion from our health unit was to stay home 7 days after onset for an adult and 10 days for a child.

[slg]

Here in Victoria we have to wait until mid to late November to get the H1N1 shot. I'm jealous that you can already get it.

[Calgary DISHeads]

Started with fluey symptoms Sunday but really hit Monday. Stuffy nose, chest congestion and cough, achy, chills, temp. which spiked over 42degrees. Stupidly I went into work on Monday am to "clean up my desk" knowing I would be out for a couple of days heading home around noon. Symptoms escalated along with breathing problems (I am ashmatic and my puffers weren't controlling it) so headed into emergency. The ONLY reason I went was because of my breathing - I would not have gone for flu symptoms alone - all it does is expose you to a lot of other viruses while in an immune suppressed state just to be sent home with a prescription so stay home in bed and drink lots of fluids. Anyway, they did chest xrays, ruled out pneumonia took a swab for H1N1, upped my puffers and gave me tamiflu. Not really feeling any better yet, kind of go in and out of feeling rotten. I was told my symptoms were mild to moderate - can't imagaine what strong moderate or severe would be like. I'll know by this weekend if I have the swine flu which will then rule out the need to get the vaccination.

[formill]

Four of us home with what appears to be H1N1- 14 year old daughter had breathing trouble so she went to the ER- our doctor refused to see us for the flu. At the hospital they said she most likely has H1N1- did not actually test- gave her chest x-ray which was clear and tamiflu. All had to wear masks at the hospital. Wait was 3 hours to see doctor. We all have similar symptoms-they came on SUDDENLY- fever, chills,dry cough, sore throat,achy body. It is day 5 for one daughter- seven years old- she now does not have fever- still coughs and yesterday was still on the couch all day. We all sleep unbelievable amounts. Sure wish the vaccine had been out sooner we would have had it!

[Calgary DISHeads]

I wonder why they didn't test your daughter? When I was checked I thought it was a precursor to getting tamiflu so they could check as to whether the medication was being given out appropriately?

[formill]

I thought she might be tested too but she was not- would have been nice to know for sure then she could have avoided the H1N1 shot when it is available to us. My sister works in a hospital and said they only test a certain amount a day. On the news they said we just don't have the labs that can handle all the testing since there are now way too many that have it. Tamiflu was "free" too- government covering cost.

[Calgary DISHeads]

To be honest, I'm the only person I've heard of here in Calgary that has actually been tested. I had to pay for the tamiflu but I was just so happy to get it that wasn't a concern. The cost wasn't bad - just over $50. My puffers were more expensive. We are lucky, between the two of us we have 100% coverage.

[Tiger926]

Four of us home with what appears to be H1N1- 14 year old daughter had breathing trouble so she went to the ER- our doctor refused to see us for the flu. At the hospital they said she most likely has H1N1- did not actually test- gave her chest x-ray which was clear and tamiflu. All had to wear masks at the hospital. Wait was 3 hours to see doctor. We all have similar symptoms-they came on SUDDENLY- fever, chills,dry cough, sore throat,achy body. It is day 5 for one daughter- seven years old- she now does not have fever- still coughs and yesterday was still on the couch all day. We all sleep unbelievable amounts. Sure wish the vaccine had been out sooner we would have had it!

How are you all feeling today?

Just wondering about the chest xray - I see you say it was clear, yet hospital said she more than likely had H1N1. I'm confused? My DD6 was very ill for about 9 days, and her chest xray came back negative too. Docs didn't even consider H1N1 as she was only minimally coughing, but her chest xray was good - it doesn't make sense to me how they think your DD has H1N1 with a clear chest xray? H1N1 is influenza, which is respiratory, which would mean the chest xray would not be clear? What am I missing?

Tiger

[formill]

Today is Day 5 for the seven year old-she had no fever today and I gave her no medications-she moved off the couch a few times and did not sleep as much and actually ate- not normally but some- still has dry cough. The 14 year old that went to the hosptial still feels very bad and sounds laboured breathing-it was my understanding that the chest x-ray would show maybe pneumonia or fluid and that would signal bacterial not just a viral infection?? So having a clear chest x-ray should not rule out H1N1 is my understanding. The other 7 year old still has a fever but she is a day or so behind her twin sister. Me- I felt much better and I am on Day 3- still needed a few naps and have terrible coughing fits but the body aches.....GONE!! Can hardly wait to feel normal again. Spending a few days on the couch reading and doing nothing always sounds so good......till you are actually doing it! So far it is looking like we should be out of this within a week for all of us.

[tigger2on]

We now have to wait as 5 out of 6 in our family were exposed to H1N1 and came down with some severe flu. I have 3 under 5 that have it now and it is painful as myself and hubby have it to. The cough hurts sooo much that it feels like your chest will collapse, and it is really tight. Extremely high fever.... 103+, muscles and joint ache like you need to be oiled and chills that give you goosebumps even when yu are under 2 heavy quilts. I also had the worst headache of my life yesterday.... we have NOT been tested for H1N1 as the results take longer than the duration of the symptoms but are being treated as such. My one year was sooo irritable and floppy yesterday .... scared the bugs outta me... could not get his fever down and almost took him to emerg but when I called they said stay home if he was conscious and drinking....
This is NOT something I would wish on my worst enemy and I have had the flu before.
__________________

[snickerboo]

tigger2: hope you all feel better fast. A friend here called her doctor's office about diagnosing her dd with swine flu and they said there's no other flu going around so if it's body aches, fever, chills, sore throat, etc.....it's swine flu.

formill: glad to hear they're slowly but surely improving. Hope your oldest starts to come around soon. It's my understanding a chest x-ray is not used to confirm H1N1 but the presence of fluid in the lungs to indicate bacterial pneumonia. You can certianly have the flu without fluid in your lungs!

[Yzma and Kronk]

DD's school had an outbreak a couple of weeks ago, and they sent home a note saying it was influenza A (not H1N1) - upper respritory inflection.

So, other things are going around.

[snickerboo]

That's funny. Maybe that never hit here? That's what my friend's doctor's office told her and she's not planning on giving her dd the shot because of that. I'll have to tell her.

[Calgary DISHeads]

How are you all feeling today?

Just wondering about the chest xray - I see you say it was clear, yet hospital said she more than likely had H1N1. I'm confused? My DD6 was very ill for about 9 days, and her chest xray came back negative too. Docs didn't even consider H1N1 as she was only minimally coughing, but her chest xray was good - it doesn't make sense to me how they think your DD has H1N1 with a clear chest xray? H1N1 is influenza, which is respiratory, which would mean the chest xray would not be clear? What am I missing?

Tiger

They did a chest xray on me to check for bacterial pneumonia. The doctor came back saying "Your xray is clear, so good news is no bacterial pneumonia, it is most likely H1N1" and gave me tamiflu. Still waiting for the call to confirm.

[tigger2on]

My daughter's school has an outbreak of an upper respitory infection as well... but are NOT calling it H1N1. Maybe they are trying not to panic everyone...

[Tiger926]

They did a chest xray on me to check for bacterial pneumonia. The doctor came back saying "Your xray is clear, so good news is no bacterial pneumonia, it is most likely H1N1" and gave me tamiflu. Still waiting for the call to confirm.

Thanks for that explanation...I totally misunderstood as I thought it would show something in the lungs.

Hmmm....I wonder if my DD did have H1N1 then? Our doc really didn't even bring it up as she wasn't coughing at all and she ended up with a very red rash a few days after fever. He was thinking it was Roseola, which is rare at age 6, but anything could be possible, he said. She was sick on, and off for weeks, so it didn't come on suddenly either.

I am so confused as she fit all of the symptoms, as did the baby. Our DD had bloodwork done and a throat swab, plus an extensive physical, and the baby had throat swab, physical and extensive blood cultures at the hospital. They would have called if anything was found. Baby wasn't coughing too much either; hospital didn't even mention H1N1 as they said it was the same "superbug" virus that had caught our DD, and everyone else.

Just today though there are 2 confirmed cases of H1N1 at their school - lab confirmed cases. One is a baby and one is a preschooler as it's Montessori school that goes to grade 2.

Better health to all, Tiger

[LSmith]

When I read this thread I get so frustrated because it goes to show how little accurate information is out there about H1N1.

All three of my kids have it. One child is far worse than the others (so far). If your child has a fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, vomiting, running nose or a combination thereof there is an excellent chance that they have H1N1. They will not test your child or you for this unless you are an infant, have a compromised immune system or are admitted to a hospital. By admitted I mean staying overnight.

After suffering through this virus for 5 days I thought my daughter was finally getting better -no fever for a whole 24 hours, throat feeling better, etc. That night she started complaining of serious leg pain. I thought she was having muscle cramps. In the morning she said her legs hurt too much and she wanted to stay in bed. I went downstairs and heard moving around upstairs and ran up and she was lying on the bathroom floor. She had slid using her arms to get to the bathroom and then found she couldn’t get up or move. I tried to stand her up but she couldn’t.

We took her to Sick Kids and they took blood and urine samples and told us that she had myositis which is a complication of H1N1. It is an inflammation of the muscles. They put her on an iv drip for about 3 hours to get extra fluid in her. They still wouldn’t test her because they said H1N1 is the only viral illness going around right now and testing everyone would break the system down completely. They said because they aren't allowed to test for it some doctors are not calling it H1N1 but just viral illness, respiratory infection, bronchitis, etc.

Once her iv drip was done they discharged us. They told us to bring her back if she has tea coloured urine, unable to pee, lethargic or difficulty breathing. She still couldn’t walk and we had to use a wheelchair to bring her to the car.

Today she is much better although they told me it could take another week or so for her to be able to walk properly again.

My other two kids are still very sick.

There are almost half of the kids out of class in her school this week. I cannot understand why they won’t close the schools at least until the kids are able to get the vaccine. This is not “just the flu”. It can be extremely nasty. If you think that your child needs to be seen by a doctor don’t hesitate to take them to emergency. Especially if your child is lethargic or having difficulty breathing.

[snickerboo]

I'm sorry your dd got so sick LSmith. A girl in dd's ballet class had a similar thing with her legs but it only lasted one day. Some kids seem to be getting it mild but other kids quite seriously. I'd prefer they close schools, too. At our school it's all "hush hush and privacy" so they're not telling us if it's in their classes or not. 8 kids were away in dd's class yesterday. My ds' teacher has been home sick for 2 days. I'm sure the classes aren't being properly sanitized, either. I wish they'd just say, "we have suspected cases of H1N1 in the school" . My dd has asthma and we leave for DL on Tuesday, if I knew for sure there were H1N1 kids in her class, I'd keep her home. Dh and I have decided that, if they don't come down with it by Monday, they're not going to school Monday (we leave Tuesday). They were both vaccinated Wednesday but that offers them very little protection yet.

[mcvixen]

Thank you LSmith, I found your post very helpful.

I *think* DD has it. A classmate of hers has a lab-confirmed case of H1N1. My girl came home Thursday at lunch from school, complaining of a headache. Had a fever (not blisteringly high, but definitely a fever), and was completely flat. She started vomiting Thursday, it lasted off and on until Friday.

She still has a fever, the vomiting has stopped, and now she has developed nasal congestion. But I'm not sure if it's H1N1 because she's not coughing. Isn't coughing a "required" symptom? There is so much information and misinformation out there.

I just wish I could find out one way or another. Because if she already has H1N1, then getting the vaccine would be a bit redundant now, no?

Sigh.

[LSmith]

Thank you LSmith, I found your post very helpful.

I *think* DD has it. A classmate of hers has a lab-confirmed case of H1N1. My girl came home Thursday at lunch from school, complaining of a headache. Had a fever (not blisteringly high, but definitely a fever), and was completely flat. She started vomiting Thursday, it lasted off and on until Friday.

She still has a fever, the vomiting has stopped, and now she has developed nasal congestion. But I'm not sure if it's H1N1 because she's not coughing. Isn't coughing a "required" symptom? There is so much information and misinformation out there.

I just wish I could find out one way or another. Because if she already has H1N1, then getting the vaccine would be a bit redundant now, no?

Sigh.

I understand your frustration. I've spoken to other parents in my daughter's and son's classes and they are all wondering the same thing. Many of the cases have been mild and even their own doctors seem reluctant to call it H1N1. Everyone seems to have one or two of the symptoms but not all.

None of my children have had a terrible cough. My son has a cough but if he hadn't been sick, I would barely have noticed it.

All of my kids have different variants of the symptoms. My youngest seems to have had it the mildest.

I still can't understand why my husband and I have been spared thus far.

There are at least 3 cases of confirmed H1N1 in my kids school. One of the confirmed cases is a child in my daughter's class. As far as I know he is still hospitalized.

Ironically, a mother at the school, who is an infectious disease nurse at a hospital downtown, came in a couple of weeks ago to show the kids how to wash their hands properly, etc. Unfortunately, I have heard that her son has now tested positive for H1N1.

I just think that it is wrong not to be able to test a person unless they are hospitalized or unless they fit into a certain category. There are so many people left wondering if they or their children had it. These people, if they knew, would not need to get the vaccine. Therefore, we would cut the number of people needing this vaccine down tremendously.

Anyway, my thoughts are very disjointed but again I reiterate what I was told by Sick Kids doctors: It is the only virus going around right now. Some have it mildly, others have it severely.

Just when I thought my daughter was getting better, she's running a fever again. Aghh.

Take care and good luck.

[angela1044]

My DD has H1N1 apparently. Our doctor didn't test for it but he said she had it. Then I spoke to Telehealth last night and she said that that is the only thing going around right now. So, if you or your family is sick, that's probably what they have.

DD has had a brutal fever up to 103.8 and it's been a struggle but it's finally broke this morning. She also has a cough sometimes. Apparently the fever lasts about three days, you feel yucky for a week and the cough can last for up to two weeks according to the nurse I spoke to.

[mcvixen]

Wow, it's so helpful to hear from other mom's who are actually dealing with this flu going around. I was starting to get concerned by the fact that my daughter's fever seems to be lasting so long (we're now on day 4, and it hasn't broken yet), but the vomiting and exhaustion/aches seem to finally be gone, so I'm hoping we're starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I didn't realize that H1N1 is the dominant flu strain going around right now. So I guess my family won't need to worry about the vaccine - because, apparently, we're getting our immunity the hard way!

[formill]

It's been a long week but I think we are now getting better. My 14 year old daughter has had the flu for about 7 days now- and she still slept most of today away and complains of just not feeling well (I think she got the tamiflu too late to be effective at all)- she no longer has a fever but the dry cough is non stop. My seven year old twins were up and around today. The one that got it first has not had a fever in about 3 days- so her fever did last about 5 -6 days- she still coughs. The other twin daughter still lacks energy and coughs way too much but her fever is gone -well is has been gone without medication since yesterday morning. I had it the shortest time-I had 3 really bad days with day one the worst for chills,fever, body aches-I now still have the lingering coughing fits but overall feel pretty good. I do wish we knew 100% if it was H1N1 so we could avoid shots and the line ups especially since the seven year olds are not good with needles and they have to have two of them!

[LSmith]

It's been a long week but I think we are now getting better. My 14 year old daughter has had the flu for about 7 days now- and she still slept most of today away and complains of just not feeling well (I think she got the tamiflu too late to be effective at all)- she no longer has a fever but the dry cough is non stop. My seven year old twins were up and around today. The one that got it first has not had a fever in about 3 days- so her fever did last about 5 -6 days- she still coughs. The other twin daughter still lacks energy and coughs way too much but her fever is gone -well is has been gone without medication since yesterday morning. I had it the shortest time-I had 3 really bad days with day one the worst for chills,fever, body aches-I now still have the lingering coughing fits but overall feel pretty good. I do wish we knew 100% if it was H1N1 so we could avoid shots and the line ups especially since the seven year olds are not good with needles and they have to have two of them!

It sounds a lot like some of the symptoms my kids had/have. One of my sons started a fever again tonight. He hasn't had one for a while. He has a dry(ish) cough and his throat is extremely sore, especially in the mornings. He also said his ear hurt. He hasn't had an ear infection since he was an infant. I was told by the doctors to watch for secondary infections as a fall out from the H1N1.

Tomorrow if he is still sick I am taking him to my doctor to get looked at. That is, if I can get him in.

Personally, I have been told by the hospital and my own clinic that they believe it's H1N1 and I will not be getting the vaccine for my kids now. I firmly believe they have it and don't want to inject whatever that vaccine has in it into them. I was torn before my kids got sick whether or not to get the vaccine but now there is no way I'm getting it for them.

As for me, I'm still torn. I have asthma and we are going on a far away trip in less than a month. My husband and I have somehow been spared thus far. I can't understand why. God knows the kids are healthier than us.

What a confusing illness.

[Calgary DISHeads]

I am now on day 8 and still have bit of a stuffy nose and quite a productive cough. Back to work tomorrow, people on the bus aren't going to be happy when they hear my cough. I haven't been called by Calgary Health Services which means I don't have H1N1 and they were convinced at emerg that that was what I had, enough to give me a tamiflu. So please, do NOT not get the H1N1 vaccine because you were told you "had H1N1". Obviously, there IS something else going around ie: seasonal flu. I will be in line for my H1N1 shot as soon as they open for business again. Luckily the family had it earlier this week.

[LSmith]

I am now on day 8 and still have bit of a stuffy nose and quite a productive cough. Back to work tomorrow, people on the bus aren't going to be happy when they hear my cough. I haven't been called by Calgary Health Services which means I don't have H1N1 and they were convinced at emerg that that was what I had, enough to give me a tamiflu. So please, do NOT not get the H1N1 vaccine because you were told you "had H1N1". Obviously, there IS something else going around ie: seasonal flu. I will be in line for my H1N1 shot as soon as they open for business again. Luckily the family had it earlier this week.

Are you sure you were tested for the virus? I would call them and not decide that since they didn't call you that you don't have it. Not saying that you do have it but there could be a back log considering.

There have been times when I wasn't called back by doctors for positive results (not H1N1) because they didn't notice or it took them a much longer time to read the results. And I'm talking about cancer. Just saying.

[snickerboo]

I don't know why Telehealth is saying H1N1 is the only thing going around in Ontario because, where I live, there's a cold going around and it's even on our public health site that there's H1N1 and a rhinovirus going around. I do not trust Telehealth at all anymore. Last year my son ate a handful of his chewable vitamins (thinking if one was good, several would be great) and the Telehealth nurse, without connecting me to poison control or having me call poison control, told me I had to rush him immediately to the ER as he was going to have iron poisoning. Of course, I freaked. When I got there, the nurse called poison control and gave the specifics of the vitamin and how many he took. Poison control said he could have eaten the entire bottle at those levels and been perfectly fine. The doctor confirmed this. Both doctor and Poison Control were not happy with Telehealth, nevermind the choice words I had about that nurse.

[LSmith]

I don't know why Telehealth is saying H1N1 is the only thing going around in Ontario because, where I live, there's a cold going around and it's even on our public health site that there's H1N1 and a rhinovirus going around. I do not trust Telehealth at all anymore. Last year my son ate a handful of his chewable vitamins (thinking if one was good, several would be great) and the Telehealth nurse, without connecting me to poison control or having me call poison control, told me I had to rush him immediately to the ER as he was going to have iron poisoning. Of course, I freaked. When I got there, the nurse called poison control and gave the specifics of the vitamin and how many he took. Poison control said he could have eaten the entire bottle at those levels and been perfectly fine. The doctor confirmed this. Both doctor and Poison Control were not happy with Telehealth, nevermind the choice words I had about that nurse.

I certainly didn't say anything about Telehealth. I don't bother with them and never have. For me, it was the ER doctors at Sick Kids telling me that H1N1 was the only viral illness going around right now. Also, my own doctor's clinic telling me the same thing.

When you call Telehealth you are dealing with nurses, not doctors.

[Albertan mom]

I am the original thread starter, and I think my son had it last week! He had the fever for a few days, and a cough for a week. He had body aches, headache, fatigue, and very sore throat.

They were not testing people in our town.

So, we went and got the H1N1 and seasonal flu shots on Wednesday.
My doctor said that my son should get the shot either way, even if he did have it, just to be safe.

So we all got it. And it hurts the arm! My arms were sore for days! The seasonal flu shot arm hurt bad that day and night. The H1N1 arm hurt that night, and still for the next 3 days!

[Calgary DISHeads]

Are you sure you were tested for the virus? I would call them and not decide that since they didn't call you that you don't have it. Not saying that you do have it but there could be a back log considering.

There have been times when I wasn't called back by doctors for positive results (not H1N1) because they didn't notice or it took them a much longer time to read the results. And I'm talking about cancer. Just saying.

I am going to call them tomorrow with a vague "I think you may have left me a message last week as I had a garbled message on the answering machine saying something about Calgary Health Services???". The emerg doctor said they would call me by this weekend it if was positive, I would not hear if it wasn't.

I've been really hoping all week for the call. My family is now vaccinated and supposedly if you've had H1N1 you have lifetime immunity (at least that's what I read).

Especially with the closing of all the vaccination clinics in Calgary, I'm hoping they will give me a difinitive answer. I am high risk, and tamiflu only works well once, so I will be on the high risk list to get the shot once they reopen but if I don't need the shot there's lots behind me that do.

That is a terrible thing that happened to you - unexcusable. I'm hoping things are okay with you now. :littleangel:

[Calgary DISHeads]

I certainly didn't say anything about Telehealth. I don't bother with them and never have. For me, it was the ER doctors at Sick Kids telling me that H1N1 was the only viral illness going around right now. Also, my own doctor's clinic telling me the same thing.

When you call Telehealth you are dealing with nurses, not doctors.

We are in Alberta, and a gal I work with who has quite severe health problems was given a tamiflu prescription (without actual symptoms, incase she gets them) and was told by her doc that they are not testing anyone because all that there is out there is H1N1. However, I was tested last Monday and since I haven't received a call, iI'm assumed not to have H1N1, but another form of the flu (I was also treated with tamiflu).

It's pretty scary out there - who do you believe :confused3

[dis_guy]

Our family's had/having it now. My symptoms began as a slight sore throat last Thursday morning. By the end of the day I was basically non-functioning. Stayed home and slept Friday and Saturday. Feel a little better today but still couldn't get through a day of work, so I'll rest again tomorrow. Symptoms were fever in the 102 range, runny nose, headache, everywhere hurt, lots, and the cough. My wife's cough was worse, her fever not as bad, and she lost her voice. I just hope we're coming to the end of this tunnel.:)

[disneyfan2]

I didn't realize that H1N1 is the dominant flu strain going around right now. So I guess my family won't need to worry about the vaccine - because, apparently, we're getting our immunity the hard way!

That's the hard part. My DD had all the symptoms but wouldn't be able to get tested unless hopitalized. So we don't know for sure. But if it is regular flu she has NEVER been ill this long or hard before. she missed 1 week of school, and now is better but the past few days had a wicked hacking cough. I am trying to refrain from taking her to get checked, as i know there is nothing they can do for her.

I do wish we knew 100% if it was H1N1 so we could avoid shots and the line ups especially since the seven year olds are not good with needles and they have to have two of them!

Agree , there is so much mis information out there, i don't know who to believe, because some say you should get the vaccine even if you had H1N1? :confused3

[mcvixen]

I wish there was an over-the-counter kit test that could tell you if you've had H1N1. Because if you have, you can skip the shot - and with the crazy shortages we're having right now, that's a dose that can go to someone who hasn't had it and might really need it.

I'm pretty sure that my daughter's flu is H1N1, simply because she was in close regular contact with a classmate who had a lab-confirmed case, and whose entire family now has it (father was even hospitalized). But again, it would be nice to know for sure!

[disneyfan2]

I wish there was an over-the-counter kit test that could tell you if you've had H1N1. Because if you have, you can skip the shot - and with the crazy shortages we're having right now, that's a dose that can go to someone who hasn't had it and might really need it.



I agree, would be nice if we could confirm and like you said, then someone who needs it can get is sooner, especially with the current shortages.

[pxlbarrel]

I think, if somebody has the flu right now, it's best to assume it's H1N1 since I think it's pretty much the only flu around at the moment. And if you're feeling poorly and you're not sure if it's a cold or the flu, stay home for at least one day to see how the sickness progresses. If it's the flu, you should know by the next day.

Well, that's my opinion. I'm flying to Chicago for a convention on American Thanksgiving (on Porter so at least it's a very small plane ... the crush of people at the convention is another story) and then less than 2 weeks later, we're on the Disney cruise....so I'm a little worried about H1N1 coming to us at a very inopportune time. I'm pretty sure we're all healthy enough to withstand H1N1 but timing is everything.

[BitsnBearsMom]

I've kept my almost 10yo ds' home today b/c he's complaining of a brutal headache - hoping it's *just* a headache and doesn't turn into something else - everyone at our school that has had it seems to have started with a headache and has turned into a fever, sore throat, aches, chills within 6 hrs or so.
I know something is up with him when he hasn't asked for any halloween candy yet today!!

[DisneyFairytale]

We leave in 18 days and I am stressing over this H1N1 flu!

Have you had it?
I am looking for first hand experiences, not oh my sisters hairdressers brothers roomate had it!

How did it start? What was the first symptom?

What did you do? Go to Hospital? Did they give you anything?
How long did it last?
Did others in your house get it?

No need to panic. I work in health care, currently in the Emergency department as we speak. The H1N1 does not present any other way than the regular flu symptoms you will normally see.

There is not much to worry about. If you think you are sick, stay home and rest, drink lots of fluid and catch up on some Disney movies.

Once you start heading out on your trip, there isn't much you can do to help prevent getting the flu except to stick to your regular hand washing throughout your day. A good way to do so is to keep some hand sanitizer with you at all times.

:goodvibes

[deanie]

The H1N1 is also going through our house but luckily, I have been spared so far. My son's girlfriend came down with it first and since she is asthmatic, they gave her the tamiflu and 2 inhalers. My son(25), being in close contact, got it next and my DD (21) is in bed with it now. They are both missing university and some exams. Tomorrow I plan to line up with the zillions of others hoping to get the vaccine. I am high risk - I am on an immunosuppressent drug for my arthritis. I just hope I can stand in that lineup for hours - my knees are terrible!!:scared1:

[pxlbarrel]

ugh, despite my obsessional washing of hands, to the point where there's almost no skin on my hands, I think I have the flu. <sigh> Hopefully, I have the mild version of H1N1... we'll see. Better now than during the trip, I guess.

[disneyfan2]

Better now than during the trip, I guess.

My kids had it (or flu) last week so i agree. Hopefully we are ok :thumbsup2

[tjbaggott]

My daughter had H1N1 one week before we left for our Disney vacation. She had moderate syptoms at only a day and a half into it, so the doctor put her on Tamiflu and she was all better by the time we were ready to leave for Florida. Our Vacation was 2 weeks long, and was Amazing! No one became ill. Till our drive home! My DS16 started with a sore throat (we drove to FL and back) and a headache. The next day came the Fever aches and chills. Lots of fluids and rest and tylenol and today he is finally better. His fever lasted for 5 days! Tylenol would bring it down to low grade, but it never completely went away till last night. Two weeks of school missed for Family vacation, and an additional week missed now because of this flu. Our doctor said it was 97% H1N1 because thats THE flu that is out there.
I think it's UNCANNY how our holiday was clear of it, but it was here both before and AFTER!

[DisneyFairytale]

No and I work around people that have it every day! :eek:

I did have both the flu and the H1N1 vaccine so I hope it's going to decrease my chance of getting either one.

[pxlbarrel]

deleted....forget it.

[riu girl]

Ok, need some advice here.... and no, it's not really medical advice but advice of popular opinion. LOL

I'm on Tamiflu. Sometime overnight, my fever disappeared (yay!). I'm still stuffed up and my cough would give any smoker a run for their money....and more. I sound like fozzie bear having a bad day. And I've still got some waves of aches and pains. Still can't taste anything. (waaah, i so crave a big mac right now...don't ask).

There's a family funeral on Tuesday. Visitation is tomorrow night. I was going to pass on the visitation since I want to make sure it's been 24 hours since the fever disappeared. However, should I still go to the funeral on Tuesday morning? Am I still contagious? And if I'm not, would it freak people out that I'm even there? ie....if you were there, would you be concerned.

I've got a relative who wants to stay over at my house tomorrow night so he doesn't have to drive home. I warned him but he doesn't care. Frankly, I think some people take this too lightly and some take it too seriously...he's definitely on the too lightly side.

:confused3

DS9 was hospitalized for about a week with serious H1N1 complcations in Oct. This is what I was told by the staff at hospital as well as CDC consultant for our local health unit (she actually called me twice for in depth phone interviews regarding DS9 since he had such a serious case and she was collecting data). An adult is still contagious until 7 days after the first symptom appears, children are for 10 days.

[LSmith]

Ok, need some advice here.... and no, it's not really medical advice but advice of popular opinion. LOL

I'm on Tamiflu. Sometime overnight, my fever disappeared (yay!). I'm still stuffed up and my cough would give any smoker a run for their money....and more. I sound like fozzie bear having a bad day. And I've still got some waves of aches and pains. Still can't taste anything. (waaah, i so crave a big mac right now...don't ask).

There's a family funeral on Tuesday. Visitation is tomorrow night. I was going to pass on the visitation since I want to make sure it's been 24 hours since the fever disappeared. However, should I still go to the funeral on Tuesday morning? Am I still contagious? And if I'm not, would it freak people out that I'm even there? ie....if you were there, would you be concerned.

I've got a relative who wants to stay over at my house tomorrow night so he doesn't have to drive home. I warned him but he doesn't care. Frankly, I think some people take this too lightly and some take it too seriously...he's definitely on the too lightly side.

:confused3

Seriously. Call your doctor and ask him/her. Don't listen to any of us. WE DON'T KNOW.

[pxlbarrel]

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