Bird Flu Warning

[MeanLaureen]

Originally Posted by golfgal
I should add as well that because of the suspected nature of this virus, healthy adults are at the greatest risk according to epidemiologist (Osterholm from the University of MN--I think that is his name--he is considered the national expert on epidemics such as this). I guess this virus sends your immune system into overdrive so those with a healthy immune system will be at greatest risk. Those with a compromised immune system will actually fight it off better because it will boost their immune system.

Thats odd to me. With the regular flu shot - that year that the vaccine was so limited - they made it available only to the elderly and those with chronic health conditions affecting their immune systems.

I have an autoimmune disease and my immune system is in overdrive to the point where I occasionally need to take Chemo to kill it. I am virtually immune to whatever virus you throw at me thanks to this condition. Course, the down side of the joint and organ destruction by my immune system seems to cancel out any benefits of never getting a cold or flu in my lifetime.

Anyway, it seems to me that I would have a better chance of not getting the bird flu based on my hyperactive immune system. It would only be when I was on chemo that they make me take precautions. When I was taking it I was made to take the vaccines by the doctors. So that kind of debunks this theory to me I needed the vaccine when my immune system was weakened - not normal or in overdrive.

Either way, thanks to the strict regulations on my medications, there is a good shot I will be royally up a creek if this happens like some talk. I can't carry a "refill" on my pain killers. They are too heavily regulated. Because of all the abuse and theft, I'm only allowed to get a new script every month from my doctor and get the new script filled when I have less than a week's worth of pain killers. If a pandemic falls during this time frame - tough luck for Lauri

 

[mickeysgal]

Agreed. What is the point of ABC running this show? Certainly not for entertainment value given the possibility of this kind of threat turning real. To shock everyone into panic? I think it's a poor show of judgement on behalf of Disney/ABC.

 

[DawnCt1]

well, I am have been to meetings with CDC, microbiologists, and the bottom line it is going to come, it is just a matter of when. we are long over due....

You are exactly correct. Every major hospital has been instituting plans for it for a while now. Its a reality that will happen. Its just a matter of time.

 

[DawnCt1]

nothing unusual especially since human avian flu doesnt even exist. *

While there may not have been any human to human transmission of avian flu, there have certainly been cases of humans infected with avian flu.....half of whom have died.

 

[CrazedDisFan]

My family and I were discussing this the other day. My mom insisted it wouldn't be so bad, after all the last pandemic in the US on a grand scale was in 1918. She said it should be far less devastating now. My dh, dad and I disagreed with her. We think it will be more devasting due to the fact that we, as a society, are far more dependent on everyday convienences. Imagine that if the pandemic arrives and quarentine takes place, we could lose power, water and gas supplies. Our schools, works, banks and grocery stores would be closed.

How long could an average American family spend time in their own home with no heat, power, television, and safe tap water?

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

I already keep a stash of food and water in case of an earthquake. It is ever growing and rotating. I'm not buying extra for the *bird flu*. I'm buying extra because after Katrina I learned that I cannot count on FEMA to be there in 3 days (the gov suggests 3 days of food and water).

 

[snowwhitesmom]

 

[golfgal]

Thats odd to me. With the regular flu shot - that year that the vaccine was so limited - they made it available only to the elderly and those with chronic health conditions affecting their immune systems.

I have an autoimmune disease and my immune system is in overdrive to the point where I occasionally need to take Chemo to kill it. I am virtually immune to whatever virus you throw at me thanks to this condition. Course, the down side of the joint and organ destruction by my immune system seems to cancel out any benefits of never getting a cold or flu in my lifetime.

Anyway, it seems to me that I would have a better chance of not getting the bird flu based on my hyperactive immune system. It would only be when I was on chemo that they make me take precautions. When I was taking it I was made to take the vaccines by the doctors. So that kind of debunks this theory to me I needed the vaccine when my immune system was weakened - not normal or in overdrive.

Either way, thanks to the strict regulations on my medications, there is a good shot I will be royally up a creek if this happens like some talk. I can't carry a "refill" on my pain killers. They are too heavily regulated. Because of all the abuse and theft, I'm only allowed to get a new script every month from my doctor and get the new script filled when I have less than a week's worth of pain killers. If a pandemic falls during this time frame - tough luck for Lauri

In your case, from what I understand, you would be the MOST at risk since you are already in overdrive, the Bird Flu would make that worse. http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200601/20060124/slide_20060124_284_104.jhtml I know this is from the Oprah show but it is Osterholm talking about who will be at most risk for the Bird Flu.

 

[N.Bailey]

In your case, from what I understand, you would be the MOST at risk since you are already in overdrive, the Bird Flu would make that worse. http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200601/20060124/slide_20060124_284_104.jhtml I know this is from the Oprah show but it is Osterholm talking about who will be at most risk for the Bird Flu.

The Mystery Machine put this link out back on page 1. I think the video (click on link to "BE READY") will confirm what you're saying here. I seen it on this site earlier, so if I got the link wrong, one of these links states what you have said.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AvianFlu/

 

[Tantor]

Again, just guessing, but I think the consensus is that everyone will stay home, which would probably cut off all our public utilities if that were to happen.

That is exactly what will happen. Hubby works in the market up here in Ontario. They are already prepared.

 

[MinnieM3]

I'm really not the least bit concerned about bird flu. We'll get our normal hurricane kit together for "the season" and that's it. I think the bird flu will not affect the US in a major way. JMHO

 

[N.Bailey]

The Mystery Machine put this link out back on page 1. I think the video (click on link to "BE READY") will confirm what you're saying here. I seen it on this site earlier, so if I got the link wrong, one of these links states what you have said.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AvianFlu/

Just wanting to clarify this post. In the little box that says "BE READY," you'll have two options (I didn't notice that earlier). If you click on the link that says be ready, you'll be taken to a written page, but if you click on the word "WATCH" in that same box, you'll be taken to the video. I double checked it after running the kids to school and it is indeed the correct link. This doctor briefly discusses who's more at risk toward the end of the 7 minute video.

 

[luvwinnie]

Interesting read for anyone interested:

I'm on Enbrel and always thought being on it could make me MORE at risk if bird flu hits...apparently that is not the case.

http://med-owl.com/health/H5N1-Virus-Therapy.html

 

[luvwinnie]

And another one:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9994455/